“Drink at least 8 glasses of water in a day.”

The phrase has been imprinted deep into our minds. Water is the building block of life. To stay healthy and hydrated, humans need to drink an adequate amount of water throughout the day to stay healthy and hydrated. But does the same formula apply to people with incontinence?

Incontinence is the loss of control over bladder and bowel movements. It happens because the muscles and nerves around the bladder become weak, causing leaks now and then. When frequent urine leaks start affecting your everyday life, cutting down on fluids looks like a tempting idea. However, limiting the water intake during the day not only worsens incontinence but can also cause other health issues.

So, what is the appropriate “Water schedule” for a person with incontinence? Let’s explore more on this matter.

Should You Avoid Drinking Water During Incontinence?

People with incontinence avoid drinking excess fluids. The constant fear of a leak or accident in public forces them to limit their consumption of water and juices and start relying on incontinence products. 

The notion that drinking less water will ease the bladder is entirely incorrect. The human body needs to remain hydrated; avoiding water leads to dehydration. According to the National Association For Continence (NAFC), dehydration causes the urine inside the bladder to become extremely concentrated. The highly concentrated urine irritates the bladder, and you feel a burning sensation while urinating. An irritated bladder also increases the urge to visit the bathroom.

Dehydration can lead to headaches, dizziness, lack of concentration, and constipation. Constipation is indirectly related to urinary incontinence because the strained bowel movements put pressure on the bladder, which weakens the pelvic floor muscles.

It also allows the waste material and other substances to build up inside your urinary tract making the urine more concentrated and acidic. Besides, concentrated urine has a more pungent smell, making leaks more visible to others, even if you wear disposable diapers and pull-up underwear.

Is Drinking More Helpful During Incontinence?

On the other hand, drinking more fluids may seem stupid, but the fact is excessive water intake can help you fight incontinence.

Our body is full of fluids, constantly using water to replace the lost fluid. Failure to drink enough water can lead to dehydration. The urine becomes darker, cloudy, and extremely stinky, making your incontinence more visible to others.

Drinking more water helps the kidneys filter excess waste and other substances. Due to proper filtration, the urinary tract functions smoothly, and the urine remains diluted. But this doesn’t mean you have to gulp down drink after drink. Instead, you must drink small amounts of water and fluid throughout the day. Instead of gushing down all the liquid, drink slowly, and take small sips.

It will help to strike a balance between too much and too little. Drinking excess water means more usage of incontinence pads, whereas drinking less means depriving your body of the necessary amount of fluids.

How Much Water Should You Drink If You Are Dealing With Incontinence? 

Here are a few tips you can observe for drinking adequate water without overfilling your bladder.

Try To Stay Hydrated 

You want to keep your body hydrated and healthy. Drink as much water as your body needs. On average, a person must drink about 6-8 glasses daily. But it all depends on your body and level of physical activity. 

The color of the urine also gives clues on if you are well-hydrated. Light-colored urine means you are more hydrated, whereas darker, yellow-colored urine means your urine is very concentrated, and you may need to drink more. Crystal clear urine indicates an over-hydrated body. At the same time, healthy urine is a pale straw color.

Keep A Bladder Diary 

A bladder diary is a great way to track the relationship between your fluid intake and the frequency of urination. Maintain it for a few days and pay close attention to how fluid intake affects your bladder. It will also give you an idea about how and what fluids cause leakage and accidents. With the help of a bladder diary, you can effectively time your water intake.

Limit Fluid Intake Before Bedtime 

Do you suffer from nocturia or bedwetting? Have you been relying on bed pads or overnight diapers? Then, it would help if you avoid fluids 2-4 hours before bedtime. Nightly bathroom trips are especially difficult for people using canes and walkers to move around the house.

The best practice is to drink most of your water in the morning and the afternoon. Moreover, avoid caffeinated drinks, including alcohol and tea, before bed.

Drink When Thirsty 

Our body needs water to function smoothly. Thirst is the number one indicator of the water required by your body. Never put off your thirst and drink sufficient fluids to keep the body healthy. Just remember to take small sips. Gulping down a glass of water in one large sip could overwhelm the bladder leading to incontinence.

Final Words 

Drink as much water as possible because AvaCare Medical Online Store is here to preserve your dignity. Our inventory holds quality products manufactured by high-end brands, including FitRight, Medline, McKesson, MoliCare, Prevail, Tranquility, and TENA. The products we deliver are highly absorbent and comfortable to use. Just call us for whatever you wish to buy, and our experts will walk you through our extensive inventory. Contact us at 1.877.813.7799.