How Your Lifestyle Has an Impact on Your Bladder Health

You probably don’t think much about your bladder, but it’s actually a very important part of your body! Your bladder is responsible for storing urine and releasing it when you go to the bathroom. But did you know that your lifestyle choices can impact your bladder health? Keep reading to learn more.

1. Diet - What you eat and drink can definitelyimpact your bladder health. For example, if you consume a lot of caffeine or alcohol, you may find yourself needing to use the restroom more frequently. Carbonated drinks can also cause bloating, which can put pressure on your bladder and make you feel the urge to go even when your bladder isn’t full. Spicy foods can also irritate your bladder and lead to urinary frequency or urgency. You may want to consider making some dietary changes if you find that your current eating habits are impacting your bladder health in a negative way 
2. Smoking - Smoking is not only bad for your lungs, but it can also cause problems with your bladder. Cigarette smoke contains harmful chemicals that can irritate the lining of your bladder, leading to inflammation. In addition, smoking can contribute to an increased risk of developing bladder cancer. If you smoke cigarettes, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your overall health— including your bladder health!
3. Weight - Being overweight or obese can also put extra pressure on your bladder and increase your risk of developing incontinence. Losing weight if you are overweight or obese is a good way to improve your bladder health as well as your overall health
4. Exercise - You might not realize it, but exercise is actually good for your bladder health! Exercise helps strengthen the muscles in your pelvic floor, which can help prevent incontinence. In addition, regular exercise helps reduce stress, which can also impact urinary frequency or urgency. aim to get at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week for the best results.

Your lifestyle choices can have a big impact on your bladder health—for better or for worse! Eating a healthy diet, quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and getting regular exercise are all great ways to keep your bladder healthy and free from problems like urinary frequency or urgency. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about your bladder health so they can provide additional guidance specific to your situation.