Nonsurgical Treatment

Dietary Measures

Some foods can worsen symptoms of urinary frequency and urge incontinence. Changes in diet can help improve some people's symptoms. Monitoring the diet often requires reading food labels and avoiding foods and drinks that contain stimulants. Stimulants worsen the symptoms of urinary urgency and frequency.

Foods

• Foods that contain heavy or hot spices can contribute to urge incontinence by irritating the bladder. Some examples of hot spices include curry, chili pepper, cayenne pepper, and dry mustard.
• A second food group that may worsen symptoms is citrus fruit. Fruits and juices that are acidic can aggravate urge incontinence. Examples of fruits that have significant acidity include grapefruits, oranges, limes, and lemons.
• A third food group that may worsen urinary bladder incontinence is chocolate-containing sweets. Chocolate snacks and treats contain caffeine, which is a bladder-irritating agent. Excessive intake of chocolate may worsen irritative bladder symptoms.

Drinks

• The quantity and type of drinks consumed can have an effect on urinary symptoms.
• Drinking too much water can worsen irritative bladder symptoms. The exact amount of fluid needed depends on a person's lean body mass and so varies from person to person.
• Many drinks contain caffeine. Caffeine-containing products produce excessive urine and worsen symptoms of urinary frequency and urgency. Caffeine-containing products include coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and colas. Chocolate milk and many over-the-counter medications also contain caffeine. Even decaffeinated coffee contains a small amount of caffeine. If you consume a large amount of caffeine, you should slowly decrease the amount of caffeine to avoid withdrawal symptoms such as headache and depression.
• Drinking carbonated beverages, citrus fruits drinks, and acidic juices may worsen irritative voiding or urge symptoms.
• Artificial sweeteners may contribute to urge incontinence.