I have many people, men and women who come in complaining of urinary leakage. Symptoms include dribbling after the fact, dribbling while walking, jumping, laughing, coughing or running. It can be embarrassing for all involved!

You will find today in the articles I post some surprising causes! I was surprised as well. My GYN talked to me about it a couple of years ago. I have found some people are able to stop symptoms in one day when they stop the artificial sweeteners!

Many people drink lots of sodas or other drinks in a day that are considered zero calorie. Unfortunately the dribbling can happen with stevia in large quantities per day, Truvia and possibly other “healthier” artificial sweeteners. There are some folks who tell me they drink any where from 6 – 20 drinks a day of some flavor and variety.

Are there dietary changes I can make to deal with overactive bladder?

Answer From Jennifer K. Nelson, R.D., L.D.

Diet may play a supportive role in helping with symptoms of overactive bladder, such as the need to urgently and more frequently. Sometimes overactive bladder is accompanied by leaking urine (urinary incontinence).
First, talk to your doctor about your symptoms. You’ll likely get a thorough exam and specific recommendations, which may include exercises to train your bladder. In some cases, medication may be prescribed.

In addition, the following dietary changes may help you manage urinary urgency and frequency:

Monitor your fluid intake. Start by keeping a fluid diary. Write down how much and when you drink during the day. Most experts recommend decreasing total fluid intake by 25 percent. In particular, cutting back on fluids before bedtime is recommended. However, don’t drink less than 1 liter a day (about 34 ounces, or a little over four 8-ounce cups).
Cut out carbonated beverages (regular, diet, caffeine-free, sparkling waters). It’s well-documented that carbonated beverages are associated with overactive bladder.
Cut back on caffeine. There’s conflicting evidence about the effect of caffeine on urinary urgency. Experts have found that some people who cut back or avoid caffeine experience relief of their symptoms.
Limit alcohol. Evidence of a connection between alcohol and urinary urgency is inconsistent. Experts may recommend cutting back or cutting out alcohol to see if symptoms improve.
Skip artificial sweeteners (in beverages and foods). Artificial sweeteners (acesulfame K, aspartame, sodium saccharin) seem to increase urinary frequency and urgency.
Eat a vitamin-rich diet. Vitamin C from fruits and vegetables is associated with decreased urinary urgency. However, supplemental vitamin C, especially at high levels, is associated with worsening symptoms. Studies have found that vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased urination. So, getting enough vitamin D may be protective. Good sources of vitamin D include fish (swordfish, salmon, tuna and sardines), fortified milk and yogurt, and eggs.
With
Jennifer K. Nelson, R.D., L.D.
This link is included from Johns Hopkins
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/johns_hopkins_bayview/_docs/medical_services/gynecology_obstetrics/bladder_irritants.pdf
List of Common Bladder Irritants* Alcoholic beverages Apples and apple juice Cantaloupe Carbonated beverages Chili and spicy foods Chocolate Citrus fruit Coffee (including decaffeinated) Cranberries and cranberry juice Grapes Guava Milk Products: milk, cheese, cottage cheese, yogurt, ice cream Peaches Pineapple Plums Strawberries Sugar especially artificial sweeteners, saccharin, aspartame, corn sweeteners, honey, fructose, sucrose, lactose Tea Tomatoes and tomato juice Vitamin B complex Vinegar *Most people are not sensitive to ALL of these products; your goal is to find the foods that make YOUR symptoms worse