The answer to can tea irritate your bladder is a yes. For some people, tea can act as an irritant and worsen bladder issues.
However, this isn’t true for everyone. Not to mention, the situation isn’t quite as straightforward as you might think. So, for a more well-rounded answer, here is what you need to know:
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The thing to bear in mind here is that tea isn't automatically a bladder irritant. After all, millions of people around the world drink tea every day without experiencing any side effects. However, for some people, tea may be an irritant.
And, if you have ever wondered is tea bad for cystitis, then you should know that your daily brew can exacerbate the symptoms associated with this condition. Thus, if you have been diagnosed with any kind of cystitis, it is best to limit your intake of tea.
What you typically think of as bladder irritation is actually non-infectious cystitis. It is difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of this type of cystitis. However, it is more common in women than in men.
Some of the symptoms that you may associate with this condition are:
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So, why does this happen, then? Well, there are actually two components of tea that can cause bladder issues. The first is the acidity level, while the other is the caffeine.
As you are aware, most trues can be slightly acidic. The exact pH can depend on the type of tea and how it is brewed. If your bladder is sensitive to this acid, then the acid can act as an irritant. The acid may irritate the lining of the bladder or have a negative impact on the nervous system that controls your bladder.
As for the caffeine, it is known to increase bladder activity. Now, if you are already experiencing symptoms like an increased need to urinate, then caffeine is going to make this problem worse. You may even find yourself dealing with incontinence.
As mentioned, tea isn't always to blame for bladder irritation. So, how can you be certain that it is tea that is responsible for your current state? Well, the best way to do this is through the process of elimination.
If you feel like tea is to blame, remove it from your diet completely. Don’t switch to decaf options as these may still have acidity levels that can irritate your bladder. Not to mention, decaf teas still contain a small amount of caffeine.
You may not experience relief right away. In some instances, you may need to discontinue tea for up to 2 weeks. If your symptoms have cleared up by then, tea may have been the cause of your health problems. If the issue continues, then there is another source to consider.
If you do have bladder irritation, it is important to go see a doctor. Bear in mind, it is possible that you are suffering from an infection. As such, you will need a course of antibiotics to get rid of the problem. The doctor may also need to run additional tests to determine if there is another issue at work.
Apart from this, you can take steps to promote a healthy bladder. This includes drinking plenty of water. This can help to flush both irritants and bacteria out at a faster rate. Avoid spices, caffeinated beverages, acid fruits, and anything else that could potentially irritate your bladder further.
Make sure to urinate as necessary – don’t hold it in as this can exacerbate the issue. Also, make sure to empty your bladder completely every time that you go to the bathroom.
There are some teas that are good for your bladder and can actually help to overcome bladder irritation. Your two best options are chamomile and peppermint tea. They can work to reduce inflammation and hopefully help with discomfort in the bladder.
Honey has also been found to be rather soothing. Thus, you can always add some honey to these teas to help increase the effectiveness of the brews.
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This is what you should be aware of regarding whether or not tea can irritate your bladder. Now that you have all the facts, you will now what action to take.
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