Nocturnal Enuresis (bedwetting) is a common and embarrassing problem. There can be various factors that may play a role such as bladder size, a hormone imbalance, chronic constipation, a or a structural problem. Read More about Bed-wetting from Mayoclinic.org. But sometimes all it takes is a lab test. I have been helping kids and young adults identify food sensitivities that cause bedwetting since I learned about the link over 20 years ago at a nutritional medical conference.
The Food – Bedwetting Connection Evidence is Not New
A study done of 100 children in 1965 and published in the reputable Annals of Allergy showed the evidence but was long forgotten in conventional medicine. The study was summarized by Dr. James Breneman in 1978: “Of the 100 patients subjected to the food exclusion program, 87 were completely controlled as long as they avoided their particular food allergens … The average number of days to control these 87 was 4.87 … the ingestion of a food to which the patient was sensitive would temporarily reproduce enuresis.” 2 Of the 100 children, 13 did not improve due to non-compliance or other explanations such as bladder infection, inflammation, and a physical obstacle restricting flow of the urine out of the bladder.
Food Sensitivities are Not Food Allergies
Despite the words often being used interchangeably, there is a difference.
Food allergy symptoms are sudden (minutes to hours) and often dramatic such as with peanuts. An Epi Pen is often needed, and the person must never eat the food. Testing for food allergies will not rule out food sensitivities.
Food sensitivities are different. The time from ingestion to symptoms developing can be hours or even days later. This is why people do not associate their symptoms with ingesting the food. Sensitivities to foods can cause a wide variety of other chronic symptoms besides bedwetting: headaches, gastrointestinal issues, musculoskeletal pain, mental and emotional changes, skin issues and more.
Are Foods Causing Your Symptoms?
Please refer to our article: Are Foods Causing Your Symptoms? Understanding Testing Options.
Sources:
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bed-wetting/symptoms-causes/syc-20366685?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=abstract&utm_content=Nocturnal-enuresis&utm_campaign=Knowledge-panel
- Breneman JC. Nocturnal Enuresis, A Treatment. Annals of Allergy. 1965;185-191. (summarized in Dr. Beneman’s book, Basics of Food Allergy, 1978, Chapter 8, pages 54-66., as cited on in an article by Jonathan V Wright, MD, at https://www.meridianvalleylab.com/stop-that-bedwetting/.)