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How Much Caffeine Should You Limit Yourself to With an Overactive Bladder?

An overactive bladder leads to frequent trips to the restroom, which can cause frustration and embarrassment. Limiting caffeine intake is one way to reduce the number of trips to the restroom. Caffeine can be found in coffee, tea, soda, energy drinks and in many desserts. Although lowering your caffeine intake may not cure your overactive bladder, it is one way to take control of the situation in order to lead a healthier and more stress-free life.

  1. Overactive Bladder

    • Overactive bladder is caused by frequent contraction of muscles that surround the opening of the bladder (urethra). While these contractions are a natural response to a full bladder, those with OB experience contractions more often and have to use the restroom even when there isn't much urine release.
      Medications that allow the muscles surrounding the bladder to relax are available. This reduces contractions, as well as the sensation of having to use the restroom as often.
      Kegel exercises can also help relax these muscles. The exercises target small muscles in the groin, bladder and lower stomach. When combined with a healthy diet that is low in caffeine, these exercises may be a substitute for medication.

    Caffeinated Food and Beverages

    • Caffeine is a diuretic. If you have OAB, you do not want your body to increase urine production, as this will lead to additional trips to the restroom.
      Caffeine can irritate the bladder, which causes bladder muscles to contract more often. Caffeine found in coffee, chocolate, tea and desserts that contain high amounts of sugar or sugar substitutes should be limited throughout the day.

    Caffeine Intake and Overactive Bladder

    • Start a food and beverage diary to determine how much caffeine you consume each day. Chart your consumption of caffeinated drinks, alcoholic drinks, foods that contain caffeine and other foods that irritate the bladder, such as tomato-based soups, sauces and spicy foods. A diary can help you pinpoint which foods and beverages to cut back on or eliminate.
      Limit your caffeine to one or two cups of coffee or caffeinated tea each day. Limit food and dessert items that contain chocolate, and avoid alcohol when possible. Soda, energy drinks, frozen desserts and medications such as NoDoz and Excedrin contain caffeine. Reduce your consumption of these items, and consult your physician if medications you are taking contain caffeine. Caffeine-free alternatives may be available.
      Lowering your caffeine intake should reduce urgent feelings to urinate.

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