Green Tea & Interstitial Cystitis
Fact Checked
Over one million Americans have interstitial cystitis, most of them women, according to the National Kidney & Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. There is no cure for the painful disease, and the effectiveness of treatments can vary from one person to another. Dietary changes, such as consuming green tea, can boost overall health, although green tea’s effects won’t always help interstitial cystitis and it could actually make it worse.
Defeat Dehydration And Drink Water
It is common knowledge that drinks with a high amount of caffeine can irritate the bladder. Unexpectedly, so can dehydration. Expert Dr Carol Figuers states, decreasing or eliminating caffeine intake can help reduce bladder urges. However, Figuers stresses the importance of drinking water regularly to reduce irritation. If your bladder seems to be interrupting your day, you are likely dehydrated. He asserts, its not a good idea to cut back on water in an attempt to reduce the urge to urinate. Lack of water can cause dehydration, which causes urine to become concentrated and result in increased bladder urgency and even bladder infection.
How Hibiscus Tea Helps
Because of all the nutrients the flowers contain, the list of hibiscus tea benefits is nearly endless. Nearly a third of the tea is healthy and organic acids, including vitamin C , tartaric acid, and citric acid, which work to detoxify the body, which helps nearly every organ function more effectively. Detoxing also reduces inflammation, helping you look and feel better.
However, most importantly, hibiscus tea is a diuretic, which means it increases the rate at which you go. The more you urinate, the better your body can rid itself of toxins before they cause harm, particularly to the bladder. This also helps to regulate your bodys blood pressure.
Usually, the bladder contains bodily contaminants until you decide to use the restroom, so by answering natures call more frequently, you mitigate damage done to this crucial organ. Thus, with fewer pollutants eating away at its delicate lining, the bladder has time to repair and grow stronger.
Drinking hibiscus tea provides a number of passive benefits to your bladder, as well. Common beverages like soda and coffee are deleterious to your bladder the unnatural sugars and high caffeine tends to irritate the bladders lining and cause pain and bleeding. By replacing these beverages with hibiscus tea, you can help your bladder heal and avoid taking in additional toxins that continue to hurt your body.
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Caffeine & The Urinary Tract
Caffeine has an interesting place in Urology. The effects it has on the body can influence the onset of two very common urinary tract complications. The following conditions are indirect results of caffeine absorption:
- Urinary Tract Infections
Caffeine can play a considerably influential role in the causation of a Urinary Tract Infection. A Urinary Tract Infection, or UTI, occurs when sterile urine is contaminated with bacteria from the rectum. Caffeine can inspire a UTI to develop but does not directly cause the infection. Since caffeine is a diuretic, frequent urination increases bodily dehydration. The urine attains high concentrations of salts that can irritate the bladder during prolonged dehydration. These effects harbor bacteria growth, which can produce or intensify symptoms of a UTI. Avoid an excessive caffeine intake to inhibit a urinary tract infection.
- Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence, or leaky bladder, is defined as the loss of bladder control. The muscles in the bladder are either too weak or over stimulated from caffeine. Since the diuretic effects of caffeine cause frequent urination, sudden, intense urges to urinate may result. This condition can seriously hinder your daily activities by frequent trips to the bathroom. Urinary incontinence can cause leakage due to the inefficiency of the bladders muscles. Just like UTI prevention, monitor your caffeine consumption.
Aged Cheeses May Be Problematic
Dairy products can be bladder irritants. Sour cream and aged cheeses may be especially bad offenders. Luckily for you, there are tasty alternatives if your bladder cant handle real dairy products. Try imitation sour cream or nut cheeses. You could try processed cheese that is not aged. Your body may tolerate these choices better.
