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Coffee's caffeine can overstimulate the bladder, doctors warn, urging caution for three groups of people

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Coffee's caffeine content can stimulate the bladder, leading to increased urination frequency.
  • Three specific groups, those with overactive bladders, interstitial cystitis, or enlarged prostates, should be particularly cautious about coffee consumption.
  • Adjusting how and when coffee is consumed, such as avoiding it on an empty stomach or before long trips, can help mitigate its effects.

Drinking coffee, a daily ritual for many, can lead to frequent trips to the restroom, a phenomenon not merely in people's imagination. Dr. Li Wei-chuan, director of Gu Jia Urology in Taichung, explains that caffeine acts as a diuretic and directly irritates the bladder's smooth muscle, making it more sensitive. This sensitivity can trigger the urge to urinate even with small amounts of urine.

coffee has a diuretic effect and is irritating to the detrusor muscle, making the bladder more sensitive.

— Dr. Li Wei-chuanDirector of Gu Jia Urology in Taichung, explaining the physiological reasons behind increased urination after drinking coffee.

Research indicates that consuming as little as 4.5mg of caffeine per kilogram of body weight daily can significantly reduce the initial urge to urinate and the normal bladder capacity during the storage phase. Furthermore, it can increase the maximum urine flow rate, average flow rate, and voiding volume during the voiding phase, potentially worsening existing issues of frequent and urgent urination.

Caffeine can make the urge to urinate appear earlier, worsening frequent and urgent urination.

— Dr. Li Wei-chuanExplaining the impact of caffeine on bladder function based on research findings.

Dr. Li specifically warns three groups of people to be mindful of their coffee intake. Individuals with overactive bladder may experience intensified urgency and even urge incontinence. Those with interstitial cystitis, a condition involving bladder pain, might find coffee's acidity exacerbates their symptoms. Men with enlarged prostates already face narrowed urinary tracts, and caffeine-induced bladder contractions can increase voiding pressure.

Caffeine can exacerbate the sense of urgency, even leading to urge incontinence.

— Dr. Li Wei-chuanWarning individuals with overactive bladders about the effects of coffee.

For coffee lovers who wish to continue their habit, Dr. Li suggests several adjustments. Avoiding coffee on an empty stomach can reduce direct irritation to the stomach lining. Drinking an equivalent amount of water after coffee can dilute urine and lessen bladder wall irritation. Opting for low-acidity coffee beans, such as dark roasts or cold brews, may be gentler on the bladder. Finally, refraining from coffee for at least two hours before long journeys, drives, or important meetings can prevent inconvenient urgency.

Coffee is a highly acidic beverage that can irritate damaged bladder mucosa.

— Dr. Li Wei-chuanAdvising individuals with interstitial cystitis about coffee consumption.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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