"The Bladder Diet"

The following is a list of foods and drinks that may irritate the bladder, causing premature contractions which may lead to urgency and leaking. An irritated bladder often erroneously signals that is needs to empty more frequently.
Urge incontinence or "urge related leakage" may occur when this urgency is associated with an overactive bladder.

Alleviating the bladder irritants below can make a big difference in the symptoms of chronic cystitis, interstitial cystitis and overactive bladder.

It is important to stay hydrated throughout the day by sipping often. Avoid drinking large volumes of fluid at one time. Avoid reducing fluids which may result in an increase in the concentration of the urine which can further irritate the bladder and increase symptoms of urgency and frequency.

Remember, caffeinated drinks and alcohol are diuretics and will further dehydrate the body.

Prelief tablets (calcium Glycerophosphate) remove acid and neutralize foods. They should be taken when you are eating something that is on the list.
Prelief is found over the counter at any pharmacy.

A tablespoon of baking soda in water or a pinch in your food will also help reduce acidity as you are eating.

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 Drink 2 to 3 liters of water every day.

Caffeine acts as a bladder irritant and diuretic. Chocolate has caffeine too. 

Artificial Sweeteners:
(Aspartame, Saccharin & Preservatives: Benzol alcohol, citric acid, monosodium glutamate, All foods containing artificial dyes and preservatives.

Beverages: 

Allowed: bottled or spring water, decaffeinated, acid free coffee or tea, some herbal teas.  
Avoid alcohol, beer, wine, coffee, tea, carbonated drinks and cranberry juice, colas and carbonated, fizzy drinks.

Alcohol: is dehydrating, increases the amount of urine produced, irritating to the bladder and interferes with the signals to the brain when to empty.


Nuts:

Allowed: Almonds, cashews and pine nuts. Avoid most other nuts.


Meats & Fish:

Allowed: Poultry, fish and meats other than those listed. Avoid aged, canned, cured, processed or smoked meats and fish, anchovies, caviar, chicken livers, corned beef, or meats that contain nitrates or nitrites.


Carbohydrates & Grains: 

Allowed: Pasta, rice, and some breads aside from the ones listed. 
Avoid rye and sourdough.


Seasonings:
Allowed: Garlic and some other seasonings. Avoid mayonnaise, miso, spicy foods (Chinese, Mexican, Indian, and Thai foods).


Condiments: 

Avoid anything with vinegar like ketchup and hot sauce..


Fruits: 

Allowed:  Blueberries, melons (other than cantaloupe), pears
Fruits to avoid: All other fruits and juices


Vegetables:


Allowed: Potatoes, homegrown tomatoes
Vegetables to avoid: Onions, fava beans, lima beans, tofu, store bought tomatoes, rhubarb


Milk & Dairy:

Allowed: White chocolate, cottage cheese, American cheese and milk.
Avoid: Aged cheeses, sour cream, eggs, yogurt and chocolate.

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The "C" list is an easy way to remember what foods to avoid:

Coffee and Tea (even decaf)
Carbonation
Coke and other Colas
Citrus
Cocktails
Candy and other sugars
Corn Syrup and other artificial sweeteners (Aspartame, Equal)
Crystal Light
C Vitamins
Cranberry Juice or Pills
Chinese Food (Spicy or with MSG)
Chili or other Tomato based sauces and food

Cigarette Smoking
Cold Remedies

Suggested Substitutes:
Grape, apple or cherry juice
Herbal Teas
White Chocolate
Other fruits such as apricots, melons, home grown tomatoes, bananas, prunes, plums