Lifestyle Tips

There’s more you can do to manage your overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms. Certain foods and drinks may affect your symptoms. So may things like excess weight, constipation, and smoking. By making small changes in your daily habits, you can begin to regain control of your OAB symptoms.

Try the tips below to help find what works best for you. And remember—managing the symptoms of OAB doesn’t happen overnight. Small steps mean progress. It may help if you set some simple goals. Just be sure to stick to them!

Drink the right amount.

Try to spread your fluid intake out through the day. Try not to drink much within 2 or 3 hours of bed. Your doctor can tell you what’s right for you.

Be careful what you eat and drink.

Some foods and drinks may affect your OAB symptoms. Juices and sauces that have a lot of acid may increase urination. Foods and drinks that contain caffeine may have the same effect. Caffeine may also make your bladder more active. And this may increase your strong sudden urges to go.

To help manage your OAB symptoms, try to avoid or eat less of the types of foods that make your symptoms worse. Or, plan times when you can enjoy your favorite foods and drinks with less worry. For example, it’s fine to enjoy your morning coffee on weekends when you’ll be home most of the day. But you may want to skip it when you’re planning a long car trip or other times when you won’t be near a bathroom.

Foods and drinks that may make your OAB symptoms worse include:

• Beverages with caffeine (such as coffee or tea)
• Alcohol
• Carbonated or “fizzy” drinks (such as soda)
• Spicy foods
• Citrus fruits and juices (such as grapefruit and orange juice)
• Chocolate
• Tomato-based foods (such as spaghetti sauce)

Watch your weight.

Losing weight, if you need to, can improve OAB symptoms. Studies show that people with excess weight may be at higher risk of OAB. Extra weight may also put more pressure on your bladder and pelvic floor muscles. And, it may affect the nerves that are responsible for bladder control.

Try to avoid constipation.

Try to stay regular. Constipation may make OAB symptoms worse. To help manage constipation:

• Eat more fiber. Try food like apples, spinach, or whole grain breads.
• Make sure to drink enough water.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine. Both can dry out your digestive system.
• Get enough exercise. Just a 20- to 30-minute walk each day may help.
• Never ignore the urge to have a bowel movement.
• Use laxatives only if a doctor says you should.

Try to quit smoking.

Smoking can irritate the bladder.

Quitting smoking is very hard for most people. But there is support to help. Visit the CDC Web site to learn more about how to quit. And, click here for more information about a prescription treatment option.