Foods To Avoid If You Urinate More Than Once In The Night

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Peeing more than once at night can signal a problem, such as urinary tract infection or diabetes. It can also be caused by certain types of foods that increase your body’s production of urine. If you find yourself waking up more than once to urinate at night, there are certain foods you should AVOID to make sure the problem does not worsen.

Caffeinated Drinks

According to webmd, Caffeinated drinks such as coffee, tea, and soda should be consumed in moderation, or better still AVOIDED if you are waking up frequently to urinate. Caffeine is a diuretic, causing your body to produce more urine. Research has also found that consuming these types of drinks can increase nighttime urination. If you love your mug of java in the morning, it is best to consume it a few hours before going to bed, to give your body enough time to process the caffeine. Alternatively, you can switch to decaffeinated coffee.

Alcohol

Like caffeine, alcohol is also a diuretic and will make you pee more. If you wake up frequently at night to urinate, limit your alcohol consumption. Avoid having more than one or two drinks in the evening, and consider replacing liquor with non-alcoholic beverages such as sparkling water, iced tea, and kombucha.

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Spicy Foods

Spicy foods can cause you to wake up frequently to urinate. Spices such as chilies, capsaicin, ginger, cayenne pepper, and cinnamon can irritate your bladder and lead to an increase in nighttime urination. If you love your spicy food, limit their consumption in the evenings and opt for milder dishes.

High Sodium Foods

Salt is harmful to the body when consumed in excess. Not only can it increase your risk of developing high blood pressure, but it can also cause you to wake up frequently to urinate. High sodium foods include processed and junk foods, canned soups and sauces, deli meats, and fast food products. Minimizing salt intake is also beneficial for everyone regardless of bladder health.

Fluids

Drinking large amounts of fluid late in the evening could be the culprit behind your nighttime trips to the bathroom. Limit your fluids in the evening and opt for drinks that have a natural diuretic effect, such as unsweetened herbal teas. Avoid water close to bedtime, as it can cause you to have to go the bathroom in the middle of the night.

High-Sugar Foods

Sugars and simple carbohydrates can also contribute to frequent urination at night. High-sugar foods, such as candy, cakes, and cookies, enter the bloodstream quickly and can cause a spike in your blood sugar level that makes you have to urinate more. Steer clear of sugary snacks before bed and replace them with foods that are high in fiber and protein for a more stable energy level throughout the night.

Foods with Artificial Sweeteners

Although consuming sugary snacks is not recommended, be wary of foods that have artificial sweeteners as they can also cause the sensation of needing to urinate more. Artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, saccharin, and sucralose can irritate the bladder and increase the need to pee. Choosing natural sweeteners, such as honey and maple syrup, over artificial ones is a better option.

Acidic Foods

Acidic foods such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, and vinegar can irritate the bladder and cause it to become overactive. Doing so can increase the sensation of needing to urinate more than usual. Avoid citrus fruits, tomatoes, and sodas, and replace them with more alkaline foods such as green vegetables and nuts.

If you are waking up frequently to urinate at night, certain dietary changes can help you reduce or eliminate these trips to the bathroom. Caffeinated drinks, alcohol, and foods that are high in sodium, sugar, and artificial sweeteners should be AVOIDED or consumed in moderation. Cutting down on spicy and acidic foods, as well as limiting fluids close to bedtime can also help. Adequate hydration throughout the day is an important component of bladder health and should NOT be overlooked. Always remember to consult with a doctor if you experience persistent trips to the bathroom at night, as it could be an indication of an underlying health problem.