How Dietary Patterns Affect the Development of Overactive Bladder

Recent research highlights the significant impact of dietary habits on the risk of developing overactive bladder (OAB), a condition characterized by a sudden urge to urinate and frequent urination. A study published in Frontiers in Nutrition on May 12, 2025, examined various dietary patterns and their association with OAB risk. The study, led by Yiming Ding from the Qilu Hospital of Shandong University in China, utilized principal component analysis (PCA) to identify four distinct dietary patterns after adjusting for known confounding factors.

The identified patterns include an antioxidant-balanced diet, a diversified low-alcohol diet, a whole-grain high-alcohol diet, and a high-fiber low-sugar diet. The findings revealed that the antioxidant-balanced, diversified low-alcohol, and high-fiber low-sugar dietary patterns were linked to a reduced risk of developing OAB. Conversely, the whole-grain high-alcohol pattern exhibited a dual effect: it was protective when considered alone but increased OAB risk when combined with high-fiber, low-sugar diets.

These results suggest that dietary habits are independent factors influencing bladder health. The authors emphasize that adopting balanced and moderate dietary practices could be a crucial strategy for preventing or managing overactive bladder. The research underscores the importance of personalized nutrition interventions and encourages a focus on dietary quality, including antioxidant intake, moderation of alcohol, and high fiber consumption.

For more detailed information, refer to the full study: Yiming Ding et al, "Relationship between dietary patterns and overactive bladder: a cross-sectional study of NHANES 2013 to 2023," published in Frontiers in Nutrition. Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-dietary-patterns-overactive-bladder.html