Nutrition

As with most conditions, a healthy diet can go a long way in the path towards improvement.

Bedwetting is not caused by the consumption of any specific food, however, certain foods and drinks have been known to trigger or increase the likelihood of wetting the bed. If your child wets the bed, they may find some relief if certain foods are withheld in the evening.

There is a lot of misinformation and many unproven “facts” online in relation to diet, so it’s a good idea to run any new food ideas past your doctor before you begin.

FOODS TO AVOID

Try withholding these foods and drinks after 4pm, as they have been linked with bedwetting.

• Caffeine
• Chocolate
• Salt
• All drinks, which are high in sugar

CONSTIPATION AND BEDWETTING

Constipation is a more common cause of bedwetting than many people realise. Blockages in the rectum can press against the bladder, causing its capacity to be reduced. Dietary modifications are the main way to treat constipation. Try introducing high fibre foods, such as these, to your child’s diet, as well as plenty of water:

• Whole grains
• Bran or barley cereals
• Natural Greek yoghurt
• Celery and lettuce
• Pears, apples, plums, peaches, and grapes

Try to avoid all foods made with white flour, such as white bread and pasta, and stick to whole grains instead. Too much cheese can also cause constipation.

HOW A BEDWETTING AND NUTRITION JOURNAL CAN HELP

Keeping a bedwetting journal with notes about what your child ate that day may allow you to identify a pattern and single out certain foods, which may be triggering bedwetting. Every child is different, so the only way to find out is to observe and take note.

If your child is old enough, they may even like figuring this out for themselves and keeping their own journal.