A new study from the University of Jyväskylä in Finland has found that eating habits may play a role in the development of urinary incontinence in middle-aged women.
Women who frequently ate highly processed foods and fast food were more likely to experience symptoms of stress and urgency urinary incontinence. In contrast, those who ate more fruits and followed a higher-quality diet had a lower risk of these symptoms.
What Causes Urinary Incontinence?
Urinary incontinence is a common condition that affects many women as they age, especially during menopause. The main types studied were:
- Stress urinary incontinence (SUI): Leaking urine when coughing, sneezing, or exercising.
- Urgency urinary incontinence (UUI): A sudden, strong urge to urinate, often leading to leaks.
As women approach menopause, their bodies go through hormonal changes, including a drop in estrogen levels. These changes, along with natural aging and childbirth history, can weaken the pelvic floor muscles, which support the bladder and other organs.
While aging and hormonal changes are well-known risk factors, lifestyle choices—such as diet and eating habits—may also play a role in the development of pelvic floor disorders, according to this study.
The Link Between Eating Habits and Urinary Incontinence
Researchers examined the eating behaviors of over 1,000 women between the ages of 47 and 55 who participated in the ERMA study. The study focused on how different foods and eating patterns affected their risk of pelvic floor disorders.
Key findings include:
- Unhealthy eating habits (such as frequently consuming processed foods and fast food) were linked to a higher risk of stress and urgency urinary incontinence.
- Healthier diets, particularly those rich in fruits, were associated with a lower risk of stress urinary incontinence.
- Women who engaged in disordered eating, such as overeating, restrictive eating, or alternating between the two, were more likely to experience pelvic floor symptoms than those with normal eating habits.
Why Does Diet Matter?
The connection between processed foods and pelvic floor disorders is not entirely clear, but researchers believe it may be due to inflammation, weight gain, and poor digestion. Processed foods often contain unhealthy fats, high salt, and additives, which may negatively affect overall muscle and nerve function.
On the other hand, a diet rich in fruits provides essential vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, which support muscle function, reduce inflammation, and promote healthy digestion—all factors that could contribute to a stronger pelvic floor.
What This Means for Women’s Health
The study highlights the importance of healthy eating patterns for preventing urinary incontinence and maintaining pelvic health. Women experiencing or at risk for these symptoms should be encouraged to adopt a balanced diet and avoid excessive consumption of processed and fast foods.
Future Considerations
Since over half of the women in the study reported experiencing pelvic floor disorders, these conditions are highly common and should be addressed as a public health concern.
Future research may further explore the biological mechanisms linking diet and pelvic floor health. In the meantime, nutrition counseling and guidance toward healthier eating habits could be beneficial in preventing or managing urinary incontinence in middle-aged women.
If you care about nutrition, please read studies about berry that can prevent cancer, diabetes, and obesity, and the harm of vitamin D deficiency you need to know.
For more information about nutrition, please see recent studies about the connection between potatoes and high blood pressure, and results showing why turmeric is a health game-changer.
The research findings can be found in Women’s Health.
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