Drinking for a Healthy Bladder
Drinking the right amount and type of fluids can help keep your bladder healthy and reduce bladder irritation.
Recommended Daily Fluid Intake
Most adults should aim to drink between 1.5 – 2 litres of fluid per day unless advised otherwise by a healthcare professional.
Why Your Drinks Matter
Certain drinks can irritate the bladder lining and may worsen symptoms such as:
- Urgency to pass urine
- Frequent urination
- Bladder discomfort
- Night-time waking to urinate
- Urinary leakage
Reducing bladder irritants may help improve these symptoms over time.
Drinks That May Irritate the Bladder
- Caffeinated tea and coffee
- Hot chocolate
- Green tea
- Fizzy drinks
- Energy drinks
- Alcohol
- Acidic fruit juices:
- Orange
- Lemon
- Lime
- Grapefruit
Bladder-Friendly Drinks
- Water
- Decaffeinated tea and coffee
- Herbal tea
- Red bush tea
- Apple juice
- Pineapple juice
- Diluted squash or cordial (not blackcurrant)
Helpful Tips
- Gradually switch to decaffeinated tea and coffee rather than stopping suddenly.
- Spread drinks evenly throughout the day.
- Try not to drink large amounts late in the evening if waking at night is a problem.
- Avoid reducing fluids too much, as concentrated urine can irritate the bladder further.
- Choose water regularly throughout the day to stay hydrated.
Sweeteners to Avoid
Artificial sweeteners containing aspartame may irritate the bladder for some people.
Examples include:
- Hermesetas
- Nutrasweet
- Canderel
Bladder and Bowel Service
If you need further advice or support, please contact your local Bladder and Bowel Service.
