Is Your Lifestyle Making Incontinence Worse?
Is Your Lifestyle Making Incontinence Worse?
The causes of incontinence are not always known. However, there are some things that can worsen incontinence. Making a few lifestyle changes can help you improve your condition.
Drinking Alcohol
If you have incontinence, then you will definitely need to monitor your alcohol intake. Wine, beer and liquor can stimulant your bladder and lead to incontinence. They also increase urine production and increase the number of times that you need to go to the bathroom.
You may not necessarily have to give up alcohol completely. However, it is a good idea to limit your alcohol consumption to one drink per day.
Drinking Too Coffee and Tea
Coffee and tea can worsen your incontinence because of the high caffeine content. Caffeine irritates the bladder and acts as a diuretic. Most people will notice that their symptoms will improve after they cut back on their coffee and tea consumption. Keep in mind that even though decaf coffee and tea have less coffee, they may not be any better for incontinence.
Taking Antidepressants
Antidepressants can contribute to incontinence. These medications may cause your bladder not to empty properly. That is why you may find yourself feeling the need to go more often. In order to determine whether antidepressants are causing the problem, you will need to determine if your symptoms came or got worse after you started taking the medication. If you believe that antidepressants are causing the problem, then you will need to consult with your doctor.
Eating Too Much Sugar
Controlling your sweet tooth can help you get your incontinence under control. Studies have shown that sugar can irritate the bladder. It is not a good idea to swap out sugary foods and beverages for ones that have artificial sweeteners.
Smoking
Smoking can irritate the bladder. It can also increase the urinary frequency. One of the reasons that smoking can trigger incontinence is because it causes coughing fits. It is also important to note that smoking is the top cause of bladder cancer.
High-Impact Aerobics
Aerobics is great for your health. However, it may cause incontinence. It can increase the amount of pressure that you have in your belly. You do not have to give up doing high-impact aerobics. Making a few changes can help you avoid this. You will need to avoid caffeine before you workout. You will also need to make sure that you empty your bladder before you exercise.