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Caffeine & Your Bladder
Whether you use it to help you wake up, stay energized or you simply love the taste, caffeine is all around us. Its in your morning cup of coffee, the soda you drink at lunch or the tea you sip in the afternoon. This is what makes caffeine the most widely consumed stimulant in the world. What many people may not know is that it is actually a bladder irritant and in turn, is associated with urinary incontinence. People suffering from bladder weakness should actually consider cutting down on caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea and soda, in addition to alcohol, to help alleviate leaks. As caffeine is so common in many of the products we consume on a daily basis, people are simply unaware of how much they ingest in a single day. This can be a problem for those trying to combat the Unexpected Leak.
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Learn The Food Dos And Donts For Dealing With Oab
Coloradans know that our cuisine reaches far beyond Chipotle burritos, the fearsome Rocky Mountain Oyster and Coors Light. Its a state rich in culturally diverse flavors and theres never a shortage of wine and beer .
Colorado also loves to celebrate food and drink with festivals like Aspens Food & Wine Classic with palates prepared for decadence.
But for women suffering from an overactive bladder , consuming the wrong foods will provide little comfort. By focusing on a bladder-friendly diet that avoids known irritants and opts for smart alternatives, urgency, frequency and bladder discomfort may be greatly reduced.
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How Can I Manage Bladder Irritation
You can manage discomfort by avoiding foods you have identified as bladder irritants. But removing foods from your diet doesnt mean you can never have them again. You might be able to enjoy them in moderation . Drinking plenty of water will help reduce pain from any bladder-irritating foods you might ingest, in moderation or accidentally.
Spring Clean Your Body With Real Foods
I love warming winter foods, but by the time spring rolls around I have had about as much beef stew as I can take. My body is telling me it is ready for a change of pace, ready to cleanse.
The words detox and cleanse are thrown around in infomercials and magazines and just about everyone is selling the product that will work wonders. But who wants to spend extra money on some products that may or may not work?
Besides, I am all about healing with real foods. You really neednt look much further than the farmers market and your own kitchen to do a little spring cleansing of your own.
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Other Ways To Treat Uti
Apart from drinking clear liquids, there are other ways to get out of this painful situation.
According to the Mayo Clinic, antibiotics are the first line of treatment for UTI. How long the treatment and the specific drugs to take all depend on the severity of the infection.
You could also complement your cranberry intake with probiotics, which are known to help with digestion as well as UTI treatment and prevention. Probiotics also have good bacteria called Lactobacillus, which can replace the bad ones.
Another that works well in both preventing and treating UTI is a simple sugar pretty much like glucose that acts as an antibacterial agent, D-mannose.
According to Livestrong:
The sugars in D-mannose coat the lining of the urinary tract and bladder as they pass through the body. These sugars not only cover mucus membranes but they surround bacterial cells making it impossible for them to stick to the walls of the bladder or urinary tract. The bacteria remain free floating and are passed out of the body in the urine.
D-mannose can significantly lower the number of bacteria in the urinary tract and urine within a day. So if youre suffering from this pesky infection, go ahead and find yourself D-mannose right away!
D-mannose may be found in supplements like VALI D-Mannose UTI Support.
Bearberry Teafor Bladder Issues And Infection
A study of 57 women with recurrent UTIs, bearberry , effectively suppressed further infection. Bearberry acts as an antibacterial, urinary antiseptic, astringent, and healer to the mucous membranes of the urinary tract. It is also a diuretic. It is indicated for cystitis , urethritis , and acidic urine through its astringent and antiseptic effects. It is usually administered in the form of an infusion , which has a soothing and marked diuretic action. Of great value in diseases of the kidney and bladder. It also strengthens the urinary passages. During its excretion, Arbutin exercises an antiseptic effect on the urinary mucous membrane. Bearberry leaves are, therefore, used in inflammatory diseases of the urinary tract.
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What Is The Impact Of Coffee On The Body
Many of us enjoy our morning cup of joe and even rely on it to wake up and get going. Its believed that 2.2 billion cups of coffee are consumed in the world every year and fun fact, in Europe, Finns have the highest per capita consumption, drinking 12kg of the stuff annually!1 But what is the caffeine in coffee doing to your body?
