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Bladder irritants

Last reviewed

What you eat and drink, certain medicines, and some medical conditions can affect your bladder. The goal of this handout is to lessen bladder irritation. This may lead to less urinary urgency, frequency, urinary incontinence, or discomfort.

What food and drinks cause bladder irritation?

The amount or type of a food or drink can cause bladder irritation. High acid food or drinks and caffeine may irritate the lining of the bladder or upset the part of the brain that controls the bladder and bowel.

Do not drink:

  • Caffeinated drinks, such as:
    • Coffee (regular and decaf) 
    • Tea 
    • Soda, pop, or colas (regular and diet)
  • Alcohol (beer, wine, and liquor)
  • Carbonated beverages, such as: 
    • Sodas (regular and diet)
    • Carbonated water
  • Fruit juices
    • Apple
    • Cranberry
    • Citrus fruits, like orange or grapefruit
  • Large amounts of fluids
    • You should drink 6 to 8 cups (8-ounce glasses) of fluid each day
    • If you drink more than that, you may need to pee more often

Do not eat:

  • Chocolate
  • NutrasweetTM and other artificial sweeteners
  • Stimulants
  • Vitamin B complex 
  • Vitamin C
  • Acidic food, such as:
    • Spicy foods, vinegar, pepper, chili, and chilies
    • Citrus fruits (like orange, grapefruit, lemon, and lime)
  • Fruits, such as: 
    • Apples
    • Cranberries
    • Pineapple
    • Peaches
    • Strawberries
    • Tomatoes
    • Mango
    • Plums
    • Grapes
    • Guava
    • Cantaloupes

What can I eat and drink?

  • Eat pears, apricots, papaya, and watermelon instead of acidic fruits.
  • Drink Kava® (low acid instant coffee), Cold Brew® from Starbucks, or Pero coffee.
  • Drink non-citrus herbal and sun brewed tea.
  • Drink calcium carbonate co-buffered with calcium ascorbate instead of Vitamin C.

How can I quit coffee or caffeine?

  • Getting rid of coffee and caffeine can be hard. 
  • You can wean yourself off slowly by drinking 1 less cup each day. 
    • Stay at that amount for 3 days. 
    • Then, cut back again by 1 more cup for 3 days. 
    • Do this until you have gotten rid of drinking any coffee or caffeine. 
  • You can also choose to stop drinking coffee or caffeine without weaning (“cold turkey”). 
  • After stopping caffeine, you may:
    • Have low energy
    • Get upset faster
    • Have a throbbing headache that can last up to 72 hours. 
  • Give yourself a 3-day weekend to get rid of caffeine from your diet. 
  • If you have a headache, you can treat it with non-caffeinated aspirin. 
    • Do not take Excedrin®. It has caffeine. 
  • Coffee can also be a laxative for many people. When you stop drinking coffee, you may get constipated (have a hard time passing stool). Prevent constipation by:
    • Getting plenty of fluid and exercise. 
    • Adding fiber or prune juice to your diet.

What is a strict diet?

  • A strict diet means you do not eat or drink anything that could cause bladder symptoms. This can give you relief in 10 days. 
  • After your symptoms get better, add things back in one at a time. 
    • If you have symptoms again, you will know what food or drink is the problem. 
  • When you start adding foods back, keep drinking 6 to 8 cups (8-ounce glasses) of water each day. 
  • If you follow the strict diet and do not have any changes in your symptoms in 10 days, your problem may not be due to diet. You can go back to your normal eating habits. 

Stop or lessen your smoking

  • Nicotine is a bladder irritant. No amount of smoking is healthy or safe.
  • Call the Quitline Iowa at 877-777-6534 or talk to your primary care provider if you need help quitting. Ask us if you have questions.

Medicines and medical conditions

  • Medicines like diuretics (also called water pills) for high blood pressure cause your body to get rid of extra water and salt. 
  • Diuretics make your bladder fill up fast. You may need to pee more often. 
    • Some people stay close to a bathroom and pee more often to lower leakage. 
    • Do not take this type of medicine at bedtime. You will need to get up often during the night to pee.
  • Some medicines or medical conditions may cause you to have a dry mouth or become thirstier. 
    • Try to limit how much fluid you drink before bed. 
    • Ask us about ways to lessen dry mouth if you have a problem.
  • If you have leg swelling, you can elevate (raise) your legs. The fluid from the swelling will go into your circulation and then into your bladder. 
  • You can lower how many times you have to get up at night to pee if you: 
    • Raise your legs a couple of hours before you go to bed.
    • Wear compression stockings to lower swelling.