Soothe Bladder Pain With These Foods

If you suffer frsoothe bladder painom Overactive Bladder (OAB), Bladder Pain Syndrome, or Interstitial Cystitis (IC), you’re probably familiar with the feeling of discomfort and urgency that accompanies normal, everyday activities. One way to soothe bladder pain and control these symptoms is through your diet. Eliminating irritating foods and eating soothing foods should dull some of your bladder pain.

According to the IC Network, there are several foods that can affect your bladder symptoms and soothe bladder pain.

Irritating Foods

Understandably, acidic or spicy foods irritate your bladder. To avoid that uncomfortable feeling of pain or urgency, avoid the following foods:

  • Coffee (caffeinated and decaffeinated)
  • Caffeinated tea
  • Carbonated beverages
  • Alcohol
  • Fruits such as grapefruit, lemon, orange, and pineapple
  • Fruit juices such as cranberry, grapefruit, orange, and pineapple
  • Tomato products
  • Hot peppers
  • Spicy foods (including cuisines like Mexican, Thai, and Indian)
  • Chili
  • Horseradish
  • Vinegar
  • MSG
  • Artificial sweeteners such as NutraSweet, Sweet ‘N Low, Equal, and Saccharin

Less Irritating Foods

Certain foods won’t irritate your bladder as long as they aren’t combined with acidic or spicy foods. Diet alone won’t cure the symptoms of OAB, but these foods won’t intensify your discomfort.

  • Water
  • Low-fat or whole milk
  • Bananas
  • Blueberries
  • Fruits such as honeydew melon, pears, raisins, watermelon, and cucumber
  • Vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, mushrooms, peas, radishes, squash, and zucchini
  • White potatoes and sweet potatoes/yams
  • Meat such as chicken, turkey, beef, pork, and lamb
  • Eggs
  • Seafood such as shrimp, tuna fish, and salmon
  • Oats
  • Rice
  • Pretzels
  • Popcorn

While the above foods won’t completely eliminate discomfort, certain foods actively soothe bladder pain during flares.

  • Corn
  • Oats
  • Potatoes
  • Homemade zucchini bread
  • Homemade white or yellow cake
  • Ricotta and string cheeses
  • Oatmeal or sugar cookies
  • Vanilla ice cream
  • Dried marjoram
  • Green peas
  • Vanilla or rice pudding
  • Sage
  • Quinoa
  • Honey
  • Chamomile and peppermint teas

In addition to these bladder-friendly foods, several foods are worth trying but might irritate more sensitive bladders. Learn more about how your diet can soothe your bladder pain.