Below is a list of foods and drinks that irritate the bladder, which may increase how often you go to the bathroom and/or your urinary incontinence.

Caffeine: Found in coffee, tea, chocolate and dark soft drinks, like cola.

Tip: To reduce your urinary frequency and incontinence, limit your caffeine intake to 100 mg a day, which is about one cup of coffee.

Other foods that can irritate the bladder

 
 

  • Some spicy foods (Mexican, Thai, Indian and Cajun).

  • Acidic foods (fruits and fruit juices high in acid: orange, lemon, grapefruit, lime and pineapple juice).

  • Tomatoes (tomato juice and tomato sauces: spaghetti, pizza, barbecue and chili).

  • Artificial sweeteners (aspartame, sucralose).

  • Alcohol.

Tip: Reduce—or even eliminate—your intake of these foods for 1 to 2 weeks to determine their impact on your urinary frequency and incontinence. Once you have a good idea of their actual impact on your bladder, you can choose when to consume them (e.g., have a cup of coffee at home instead of at a restaurant before going to the movies). You can also avoid several irritants in the same meal.


Tips on staying hydrated and preventing urinary tract infections

Many women with urinary incontinence limit their water and fluid intake, thinking that this will decrease urinary frequency and, in turn, their urinary incontinence. Although it sounds logical, this strategy doesn’t work. It is important to stay hydrated, as reduced fluid intake actually increases urinary frequency, urgency and incontinence. In fact, concentrated urine irritates the bladder and causes urine leakage. You should drink at least 1-1.5 litres of fluids a day and make sure that your urine is pale yellow and clear. However, you should reduce your fluid intake in the evening if you have urine leakage or get up multiple times at night to go to the bathroom. You should also avoid drinking large quantities of fluids over a short period.

 
 

  • Gradually get into the habit of drinking enough fluids (at least 1-1.5 litres a day) and making sure your urine is pale yellow.

  • Avoid holding in your urine for too long, and urinate every 2.5-3 hours.

  • Completely empty your bladder.

  • Always urinate after sexual intercourse.

  • Always wipe from front to back.