It is important to drink enough each day, people with certain medical conditions such as kidney failure or heart failure should seek advice from a healthcare professional.
A number of things will influence how much fluid the average person needs to drink each day. There are tools you can use to assess how much fluid you need to drink. www.healthyhydrationcoach.com
If you don’t drink enough your bladder will become more sensitive to smaller amounts of urine, which means you will go to the toilet more frequently and you can also become constipated.
If you already have bladder problems it may be advisable to avoid certain types of drinks such as tea, coffee, cola, and chocolate, as they contain caffeine, which can irritate the bladder in some people.
This can result in the bladder becoming overactive which leaves you with the feeling that you need to empty the bladder before it is full.
Swapping to decaffeinated drinks for a short period will enable you to assess whether you are sensitive to the effects of caffeine.
Some people may find they have to avoid acidic foods such as oranges, grapefruit, tomatoes, lemons and limes as they make their symptoms worse. There has been a large amount of medical research discussing the benefits of cranberry juice; the present view is that those who suffer with frequent urine infections find it relieves symptoms.
Always seek your Doctor’s advice prior to introducing cranberry juice into your diet, especially if you are taking Warfarin or are suffering with Diabetes. Following advice from your Doctor you may find there are low sugar varieties available.
FLUID AND DIETARY ADVICE :
ALCOHOL
Alcohol can increase urine production. This means that you will feel the urge to go far more frequently and, as it also alters your perception of how much urine is in your bladder, you may find you have little or no warning when you want to pass urine.
BOWELS
Everyone’s bowel routine is different. Eating a well-balanced diet which includes fruit, vegetables and high fibre foods such as wholemeal bread and cereals provides your bowel with the tools it needs to do its job properly.
Any sudden changes in your bowel habits should be discussed with your Doctor, this is particularly important if you notice any blood when having your bowels open.
SMOKING
There are a number of health risks associated with smoking, therefore it is always advisable to consider giving up. A ‘smokers a cough’ can place extra pressure on the muscles of the pelvic floor, increasing your chances of experiencing stress incontinence.
OBSERVE THE COLOUR OF YOUR URINE
It is important to know your body, so look at your urine. The color of your urine can give a good indication as to how hydrated you are. There are tools you can use to assess how much fluid you need to drink. www.healthyhydrationcoach.com
It is important to remember certain drugs, fluids and foods can discolour your urine. If you notice blood in your urine; or that your urine has a strong odour; or you have a burning sensation when you pass it, contact your Doctor. You may have a urine infection or a problem which requires further investigation.
