It’s a shocking link.
A new study suggests that a diet high in junk food could contribute to urinary incontinence in middle-aged women. Women who frequently consume fast food or processed snacks are more likely to experience bladder control issues, according to research published in the journal Women’s Health.
The study found that regularly eating processed or fast food increased the risk of developing urinary incontinence by 50%. Lead researcher Mari Kuutti from the University of Jyväskylä in Finland explained that a diet high in these foods raises the likelihood of both stress and urgency incontinence. On the other hand, a diet rich in fruits and overall higher quality foods was shown to decrease the risk of stress incontinence.
Urinary incontinence, which affects up to 45% of women worldwide, becomes more common with age as the pelvic floor muscles weaken. However, researchers speculated that poor dietary choices could further impact muscle function, given that nutrients like protein, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids are vital for muscle health.
The study involved nearly 1,100 Finnish women aged 47 to 55, with over half reporting pelvic floor problems, including urinary incontinence. The findings revealed that those who consumed more fast food were at higher risk for both stress incontinence, where urine leaks due to pressure on the bladder, and urgency incontinence, where there’s a sudden urge to urinate.
Researchers noted that processed and fast foods could contribute to oxidative stress and inflammation, factors linked to urinary incontinence. Conversely, fruit, which is rich in antioxidants, was found to lower the risk of these issues. The study concluded that women at risk of incontinence should be advised to adopt healthier eating habits.
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