Caffeine
As caffeine is a diuretic, it directly affects bladder function. Therefore, when taken above recommended doses, caffeine can become an irritant and cause an overactive bladder. In addition, excessive caffeine consumption increases sensory input activity and stimulates overactive detrusor muscles.
Continuous caffeine intake among individuals with overactive bladder may aggravate this condition. It is therefore recommended for both men and women to reduce caffeine intake to normal levels. Ideally, a healthy individual should take up to two cups of caffeine to alleviate the symptoms of an overactive bladder.
Other food items that may irritate the bladder and cause an overactive bladder include alcohol, carbonated beverages, and certain fruit juices such as apple, cranberry, orange, and grapefruit. Diet modification should be considered to reduce urinary frequency, d. Food items that do not irritate the bladder and with excellent nutritional value include apricots, papaya, non-citrus herbal teas, and other non-acidic food items. Doctors also recommend smoking cessation as nicotine is considered a bladder irritant.
