I frequently compare the bladder to a cranky toddler.  Just like a tired toddler, there are triggers that can make your bladder melt down.  We call these triggers bladder irritants- things that irritate your bladder.  It may not always feel predictable and some days may be worse than others.  Some foods may become bladder irritants for you – your triggers may change over time.  The best way to identify your triggers is with a bladder diary.  This is when you write down what you eat and drink and when your bladder is acting up.  This homework will almost always highlight what your triggers are.

This is a pretty long list.  Remember that not everything on this list may irritate your bladder.  And it doesn’t mean that you have to avoid everything on this list.  It is important for you to figure out what causes problems for you.  Then you can make the adjustments that you want to make.  Maybe this means only drinking coffee when you are at home in the morning.  It is just important for you to understand your personal triggers.

Changing your diet to avoid your personal triggers requires behavioral changes.  No sure where to get started? I got you! Check out Changing your behaviors!

What bugs your bladder?

• Coffee and tea can irritate the bladder. This sadly includes decaffeinated coffee as well.
• Acidic fruits like citrus, cranberries and tomatoes. Citrus includes fruits like oranges, limes, lemons, and mandarins.  And yes, cranberries can be irritating.  All of the associated fruit juices can be irritating too.
• Corn syrup, sugar, honey and artificial sweeteners can be irritants.
• Milk and dairy products can be irritants.
• Carbonation– I see carbonated water like lacroix and bubly causing issues for some women.
• Spicy foods can irritate the bladder.