Overactive bladder (or OAB) is a condition characterized by the frequent urge to urinate. Many times, these urges come on suddenly and without warning. This condition often causes embarrassment and avoidance of social events. OAB symptoms also include urinating unintentionally and waking up frequently at night to go to the bathroom. While many people over 65-years old experience this condition, it can affect people of any age.
OAB causes include diabetes, infections, neurological disorders, taking certain medications, and uterine tumors. An overactive bladder in women can result from hormonal changes (i.e., pregnancy or menopause). Frequently, the symptoms of OAB can be managed with exercise, diet, and sometimes weight loss. For instance, simple dietary changes like avoiding the foods listed below can help to alleviate OAB:

1. Alcohol
To help reduce the frequent need to go to the bathroom, skip the happy hour cocktail, wine with dinner, or the beer with the football game. Alcohol inhibits a hormone that helps your kidneys to function properly and it also stimulates your bladder, which causes you to pee more. At the same time, your drink will relax you, resulting in less motor control. Alcoholic drinks are known to irritate the bladder, worsening the symptoms of overactive bladder condition.

2. Artificial sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners, such as saccharin and aspartame, make your bladder work overtime. These substances are bladder irritants. When your bladder is irritated, you’ll need to go to the bathroom more often. If you need to sweeten your coffee or tea, use a sweetener like stevia. Much sweeter than sugar, stevia is a natural substance that doesn’t irritate your bladder. You can find it with the sweetener alternatives in most grocery stores.

3. Carbonated drinks
If you notice that you have to go to the bathroom more often after drinking fizzy drinks, it is not your imagination. Beverages such as seltzer, soda, and other carbonated drinks irritate your bladder, making you want to pee more often. Skip the soda and opt for lemonade instead.

4. Coffee or caffeine
Coffee, caffeinated teas, and other beverages containing caffeine should be moderated if you want to reduce your trips to the bathroom. These drinks contain caffeine, a known diuretic. A diuretic is a substance that makes you go to the bathroom more often. If you can’t give up the coffee or tea, try decaffeinated coffee or a decaffeinated or herbal tea instead. Be aware of other foods that contain caffeine, like chocolate and matcha. Non-cola drinks may also have caffeine, so check the label before making your purchase.

5. Cheese
Many of our favorite foods contain cheese. Think pizza, grilled sandwiches, lasagna, and other dishes made with rich, creamy cheeses. While delicious and comforting, these foods should be consumed with caution by those with overactive bladder issues. Because different people have different reactions to dairy products, you should note which ones cause problems. If you must have it, try non-aged cheese varieties, like goat cheese, mozzarella, and feta.