Health Watch - A Going Concern: Frequent Trips
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This week on Health Watch, we’re talking about bladder-related problems. If you find yourself running to the restroom more often than you’d like, you should take a look at what you’re drinking.
Dr. Gary Lemack, a urologist at UT Southwestern Medical Center, says caffeine could be the culprit. Caffeine is a diuretic, meaning it eliminates fluid from your body, so that it increases urine production. It can also be a bladder irritant, making your bladder more sensitive, which can increase the urge to urinate. Coffee, tea, colas and chocolate all contain caffeine and could contribute to the problem. You may be reluctant to give up caffeine, but you have to decide which affects your life the most — your need for caffeine or your trips to the bathroom. If you have a problem with the number of trips you have to make to the bathroom and how urgent they are, try giving up caffeine. Other possible bladder irritants include citrus fruits, spicy foods and some cheeses.