New Year, New Pelvic Floor

As you can see in the graphic above, studies into pelvic floor health have flagged up the most beneficial and detrimental foods to look out for. Here is some more information about the items listed and how they can help or hinder you in your journey to a happy, healthy pelvic floor.

Must Haves…

If you’re looking to improve your pelvic floor health through changes to your diet, the following examples are a great place to start.

Water
Ensure you’re getting plenty of H20 to hydrate your body and flush out toxins. This also helps digestion and all your other bodily functions occur more smoothly.
Herbal & Caffeine-free Teas
Offering natural nutrition and hydration, herbal alternatives aren’t known to cause the problems that caffeine or unnaturally sweetened drinks do.
Low-Acidic Fruit and Vegetables
Providing the body with important nutrients without causing irritation to the pelvic floor, these fruit and vegetable varieties are the safer option when compared to more acidic alternatives.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Found in several fish species, Omega-3 naturally decreases inflammation, helping to reduce any irritation that may occur from other food or drink.
High Fibre Foods
Fibre promotes the wave-like contractions that move food through the intestine easing digestion and preventing any undue pressure being placed on your bladder.
Supplements
A healthy diet and some vital supplements play an important role in the health and functionality of the pelvic floor. Pelvic floor exercise is enhanced with some supplements, helping to strengthen the foundation even more for longer lasting results.

Did you know?

There’s a direct correlation between low Vitamin D3 levels in the body and a weak pelvic floor.
Oregano Oil capsules lower the risk of candida and yeast infections.
D-Mannose can remove bacteria from the bladder flushing out 90% of urinary tract infections.

Steer Clear…

While we would never discourage you from treating yourself from time to time, if you can avoid food and drinks listed below, you’ll feel the benefits in your pelvic floor.

Caffeinated Beverages
Acting as diuretics and bladder irritants caffeinated drinks cause your kidneys to make more urine that normal causing overuse and bladder sensitivity.
Fizzy Drinks
These can cause overactive bladder symptoms due to the carbonation tickling and irritating your bladder. They also contain caffeine and artificial sweeteners, which act as bladder irritation triggers.
Alcohol
A diuretic and bladder irritant, alcohol accelerates the rate that kidneys gather water and causes the bladder to empty more often. Not a good combination when considering your pelvic health.
Highly acidic Fruit & Vegetables
When eaten to excess, fruit and veg with a higher acidic content can irritate your bladder lining.
Spicy Foods
Foods with lots of spice can cause your bladder to burn for the same reason that they cause your mouth to burn, irritating your bladder lining.
Artificial Sugars and Sweeteners
These synthetic sugar alternatives can worsen symptoms of overactive bladder for similar reasons as carbonated beverages.
Salt
Avoid overly salty foods as these can overstimulate your bladder leading to more trips to the toilet both through the day and at night, effecting your sleeping pattern as well as your pelvic floor health.