The keto diet is a trendy way to lose weight quickly, but it requires significant changes to your diet that can impact some people’s bodies. Today we’re going to talk about keto and bladder irritation.
Can the keto diet cause changes that can lead to bladder irritation? In this post, we’ll dive into this topic and determine if keto might be the cause of bladder issues.
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Ketosis and Bladder Irritation
The first question many people have is whether ketosis can cause bladder irritation. As you may know, ketosis is when the body starts to convert fat into ketones to use for energy. This occurs when you reduce carbohydrates to a low level and there are not enough to fuel the body.
Since ketosis is a major change in the body, many people wonder if ketosis is safe or not. The short answer is that it’s safe for most people, but read the linked post to learn more.
On its own, ketosis is not likely to cause bladder irritation. Excess ketones in the body are removed through urine, but ketones don’t usually cause bladder issues. If you have bladder irritation on a keto diet, it’s not likely related to high ketone levels in urine.
Can Keto Cause Bladder Irritation?
Ketones don’t cause bladder issues, but some side effects of the keto diet may impact your bladder. Here are a few of the potential causes for bladder irritation on keto:
- Dehydration: A ketogenic diet can lead to increased fluid loss and dehydration as the body uses stored glycogen, which holds water. Dehydration can irritate the bladder and make you more prone to urinary tract infections (UTIs). Staying well-hydrated can help alleviate this issue.
- High protein intake: Some people on a ketogenic diet consume large amounts of protein. High protein intake can lead to increased production of uric acid, which can irritate the bladder lining and increase the risk of kidney stones. Balancing protein intake and ensuring proper hydration are essential to avoid these issues.
- Acidic urine: A ketogenic diet can cause the urine to become more acidic, irritating the bladder lining. Drinking plenty of water and consuming alkaline foods like leafy greens can help balance the urine pH.
- Food sensitivities: Some individuals may have food sensitivities or allergies to specific components of a ketogenic diet, such as dairy, eggs, or certain types of fats. These sensitivities could potentially cause bladder irritation or other symptoms. Identifying and eliminating problem foods can help alleviate symptoms.
It’s important to note that individual experiences and reactions to a ketogenic diet can vary. If you suspect ketosis or a ketogenic diet may be causing bladder irritation, consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and recommendations.
How to Relieve Bladder Irritation on Keto
If you are having bladder problems on the keto diet, you should consult a doctor, but there are a few things that you can try on your own to remedy the situation.
Stay Hydrated
The first and most important thing to try is to get hydrated. Many people on the keto diet experience symptoms of dehydration. Drinking plenty of water can help flush out the bladder. This can reduce many of the causes that were listed above.
In addition to water, some people find that drinking bone or chicken broth can help with hydration by replacing some fluid and sodium. Sodium intake can also be lower when on the keto diet.
Reduce Caffeine and Alcohol Consumption
You’ll also want to limit caffeine and alcohol intake. Both of these can contribute to dehydration issues and contribute to bladder pain. In general, you can drink some alcohol on keto, but if you are experiencing problems, you should limit it. Caffeine is a diuretic, so it will cause water to leave the body.
Eat Anti-inflammatory Foods
Some inflammatory foods can also contribute to blade irritation and even muscle and joint pain. Eating anti-inflammatory foods can help to reverse this. These foods include leafy greens, nuts and seeds, and fatty fish like salmon. It’s amazing how your nutrition can impact the body so much.
Avoid Acidic Foods
One cause of bladder irritation can be high acid levels in the urine. The best way to reduce this is to stop consuming acidic foods. These are foods like tomatoes, citrus, and vinegar. You may already be limiting these foods on the keto diet, but think about the foods you eat that taste acidic. For example, if you’re eating Italian salad dressing, you probably consume more vinegar than expected.
Other Ideas
To help relieve symptoms quickly, you can apply a heating pad to the area. Using the restroom frequently can also help as you want to empty your bladder as soon as possible to keep the irritants from building up. Finally, if all else fails, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen.
Conclusion
Ketosis is usually not a major cause of bladder pain, but the keto diet can cause side effects that may contribute to bladder irritation. These include dehydration, high protein intake, acidic urine, and some food sensitivities. If you experience bladder irritation on the keto diet, you can try a few remedies. If the issues persist, you should reach out to a healthcare professional.
