Lifestyle Management Tips for Overactive Bladder

Lifestyle Management Tips for Overactive Bladder

Having an overactive bladder is common but that does not mean that it cannot be controlled. While there are medications that can be effective, one can also use different techniques for managing an overactive bladder. Below is a list of methods that one can try to manage an overactive bladder.

Keep a log
Maintain a log to note down how much fluid you are drinking, how many times you need to urinate, and if there has been any accidental urination. Keeping a log will help you get a better idea about how your bladder behaves. If you are prone to accidental urination then do not forget to note down if they happen during laughing, sneezing, or coughing. If you ever end up urinating before reaching the bathroom then keep a note of that too.

Keep an eye on your diet
The process of managing an overactive bladder must include keeping track of ones dietary habits. Certain beverages and foods can make your situation worse. Some of these include tea, coffee, alcohol, chocolate, soft drinks with caffeine, citrus fruits, tomato, tomato-based food, spicy foods, acidic drinks, and any drink or food that has artificial sweeteners. You need to either completely cut these out of your diet or at least reduce your consumption.

Maintain your bowel regularity
Maintaining your bowel movement habits is a very effective way of managing overactive bladder. If you have constipation, it will create an extra pressure on your bladder, which will lead to more urination. It is not very tough to maintain your bowel regularity if you follow certain dietary instructions. Firstly, increase your fiber intake. You can successfully do this by including beans, oatmeal, pasta, whole wheat bread, bran cereal, fresh vegetables, and fruits in your diet. Regular physical exercise can help with it too.

Maintain your weight
Having a healthy weight can help with managing overactive bladder effectively. Obesity can lead to more pressure on your bladder, which results in losing more control over it. Reducing body weight will decrease the pressure too.

Do not smoke
Cigarettes can be an irritant. Also, if you already have an overactive bladder, the coughing due to smoking can make it worse.

Drink right
For managing an overactive bladder, many people tend to drink less fluids, which can lead to dehydration and more health-related complications. One must lower their fluid intake but reduce the ones that cause more urination. These include coffee, tea, soft drinks with caffeine, and artificially sweetened drinks. Moreover, avoiding alcohol will also help in managing overactive bladder effectively.

Remember, following your doctor’s orders closely and sticking to a healthy routine can be most helpful when you are trying to control your overactive bladder.