A healthy diet plays a big role in your overall health and how your body functions. Urinary health for example can be affected by what you consume, by practicing a healthy diet you can reduce your risk of developing problems like UTIs and Kidney Stones.

As a regular catheter user, it is even more important that you take steps to maintain your urinary health. A complete change in your diet when using urinary catheters is not necessary, but there are a few things that you can consider that will improve your urinary health and avoid complicating the cathing process.

Want to know how food can affect catheter use? If so, you’re on the right page. We’ll be going over everything that you need to know below.

So make sure to keep reading!

How Food and Nutrition Can Affect Catheter Use 

Diet is important for several reasons. As a catheter user, your diet can help prevent some issues from occurring that would make the cathing process more difficult or painful. For example, if your bowels are too full, it can put pressure on the bladder, which can obstruct the flow of urine or can cause leakage through the urethra. Similarly, the strain caused by constipation can also cause leakage problems. That’s why it’s beneficial to eat high-fiber foods, like whole grains, fruits and vegetables. This can keep you regular and prevent constipation.

Additionally, your fluid intake is extremely important to maintain urinary health. What you consume and how much you consume effects how your urine flows, can prevent infection, and can affect your cathing schedule. The goal is to keep your urine a light yellow or clear color all day long, this will ensure your urine flows normally and help your body flush waste products and bacteria from your system. The darker and more concentrated your urine is the more likely it will cause irritation. The best way to keep your urinary tract healthy is to drink plenty of water throughout the day, doing so can even lower your risk of developing a urinary tract infection (UTIs). Experts recommend that the average person consumes between 1.5-2 liters of water a day. Avoiding alcoholic drinks and beverages high in caffeine is a good idea as well. These both can be irritants to the bladder and can make your urine more concentrated. Alcoholic beverages may not directly affect your catheter use, but it can alter your usual schedule.

5 Foods That'll Benefit the Bladder

Here are a few foods that'll keep your bladder healthy. Why not incorporate some of them into your diet?

1. Berries 

Strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries all contain high amounts of vitamin C, which may prevent bacterial growth in the bladder. There is even some evidence that cranberries can help prevent UTIs and ease the symptoms.  

Not only that, but they’re made up of mostly water. In other words, they’ll help flush out the bladder and the kidneys at regular intervals.

2. Probiotics

Probiotics aren’t just good for your digestive health, they can benefit the urinary system as well. For one thing, they can help fight against urinary tract infections.

Some foods that contain probiotics include yogurt, kefir, miso, and kimchi. In addition to that, there are supplements that you can take.

3. Garlic 

Garlic can help keep bladder and kidney infections at bay. Not only that, but studies have shown that it may also prevent the growth of cancer cells.

Considering that, you might want to add some fresh or powdered garlic to your meals.

4. Whole Grains 

Whole-grain foods are a great choice as they’re high in fiber. This will prevent issues such as cramping, bloating, or constipation, all of which can end up affecting the bladder.

Ideally, you want to consume at least three servings of whole grains per day. Some examples include barley, oatmeal, buckwheat, and brown rice.

5. Apple Cider Vinegar 

Apple cider vinegar contains a number of enzymes that can benefit the bladder. For example, they can limit bacteria growth. 

You don't have to drink a lot either to reap in the benefits. Here's a tip—you can always make it sweeter by adding some honey.

Keeping Your Bladder Healthy 

As you can see, what you consume can affect catheter use and bladder health. That's one of the reasons why you want to pay attention to your diet! For more tips on keeping your bladder healthy check out these 10 Healthy Tips For Urological Health.

At Complete Care Medical, your health and wellbeing are our number one priority. Our mission is to make obtaining necessary medical supplies, like catheters as easy as possible. Additionally, we feel that it is important to provide our customers with the resources they need to take control of their health and wellbeing. Looking for some catheter supplies? Feel free to take a look at what we have to offer! For more information on how we can help or if you have any questions please call  (800) 503.7604 or visit our contact page.