Can Food Cause Bedwetting?

Eating the right foods can go a long way to improving bedwetting problems. Certain foods are known to reduce the likelihood of bedwetting at night, while others increase it. Luckily, all of the food recommended to help children with nocturnal enuresis is also good for the whole family. With a few minor adjustments, such as withholding certain foods in the evening, your child may find some relief in a new diet. It’s always good idea to run any new food ideas past your doctor before you begin.

Recommended Food

Foods that are high in folate, fiber, vitamin B12, and Omega3 fatty acids are all recommended to help control or reduce bedwetting. Recommended food includes: Folate and vitamin B12 enable the central nervous system to make the connections needed for bladder control at night, something often missing in children with nocturnal enuresis. Omega-3 fatty acids are also shown to have similar benefits to the nervous system, helping the bladder to learn to signal the brain to wake up at night. Fresh fish, seafood, eggs, vegetables, and dried fruit will all give your child the minerals needed to help their nervous system. Fiber is also important since bedwetting often occurs at the same time as constipation. The pressure of constipation presses against the bladder wall, resulting in unwanted leakage. Wheat-bran, vegetables, and good fluid intake go a long way to increase fiber and combat constipation. Keep an eye on toilet habits to make sure your child is going regularly.

Food That Is Not Recommended In The Evening

These foods are important for healthy growth but are also linked to increased severity of bedwetting in children. To try and get the best of both worlds, it’s recommended to only consume them before 6pm. They are: Dairy products like yogurt, milk, and cheese make the list because they are high in calcium. High calcium intake is linked to bedwetting severity, as well as reduced effectiveness of enuresis medication like desmopressin. Since calcium is also important for healthy growth, it’s good to still include these foods in the daytime. Water is best not consumed just before bedtime. Limited intake of water in the evening is shown to reduce total overnight urine production, making bedwetting less likely. The same goes for fresh fruit, which generally has a high-water content.

Food That Is Not Recommended At All

These foods have been shown to increase bedwetting, and there is evidence to show that  eliminating them from your diet will help control nighttime wetness. They are: Chocolate, cocoa, tea, coffee, and some carbonated drinks contain caffeine, which is commonly known to have a diuretic effect. Caffeine also increases pressure and excitability on muscles that control the bladder. There is some evidence that eliminating carbonated drinks (including soda water) may help calm overactive bladders. This can also be said of aspartame, an artificial sweetener found in mints, chewing gum, and ‘diet’ drinks. Fruit juice contains the high sugar levels of whole fruit without much of the nutritional value and is also not recommended. Adjusting to a bedwetting friendly diet is a win-win situation for parents and children alike. Since all of the foods recommended to improve bedwetting are also healthy life choices, the whole family can eat the same foods. This can help your child feel more accepted in the family unit and set up good eating habits for life.