If you suffer from an overactive bladder, or a form of urinary incontinence, it is important that you watch what you drink. Research shows that drinks high in caffeine (tea and coffee), acid (apple and orange juice) or alcohol (wine, beer and spirits) may worsen your symptoms. They can irritate the lining of your bladder and therefore lead to further discomfort. It is also known that sweetened drinks such as fizzy drinks and cordials may worsen symptoms if drunk in large amounts so it is important to understand and learn about an over active bladder and your drinking pattern.

One tip that we recommend is to dilute drinks, that may worsen symptoms, before they reach the bladder. For example, try drinking two glasses for every drink (e.g caffeinated or alcoholic drink). If you drink a lot of coffee, try to change it to decaf. These tips can help to reduce the symptoms of your over active bladder.

It is also very important that you drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated. Try to drink small amounts throughout the day rather than large amounts all at once. Your urine should always be pale yellow or clear. If it is dark and has a strong odour this indicates that you are dehydrated. Many people with an over active bladder try to cut down on their water intake in order to lessen symptoms; this will not work. Staying hydrated should be your priority and is essential to having a healthy body – whether you have an over active bladder or not.

There are a variety of different drinks that people with an over active bladder should avoid in order to improve their symptoms. Although there is unfortunately not a cure for this condition, many people will get some relief by making slight lifestyle and dietary changes.

If you would like to speak to one of our urologists about treatment for an over active bladder please call us on 0161 327 1269 or contact us using our contact form. 

This article is intended to inform and give insight but not treat, diagnose or replace the advice of a doctor. Always seek medical advice with any questions regarding a medical condition.