Caffeine is a nervous system stimulant2, meaning that it increases the levels of certain chemicals in the brain, causing a rise in alertness, attention, energy and physical activity3. As such, consuming too much caffeine has lots of different effects on the body, including:
- increased heart rate
Other Causes Of Frequent Urination
While drinking tea can lead to more-frequent urination, other benign causes of increased urination may be the reason you find yourself needing to use the bathroom so often. For example, if you are drinking tea, you may find yourself unintentionally consuming extra liquids. This may cause you to need to relieve yourself more than usual.
Other causes of frequent urination may be signs of a serious health problem. Some health conditions that may cause you to experience excessive urination include:
- Diabetes
- Too much or too little calcium in your body
- Urinary tract infections
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What Can I Do If I Have Bladder Pain From Foods
Living with bladder irritation can be uncomfortable. But you can take steps to remove irritants from your diet and reduce pain. Avoid foods that irritate your bladder, and remember that water is important. Drinking enough water helps you feel more comfortable after you eat foods that irritate your bladder.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Bladder discomfort can be frustrating and even embarrassing. Conditions like IC can make you feel like you need to pee even after youve already gone to the bathroom, and your bladder can hurt a lot. But you can get help to reduce irritation. Talk to your healthcare provider about your bladder irritation and possible food and drink causes.
How Much Fluid Should You Drink Every Day
Ideally, you should be emptying your bladder up to four to six times on a 24 hour period. Emptying it regularly is important, as this helps to prevent infections and keep your kidneys healthy. Experts recommend drinking one and a half cups to two litres of fluid per day. Water is involved in every type of cellular process in your body, so when youre dehydrated, these run less efficiently. Although it may be tempting to drink less with incontinence, try and resist doing this. Dehydration can cause many more complications.
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Is Decaf Tea Ok For Interstitial Cystitis
4.2/5teaokaycoffeein-depth answer
Unfortunately, the dark color of tea or contains tannins that can also irritate the bladder.
Also Know, what drinks are good for interstitial cystitis? Drink plain water, fruit juice, some fruit or herbal teas and cordials.
Also know, can you drink green tea with interstitial cystitis?
“There appears to be no downside to drinking green tea. Although these findings are preliminary, it may be acceptable for primary care physicians to recommend 2 cups of green tea a day for men or women who suffer from interstitial cystitis to alleviate some of the symptoms, Dr Chancellor said.
Is chamomile tea good for interstitial cystitis?
However, chamomile tea is thought to have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, so it may help you if you have cystitis. It can also help to prevent and relieve flatulence .
Where Can I Get More Information About Interstitial Cystitis
The support of family, friends and other people with interstitial cystitis is very important to help you cope with this problem. People who learn about interstitial cystitis and participate in their own care do better than people who dont.
People with interstitial cystitis can get more information on this disease from these groups:
Interstitial Cystitis Association
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Take A Break From Coffee To Ease Bladder Infection Symptoms
Sure, your morning cup of java perks you up, but it may also make your UTI symptoms act up again. Caffeine is known to irritate the bladder and worsen bladder infection symptoms. A study of people with interstitial cystitis found that people who drank coffee experienced worsened symptoms. Try a mug of noncaffeinated herbal tea to replace your morning coffee ritual until you are UTI-free.
Skip Citrusy Or Caffeinated Sodas Irritate The Bladder
Sodas in general have been found to irritate the bladder in people with chronic bladder inflammation, and they could aggravate symptoms in someone with a bladder infection. Citrus-flavored sodas and caffeinated sodas are the culprits when it comes to worsening urinary tract infection symptoms. So, when you’re struggling to overcome a bladder infection, stick to water or cranberry juice as your drink of choice.
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How Do You Clean Your Urinary Tract
Drink Plenty of Fluids to Flush Out Bacteria but Dont Overdo It.
