Maintaining Bladder Health through Diet

The start of a new year provides an opportunity to reflect on health and well-being. For those who use intermittent catheters, small adjustments to daily habits, such as dietary choices, can contribute to maintaining bladder health and potentially reduce the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), and improve comfort. Here are some general, practical and easy-to-follow tips to help your diet keep your bladder healthy in 2025.

The following information is intended as general information only and is not a substitute for a visit to the doctor or for medical treatment. Please always ask your doctor if you have medical problems.

Maintaining Bladder Health through Diet

Foods That Support Bladder Health*

Berries: Strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries are rich in vitamin C, which may help prevent bacterial growth in the bladder.
Probiotics: Foods like natural yoghurt, kefir, miso, and kimchi contain probiotics, which support a healthy balance of bacteria in your urinary system. Research suggests that probiotics can help prevent UTIs by promoting beneficial bacteria.
Whole Grains: Whole grains, such as barley, oatmeal, buckwheat, and brown rice, are high in fibre. Fibre prevents constipation, reducing pressure on the bladder and making intermittent catheterisation more comfortable.
Vegetables: Leafy greens like kale and vegetables like cauliflower are packed with vitamin C and calcium to support kidney function. Magnesium-rich vegetables such as potatoes and sweetcorn help your bladder empty effectively.

Foods and Drinks to Limit or Avoid For Better Bladder Health**

While some foods can support bladder health, others may irritate the bladder or increase urgency. It’s helpful to identify and limit the following:

Citrus Fruits: Oranges, grapefruits, pineapples, and tomatoes are acidic and may irritate your bladder lining, leading to discomfort or frequent urges.
Spicy Foods: Whilst they can be delicious for some, spicy foods can irritate the bladder, much like caffeine, and increase the urgency to urinate.
Alcohol: Alcohol increases urine production and can make you less aware of your bladder’s signals. If you choose to drink, do so in moderation and balance with plenty of water.

Stay Hydrated to Support Your Bladder Health

Drinking enough water is essential for a healthy bladder. Aim to drink between 1.5 and 2 litres of fluid per day.*** Staying hydrated ensures your bladder functions properly and reduces the risk of infections.

Best Choices: Water and herbal teas are gentle on the bladder.
What to Avoid: Drinks like caffeinated coffee, fizzy drinks, and sugary beverages can irritate the bladder for some people.

Pay attention to how your body reacts to different drinks and note any that cause discomfort. Always check labels to monitor sugar and caffeine content, among other ingredients.

Looking for inspiration? Why not consider some healthy options such as below:

Smoothie

Try this Smoothie: Blend a peeled and sliced banana, 3 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder, 160 grams of plain Greek yoghurt, ¾ cups of almond milk, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 1 tablespoon of peanut butter.

Chicken Pasta

Try this pasta: Wholegrain or lentil pasta. Substitute tomato sauce for lighter olive oil, garlic, oregano, and feta. If you want some extra protein, you can add chicken to the mix as well!

Pan Seared Salmon, Braised Leeks with Carrot & Walnut Pesto

This salmon dish uses mildly sweet leeks and a bounty of omega-3 fatty acids plus anti-inflammatory vitamins like A, C and K. It is topped with a creamy vegan pesto made from carrots, walnuts, cilantro, lime and garlic.

Want to share your favourite recipes? Please email info.uk@teleflexurology.com

Making small, manageable adjustments to your diet can support your bladder health and contribute to overall comfort. For more practical tips and helpful resources, please visit our website:

Bladder Management Intermittent Catheters Knowledge Hub

Link for residents of the United Kingdom –Bladder Management Intermittent Catheters Knowledge Hub 

For more information and advice regarding ISC, please contact your healthcare professional.
Information is taken from several references including:

*https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/urinary-catheters/living-with/ , https://www.bladderandbowel.org/bladder/bladder-conditions-and-symptoms/lifestyle-fluids-and-diet/, https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/how-to-eat-a-balanced-diet/eating-a-balanced-diet/, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/probiotics/
**https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/urinary-incontinence/10-ways-to-stop-leaks/
*** https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/food-guidelines-and-food-labels/water-drinks-nutrition/

Image source: Getty Images, Teleflex