Elderly Incontinence - Home Care Phoenix

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People of all ages experience Urinary Incontinence or UI, but it is mainly common among older adults. According to research, more than 50 percent of homebound older adults are incontinent and urinary incontinence is one of the leading conditions in homebound seniors. It is usually referred to as the urge for frequent urination. As diet plays an essential role in overall well-being, wrong and excessive use of some foods can cause urinary incontinence. Home care Phoenix professionals with years of experience helping seniors manage UI.

8 Things That Contribute To Senior Urinary Incontinence

Spicy Foods

Spicy foods tend to irritate the bladder lining. It is better to avoid Chinese Szechuan or Mexican cuisine to manage urinary incontinence symptoms. Seniors should eliminate chilli pepper, raw onions, curry, horseradish, and cayenne pepper from daily meals.

Acidic Foods

Highly acidic fruits containing citric acid include limes, grapefruit, lemons, tomatoes, and oranges, which can deteriorate the symptoms. The acetic acid in vinegar also irritates the bladder, causing the UI to worsen. Include fruits with lower acidity levels in your loved one’s diet, like blueberries, melon, mango, and pear.

Caffeine

Caffeine tends to stimulate the bladder and also works as a diuretic. Urologists suggest seniors to eliminate caffeine consumption from their diet. Research shows that reducing one cup of coffee daily can help reduce incontinence symptoms.

Cranberry Juice

Excessive fluid consumption highly contributes to urinary incontinence. Taking the recommended 8 ounces of water daily can worsen the difficulties associated with incontinence. Urologists suggest seniors with UI limit their fluid intake from about 32 to 48 ounces of water a day. In terms of juices, cranberry juice is mentioned particularly as it is found to be associated with progressing UTIs (Urinary Tract Infections).

Sugar and Sweeteners

Evidence-based research suggests foods high in sugar contribute to increased incontinence symptoms. Seniors are advised to reduce sugar consumption and eliminate corn syrup or fructose. Artificial sweeteners are known to progress obesity and may irritate the bladder to worsen UI.

Carbonated Beverages

Carbonated or fizzy drinks, including soda and seltzer, aggravate the bladder. Seniors must avoid foods with chemicals and artificial colourings to prevent incontinence and consider going for a healthy and mostly vegetable-based diet.

Sodium

Foods with high sodium levels cause the body to retain water, which is further released to the bladder. Salty snacks like chips and salted nuts are sodium-packed foods such as canned soups that increase thirst. Your loved one will consume more fluids, resulting in incontinence.

Alcohol

Drink directly lowers bladder control and hinders neurological communication as the messages sent to the brain about when to hold or release urine increase the chances of causing accidents more often. Alcohol is a diuretic as it produces more urine so seniors may have a frequent urge for urination.

Make sure to eliminate these foods and beverages from your loved one’s diet to reduce the symptoms of urinary incontinence. Suppose you have any issues with helping your loved one in this regard. In that case, you can consider consulting senior home care Phoenix experts to help your loved one manage the symptoms and follow a healthy diet and fitness plan to promote overall well-being. The professionals also make good companions and encourage seniors to stay healthy to achieve longevity and age in place with grandchildren and cherished memories.

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