Drinking plenty of water six to eight glasses daily can flush bacteria out of your urinary tract and help prevent bladder infections.
But many people drink more than that these days, having heard that drinking water frequently is healthy, Dr..
Dont Pass The Lemonade: Diet Tips For A Happy Bladder
When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. But if you get bladder leaks, then you may not want to drink that lemonade.
What we eat has a direct impact on how our bladders work. When we eat, food passes through our digestive and urinary system. These systems process what we put into our bodies by eliminating the bad stuff and keeping the good . So, if you eat something thats a bladder irritant, it can give you an urge, even if your bladder isnt full. Spicy in, spicy out as they say
If you have an overactive bladder or suffer from incontinence, understanding your diet can help you avoid the foods that irritate your bladder and stick to foods that soothe it. Dont worry, you wont starve. While there are a number of foods that youll want to stay away from, there are also a ton that can actually help minimize the spritz and sprinkles. Plus, no one is bothered by everything on the list. The trick is to find your one or two trigger foods.
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The 5 Worst Food And Drinks For Bladder Health
What you eat and drink impacts your bladder in more ways than just filling it up
Did you know that 40 percent of women experience overactive bladders? Take 5 women in a room and 2 of them are affected, says Rupa Kitchens, MD, urologist at Urology Centers of Alabama. And about 25 percent of men, she adds. In total, about 33 million adults in the U.S. suffer from an overactive bladder.
Heres the thing: an overactive bladder impacts more than just how many times youre running off to the restroom. It affects everything, says Kitchens. From work productivity to sexual health.
Bladder Health In Men
Bladder health in men is largely overlooked. Moreover, bladder and urinary tract problems in women are more common. Thats why the studies focus on women and their bladder-related problems.
When you look for bladder health info online, you immediately notice that all sites only focus on women. Its time to discuss bladder health problems in men. After all, negligence can pave the way to more severe problems such as bladder cancer.
Men can get a bladder infection or cystitis too. Reasons behind bladder infection are numerous, such as:
- Urge incontinence
- Urine appears cloudy and has a strong odor
Men can also develop an overactive bladder-the risk increases as you age. An overactive bladder has a major impact on a mans quality of life. The condition occurs due to malfunctioning bladder muscles and nerves that send sensations to the brain. This leads to involuntary and unnecessary contraction of the bladder muscle.
The main sign of overactive bladder is a frequent and urgent need to urinate. You may also experience other OAB symptoms such as urinary incontinence and incomplete bladder emptying, and urinary leakage. Men tend to wake up multiple times during the night to urinate.
Stress incontinence is also a common bladder-related problem in men, just like mixed incontinence.
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Horsetail Teafor Bladder Issues And Infection
Horsetail is an ancient plant with fossils found from prehistoric times. It has an herbal tradition of use in China, Russia, parts of Europe, and North American Indians. It was widely used in Europe as a topical wound healing herb. Horsetail makes an effective natural diuretic. In modern medicine, a diuretic is usually supplemented by potassium to replace the potassium lost in the urine. Horsetail, however, has its built-in way of helping the body maintain potassium levels. In a regular diet, the ratio of potassium to sodium is about 2:1, but in horsetail, it is 150:1, which means any potassium lost by its diuretic action is replaced naturally.
In the last century, horsetail was used to treat tuberculosis and is now used for conditions where tissue repair to damaged lungs is required. Horsetail is also used to curb excessive menstrual bleeding through its astringent and toning properties, which also help to soothe an infected bladder and UTI issues.
Home remedy tip: Find critical ingredients that soothe and hydrate the urinary system, reduce inflammation, infection, and strengthen the urinary mucous membranes. The blend may contain Dandelion leaf, Olive leaf, Peppermint leaf, Uva ursi leaf, and Lemon myrtle leaf. Steep 1 tsp for a cup of boiled water. Drink 3-4 cups per day as a hot or cold tea.