It’s also important to avoid certain foods and drinks that irritate your bladder. These include:
Water
The bladder, like any other part of the body, needs a good supply of fluids to function properly. Water helps transport nutrients, lubricate joints, create saliva and digest food, among other functions.
It also helps dilute the concentration of minerals in urine, which can prevent the formation of kidney stones.
Not drinking enough water can cause dehydration, which encourages the growth of bacteria in the urinary tract that can lead to a urinary tract infection or even bladder cancer.
Drinking a few tall glasses of water daily can help prevent UTIs, and it’s important to drink enough fluids during a UTI to flush out the infection from the urinary tract. In addition, drinking water can help prevent the onset of other bladder problems such as leakage and increased urgency and frequency.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a great breakfast option because it's high in soluble fiber. This fiber promotes regular bowel movements and helps reduce the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and constipation.
It also helps lower cholesterol and improves heart health. This is because oat bran contains a type of antioxidant called avenanthramides, which relax arteries and decrease inflammation.
In addition, oatmeal can help you lose weight because it makes you feel full longer. It does this by slowing down the emptying of your stomach and increasing the production of a satiety hormone called peptide YY (PYY).
Fruits
Fruits aren't just good for the eyes; they can also be helpful for a healthy bladder. Many fruits, like bananas and pears, are rich in fiber.
Bananas are an excellent source of potassium, which can help relieve bloating and urinary tract discomfort. You can eat them as a snack or make a smoothie.
Whole grains, like quinoa, oats and rice, are also helpful for your bladder. They have a high amount of fiber and are low in fat.
Other foods that may help with your bladder include lean proteins, such as chicken breast, turkey, pork and fish. They're also a good source of vitamin D.
Vegetables
Vegetables are a good source of fiber, antioxidants, and key vitamins and minerals. They’re also known to reduce the risk of chronic diseases, including heart disease and diabetes.
Green beans, winter squash, potatoes and sweet potatoes are good bladder-friendly vegetables to eat year-round. Try them in salads or roast them with a little olive oil.
Lean proteins, such as low-fat chicken, pork, turkey and fish, are another bladder-friendly food option. They’re unlikely to cause any discomfort when eaten raw or steamed, but are more likely to bother your bladder when baked or grilled.
Water is a great bladder-friendly drink, as it flushes out waste and toxins from your body. It’s also a good idea to choose foods that are high in water content, especially fruits and vegetables.
Nuts
Nuts are one of the best sources of protein and healthy fats. They also contain a large amount of fiber, which helps to keep your digestion running smoothly.
Almonds, pecans, walnuts and chestnuts all fit the botanical definition of a true nut. However, peanuts, which have two seeds that easily split open, are actually legumes.
There are other edible oily seeds that are called nuts, but these don’t meet the botanical definition. Botanists consider the whole plant, not just the encased fruit.
