Drinking for a healthy bladder

You should always follow advice from your healthcare professional about you overactive bladder symptoms.

Drinks that can irritate the bladder

Certain drinks can irritate the bladder, so it’s important to be mindful of what you consume, especially if you are experiencing bladder problems.

Examples

Tea, coffee, green tea, cola, and other caffeinated soft drinks.

Effects

  • Caffeine is a mild diuretic, which can make you pass more urine and may lead to dehydration.
  • It can irritate the bladder lining, making you feel like you need to pass urine more often.
  • Caffeine also reduces the body’s ability to absorb iron from food, so it’s best to avoid these drinks immediately after meals.

Drinks that are less likely to irritate the bladder

You may be able to consume these drinks in moderation.

Examples

  • Hot chocolate
  • Blackcurrant juice
  • Citrus fruits and juices (e.g., orange, grapefruit)
  • Tomatoes and tomato juice
  • Fizzy drinks
  • Alcohol

Why

These drinks can irritate the bladder and may worsen symptoms if you already have bladder issues.

Tips for reducing irritant drinks

  • If you drink a lot of tea or coffee, reduce your intake gradually (e.g., by one cup per day). This helps prevent withdrawal headaches.
  • Replace irritant drinks with non-irritating fluids like water, herbal teas (e.g., chamomile), or decaffeinated options.

Tips for increasing fluid intake

  • If you don’t drink enough fluids, start by adding one or two extra drinks per day. Gradually increase this over a few days.
  • Aim for a healthy balance: 1.5–2 litres of non-irritant fluids daily (6–8 mugs).
  • Make gradual changes to your diet and fluid intake to allow your body to adjust comfortably.

Building long-term habits

After two to three weeks of making gradual changes, you can create a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle that supports your bladder health.

Page last reviewed: 22 January, 2025