The Effects Of Probiotics On Incontinence
Your gut isn’t just about digestion. It’s command central for your immune system, your mood, and yes, your continence.
If your gut’s off, don’t be surprised if your bladder or bowels follow.
Let’s get into why.
The Gut & Incontinence Link
Most people separate the bladder, bowel, and digestion. Big mistake.
The gut microbiome, that dense jungle of bacteria living inside your digestive tract, influences inflammation, nerve signalling, and muscle control. All of these matter for continence.
Gut dysbiosis (imbalanced bacteria) has been linked to both urge urinary incontinence and faecal incontinence.
IBS and IBD often coexist with bladder dysfunction, not a coincidence.
An inflamed gut often means an overactive bladder or unpredictable bowel.
This isn’t fringe science. It’s real biology.
What Probiotics & Fermented Foods Do
Not all probiotics are created equal. And not all fermented foods survive digestion. But the right strains, in the right amounts, can strengthen the gut lining, reduce chronic inflammation, regulate motility (the speed your bowels empty), and rebalance the gut flora (which impacts neurotransmitters involved in bladder and bowel control).
Fermented foods such as kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, kombucha, and live yoghurt are some of the best natural ways to repopulate beneficial bacteria when eaten consistently.
So... Does It Help Incontinence?
The data is emerging but promising, for example, lactobacillus strains have shown a reduction in bladder irritation in some studies.
Fermented dairy products improved constipation in elderly adults, indirectly helping faecal incontinence.
A balanced microbiome may reduce urgency and frequency across both the bladder and the bowel.
You’re not curing anything overnight. But if you're ignoring your gut, you're ignoring a core part of the incontinence puzzle.
Start Small, Think Long
Adding fermented foods isn’t a miracle. But it’s a strategy that aligns with your body’s systems, not against them.
Don’t overload suddenly, go slow to avoid bloating or cramps.
Prioritise quality, look for “live cultures” or “unpasteurised” labels.
Pair it with prebiotics (fibres that feed good bacteria) like garlic, leeks, oats, and bananas.
Track what works for your body. Not everything will.
Your bladder. Your bowels. Your gut. They’re in conversation, whether you realise it or not.
Fermented foods don’t fix everything. But they might be the quiet reset your body’s been asking for.
Bladder and bowel incontinence may be caused by conditions which can be treated medically. Please consult your physician for medical advice and guidance. All sources used in this article are cited below.
