If you have Overactive Bladder Syndrome or Interstitial Cystitis, managing the fluids you drink can be tricky. It’s logical to think that the more you drink, the more you pee, right? But is this really true? And is drinking less a good idea to help you pee less? In this article, we’ll talk about why fluids are essential and whether or not restricting your fluid intake is a good idea as part of your overactive bladder treatment.
What Is Overactive Bladder Syndrome (OAB)?
The hallmark of OAB is feeling the sudden, urgent need to pee even when your bladder isn't full. You pee a lot during the day and, often, at night. Sometimes, you may even experience leaks.
You probably always know where the closest toilet is.
Some people with OAB also have the twin issue of interstitial cystitis.
What Is Interstitial Cystitis (IC)?
IC and OAB are like the two evil bladder twins. They’re alike in some ways and have some key differences.
Both IC and OAB cause bladder pressure and that need to pee feeling, even when there is only a small amount of pee in the bladder.
But IC usually adds bladder pain to the mix. Sometimes, it feels like generalized pain in the pelvic area.
Since both OAB and IC cause the need to frequently make the bathroom sprint, you may think that drinking less water will help you pee less and reduce your pain. However, that's not the case.
Why Do People Think You Should Drink Less Fluid?
When you have to pee frequently or feel like you constantly have to pee, it's simple to think that drinking less fluids will mean you'll pee less. We hear ya’ teachers and nurses — and everyone else who can’t run to the bathroom whenever that feeling hits.
On the surface, drinking less water does mean you’ll pee less. But you may find that your bladder is more painful.
What's up with that?
Stay with me for a sec for a quick example: What happens when you mix drink mix (like Kool-Aid©) using one-quarter or one-half the amount of water you usually would? The resulting drink would be undrinkable because it would be too strong, right?
The same thing happens when you drink less water. Your urine becomes concentrated, so more toxins and waste are in a smaller amount of water.
For your bladder this means that the concentrated toxins and waste products can irritate the lining of your bladder.
So, what do you do?
Fluids Are Your Body’s BFF
Your whole body needs water so that it can work well. When you don’t drink enough fluids, you can become dehydrated. Your mouth may feel dry, and you may feel fatigued. You may even feel dizzy or lightheaded. Severe dehydration can even land you in the hospital.
You’ll know that you’re dehydrated if you’re really thirsty, your urine is a dark color (more about urine colors below),
Unfortunately, when you have OAB/IC, the water and fluids your body and bladder need become the enemy.
How to Know You’re Properly Hydrated
There’s lots of confusion about how much people should drink. The basic recommendation is 64 ounces of water or other fluids each day. That’s just a guideline. Some people need more - like those who exercise vigorously. Some people need less.
How do you know you’re adequately hydrated? There are two general guidelines.
First, are you thirsty? Thirst is a good measure of if your body needs fluids. When you feel thirsty, or your mouth and tongue feel slightly dry, your body asks for fluids.
Second, what color is your pee? Generally, if you’re not taking B vitamins or other medications that change the color of your pee, you can tell by looking in the toilet bowl after you’ve peed. The water should look like pale lemonade to clear.
If it’s darker than that, then it’s time to start drinking. If you want to learn more about what your urine color means, check out this chart.
Drinks That Won’t Irritate Your Bladder
You won’t be surprised when I say the best drink is water. It’s best to build the habit of sipping on water throughout the day vs. chugging large amounts at one time.
Sipping vs. chugging gives your body time to absorb what you’re drinking and gives your kidneys and bladder time to slowly fill instead of doing it in one big swoop.
There are a few drinks that can irritate your bladder including:
Caffeinated drinks
Carbonated beverages (drinks with bubbles like seltzer water, soda, energy drinks, etc.)
Black and green teas
Acidic juices, including orange, grapefruit, or tomato
Drinks with artificial sweeteners
Water can get boring, right? Let’s mix up your drinks while keeping your bladder happy.
As a fellow OAB and IC person, I enjoy coconut water most days. Just be sure to check the ingredients and choose one that doesn’t have citric acid because that can irritate your bladder.
Herbal teas are also great. I frequently recommend:
Marshmallow root
Lavender
Chamomile
Peppermint
Slippery elm
They can be made both hot and cold depending on your mood and the weather.
Want something a little more fun? Try my Blueberry Daiquiri! It won’t irritate your bladder while helping you chill out with some blueberry goodness.
Smoothies also deliver fluid while helping fill you up. If you’re looking for breakfast or a snack on a hot day, then my Vanilla Power Smoothie is gentle on your bladder and packed full of flavor.
Wrapping Up
While you may sometimes feel that fluid is your enemy, it really is your body and bladder’s buddy.
When you’re well hydrated, you’ll have more energy and feel better. And your bladder will feel better because it will make less concentrated (and less painful) pee. That’s something we can all get behind, right?
Want more? Below you'll find a free OAB Eating Guide and an opportunity for us to work together to help you get relief from OAB.
Grab my free OAB Eating Guide if you want to learn how to nourish your body to support your healing journey!
If you want more personalized support and guidance, check out my brand new OAB Freedom program. We can help you get relief from your OAB symptoms and break up with your toilet in just 3 months!
About the Author
Callie Krajcir, MS, RD is a Registered Dietitian specializing in bladder health. Here passion is interstitial cystitis as she has lived with IC her entire life, but she also enjoys helping people with conditions like overactive bladder, chronic UTI’s, and incontinence. She is the founder of Callie K Nutrition, the IC You podcast, and social media accounts (@callieknutrition) that has helped hundreds of people with bladder pain, frequency, and urgency get relief from their symptoms through diet and lifestyle changes. Callie currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Interstitial Cystitis Association. Learn more about Callie and Callie K Nutrition.
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