The holiday season can definitely be risky when it comes to your urological health. Seeing all of your favorite treats can be tempting, but going too far can lead to unwanted symptoms flaring up. Certain foods and beverages can trigger urinary incontinence, frequent urination, kidney stones and more! It’s important that this is already on your radar and you are being conscious of the effects the holidays can have on your health.
Here are a few tips to keep you healthy for the holidays:
1. Go easy on the alcohol. Many people enjoy alcoholic beverages, especially at holiday parties, but it’s best to dilute them if you do decide to imbibe. For every alcoholic drink you consume, drink twice the amount of water. Alcohol increases urgency and frequency of urination and can lead to incontinence. Even with overactive bladder don’t be afraid to drink more water if you are drinking alcohol.
2. Limit sugar. While cake, pie and homemade candy are certainly tempting, limit the amount of sugar you consume to prevent kidney stones from forming and overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms from flaring up.
3. Avoid caffeine. Caffeinated foods and beverages, such as coffee, soda, and chocolate, can increase bladder activity and lead to a variety of urological issues. Drinking a lot of soda can also lead to the development of kidney stones.
4. Eat a lot of fiber. Enjoy fresh vegetables, grains, and legumes to prevent constipation, which can worsen urinary incontinence.
5. Drink plenty of water. Drinking water is key when it comes to staying healthy, regardless of whether or not you suffer from OAB. And during the holidays, when life is more hectic and busy, it’s easy thing to forget. Water also helps prevent the formation of painful kidney stones, which can have a very negative impact on your day to day routine. You definitely don’t want kidney stones to form just in time for the holidays!
At Arkansas Urology, we’re here for you. If you have questions about overactive bladder, kidney stones or overall bladder health, don’t hesitate to reach out for more information. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our professionals to discuss treatment options, or book an appointment online in minutes.
