Overactive bladder (OAB) is one of the diseases that most significantly affects quality of life. In our country, the incidence rate is about 1.1%, and it increases with age. Along with active treatment, improving lifestyle habits can significantly reduce the clinical and life problems caused by OAB. The lifestyle habits that improve bladder symptoms include the following aspects:
Maintain a healthy weight
Obesity can increase pressure in the bladder and lead to urinary leakage when laughing or coughing. Losing weight can reduce this bladder pressure. For obese and overweight women, weight loss is the first-line treatment recommendation for improving urinary incontinence.
Quit smoking
For patients with overactive bladder, smoking can irritate the bladder muscles, causing bladder spasms and urinary leakage when coughing.
Moderate fluid and beverage intake
The normal daily water intake for a person is about 1500ml-2100ml, which is equivalent to 3-4 bottles of 500ml mineral water. This can produce 1200-1500ml of urine. Many patients with bladder issues often reduce their water intake to urinate less, but concentrated urine can irritate the bladder, leading to increased frequency of urination. Additionally, insufficient water intake can lead to dehydration. Therefore, for patients with OAB, do not reduce water intake to decrease urination frequency unless a doctor advises it based on the patient's actual condition. People in high heat and high-intensity labor need to supplement their water intake, as sweat evaporation increases; they should drink small amounts frequently, about 60ml-90ml every 30 minutes.
Control diet
Certain foods and beverages can irritate the bladder and worsen bladder symptoms, such as alcoholic beverages, caffeine-containing foods (chocolate, tea, coffee, soft drinks, energy drinks, etc.), certain carbonated drinks, processed tomato products, citrus fruits, spicy foods, and artificial sweeteners. Therefore, patients with OAB should try to reduce their intake of these foods and beverages.
Certain prescription medications, such as phenacetin and midodrine, can worsen bladder symptoms, so it is advisable not to use prescription medications without consulting a doctor.
Maintain intestinal health
Existing evidence shows that chronic intestinal dysfunction is a related risk factor for urinary incontinence; therefore, developing good bowel habits can reduce bladder symptoms. Recommendations include:
(1) Increase dietary fiber intake, such as peas, oatmeal, grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables.
(2) Exercise appropriately to promote intestinal motility.
(3) Drink more non-irritating beverages and fluids, such as plain water.
(4) Regular health check-ups.
