Lifestyle Changes that May Improve Incontinence
Adequate Fluid Intake
Individuals with urinary symptoms often limit fluids so that they will not have
to urinate as often. Individuals with urge incontinence and have a high fluid
intake (>2,400 ccs/day), may show a reduction in incontinent episodes and
voiding frequency by lowering their fluid intake. Incontinent persons with low
fluid intakes (<1,500 ccs/day) may benefit from increasing their fluid intake.
Reducing fluid intake after 6 pm, and concentrating fluid intake during morning
and afternoon hours may decrease nighttime incontinence episodes.
Stop Smoking
Nicotine is irritating to the detrusor muscle causing bladder contractions and
urgency. A smoker’s repeated and chronic coughing may cause urinary leakage.
Smoking cessation may help to decrease urine leakage.
Dietary Modification
Individuals with urge UI may benefit from caffeine reduction. Significant rise
in detrusor pressure has been demonstrated with caffeine administration. The
effect of other foods and beverages on the bladder is is not understood but
elimination of one or all of the items listed below may improve bladder control.
They are:
- Alcoholic Beverages, Beer, Wine
- Citrus Juices & Fruits
- Carbonated Beverages
- Highly Spiced Foods
- Milk/Milk Products
- Sugar, Honey
- Soft Drinks with Caffeine
- Corn Syrup
- Tea & Coffee, even decaffeinated
- Artificial Sweetener – Nutrasweet (Equal)
Maintaining Optimal Weight
Weight reduction is associated with improvements in urinary symptoms because
of less pressure on the bladder.
Maintaining Bowel Regularity
Constipation and difficulty with defecation (straining during bowel movements)
causes increased pressure on the bladder leading to UI. Individuals should keep
regularity through increased fiber, exercise and fluid. A successful way to
adequately increase fiber is by using a “special bran recipe”. Mix
together: 1 cup applesauce, 1 cup coarse unprocessed wheat bran and ¾
cup prune juice. Refrigerate mixture and take 2 tablespoons of the mixture every
day. Take the mixture in the evening
for a morning bowel movement. Increase the bran mixture by two tablespoons each
week until bowel movements are regular. Always drink one large glass of water
with the mixture.