Simple Strategies for Incontinence at Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving from Healthwick!

Thanksgiving is one of those rare days built for connection — the smells, the shared plates, and the extra time with family and friends make it feel special. For the millions of people managing incontinence, the holiday doesn’t pause just because the calendar does, and that can add stress for those living with symptoms and for the loved ones who care for them.

The good news: with a little planning most people can enjoy the day with far more confidence and comfort.

Below we’ll dive into simple tips you can use whether you’re hosting, or attending, so everyone can focus on the moments that matter.

Foods to Avoid

Many Thanksgiving dishes are comfort food for a reason, but some of those same favourites can also irritate the bladder or increase urgency for people with incontinence.

Everyone's body is different, so it's important to experiment with different foods to see which ones make your symptoms worse or better. If you’re unsure which foods affect you, here are some things to look out for:

• Sugary Foods: High sugar and preservatives can aggravate bladder symptoms in some people.
  • Examples: cranberry sauce, pies and desserts 

• Highly Acidic Foods: The acidity can cause inflammation and irritation the lining of the bladder, resulting in an overactive bladder. 
  • Examples: citrus glazed carrots/ham

• Caffeinated Items: Caffeine stimulates the bladder and can act as a mild diuretic, making urgency and frequency worse.
  • Examples: coffee, chocolate

Drink the Right Things

What you sip matters almost as much as what you eat — the right drinks can keep you comfortable, while the wrong ones can trigger sudden urgency.

• Coffee:
  • Caffeine stimulates the bladder and can act as a mild diuretic, making urgency and frequency worse. Even decaf coffee can irritate the bladder, so avoid it entirely.
• Alcohol: 
  • Alcohol is a diuretic and a bladder irritant — it increases urine production, can sharpen urgency, and may blunt your awareness of bladder signals so accidents become more likely.

• Drink water instead: 
  • Choose water as your go-to drink and keep sipping it steadily; although this may increase how often you need the restroom, under-hydration makes urine more concentrated and can aggravate the bladder.

Know your Schedule

Knowing your own schedule is a quiet superpower — paying attention to when you typically feel the urge (and pre-voiding before you leave or sit down) reduces anxiety and often prevents accidents before they start.

At gatherings, choose a seat near the restroom, scope out the quickest exit route, and have a polite “I’ll be right back” line ready so you can leave without fuss.

Prepare for Accidents

Accidents can happen at a moments notice, and nothing feels scarier than not being prepared. That's why we always prioritize thinking ahead and packing an emergency incontinence kit with you on the go. Here are the types of products we always recommend bringing with you.

• Underpads: Underpads protect chairs from leaks and makes cleanup quick and discreet. The protective barrier will allow you to relax and enjoy your evening instead of worrying about accidents.

Tranquility Heavy-Duty Underpads	Medline Ultrasorb Advanced+ 300 Underpads	Prevail Super Absorbent Underpads

• Wipes and Washcloths: These products let yocu freshen up quickly and discreetly after an accident, removing moisture and residue without fuss.

NorthShore Supreme Quilted Wipes	TENA ProSkin Ultra Scent-Free Washcloths	Attends Aloe Washcloths

• Barrier Creams: Barrier creams create a thin protective layer that shields skin from moisture, friction, and pressure during long periods of sitting, helping prevent soreness and incontinence-associated irritation.

Coloplast Sween 24 Dimethicone Cream Moisturizing Skin Protectant	TENA ProSkin Barrier Cream	Medline Remedy Phytoplex Hydraguard

Check out our article about our top suggestions for packing your own incontinence kit here.

Know When to Say No

Setting boundaries is the most important part of self-care around the holidays: you might want to be everywhere, but it’s okay — and often wise — to skip events that feel too stressful or likely to make your symptoms worse. Choose the gatherings you can comfortably attend, say “no” when you need to, and remember that doing less so you can actually enjoy the moments you do attend is perfectly valid. Above all, prioritizing your health and dignity lets you celebrate on your terms, not anyone else’s timetable.

We're here to help. If you have any questions or need some help, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us. Happy Thanksgiving!

Take Care!