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Home > Intermittent Self-Catheterization for Women > How the bladder works >  What can I do to keep my bladder healthy?

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Intermittent Self-Catheterization (Female)

What can I do to keep my bladder healthy?

Drink 6 to 8 cups a day of fluids that don’t irritate the bladder. 1 cup is equal to 250 mL.

Water is your best choice. If you don’t drink enough fluids, your urine (pee) will become concentrated and can irritate your bladder.

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Other things that irritate the bladder:

  • Caffein​e (including coffee, tea, and cola)
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  • Carbonated drinks, like pop and bubbly water (including “diet” pop or carbonated drinks)
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  • Nicotine
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  • Acidic foods and drinks, like apple, orange, lemon, and lime
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  • Spicy foods
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  • Tomato-based foods, including sauces, juices, and fresh tomatoes
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Try to limit how much of these foods and drinks you have.

Some medicines can also irritate the bladder. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the medicines you take.