3 Foods to Avoid With Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (PFD) occurs when the muscles and tissues that support the pelvic organs become weakened or damaged. Common symptoms of PFD include urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and sexual dysfunction. To manage PFD symptoms, patients greatly benefit from pelvic floor physical therapy Massachusetts and staying mindful of their dietary choices. To offer some guidance, our specialists at Peak Physical Therapy have outlined the main foods to avoid with pelvic floor dysfunction.

Caffeine

Caffeine is a stimulant that can increase bladder activity and lead to frequent urination and incontinence. Our experts in pelvic floor physical therapy Massachusetts advise against excessive caffeine intake for those with PFD, as it can further irritate the bladder and worsen these symptoms.

Common Foods/Drinks with Caffeine:

• Coffee
• Tea
• Soda
• Chocolate
• Kola nuts

Spicy and Acidic Foods

Spicy and acidic foods can aggravate the bladder and cause pelvic pain and discomfort. For those with PFD, our physical therapist Norwell MA recommends reducing or eliminating spicy and acidic foods to help.

Spicy/Acidic Foods to Avoid with Pelvic Floor Dysfunction:

• Tomatoes
• Citrus fruits (lemons, limes, oranges, grapefruit)
• Vinegar
• Hot sauce
• Chili peppers
• Salsa
• Mustard

Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners are commonly found in diet sodas, sugar-free snacks, and low-calorie desserts. While they may seem like a healthier alternative to sugar, they can irritate the bladder and cause urinary urgency, frequency, and leakage.

Common Artificial Sweeteners:

• Aspartame
• Saccharin
• Sucralose
• Sugar alcohols (xylitol, erythritol, sorbitol)

What Foods Are Safe to Consume with PFD?

To ensure a healthy and balanced diet for those with PFD, patients should consume foods that are high in fiber, rich in nutrients, and have a high water content.

Patients Should Eat/Drink More:

• Low-acidity fruits and vegetables (apples, pineapples, bananas, watermelon, berries)
• Lean protein sources (chicken, fish, turkey)
• Whole grains (brown rice, quinoa, whole wheat bread)
• Nuts, seeds, and legumes
• Water or non-caffeinated herbal teas

Consult With Our Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Massachusetts Specialists

While these are common foods to avoid with pelvic floor dysfunction, patients must remember that everyone's body reacts differently. Foods that triggers symptoms for one person may have no affect on another. Our specialists at Peak Physical Therapy recommend patients keep a food diary to help them identify their specific trigger foods, along with incorporating pelvic floor physical therapy Massachusetts to manage their PFD symptoms. To learn more about our personalized treatment plans, please visit our website.

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