Can your Child’s Urine Acidity Affect Bedwetting?

It's easy to overlook, but urine acidity actually plays a bigger role in bedwetting than most people realise. If your child has frequent accidents, particularly at night, a low pH could be a key cause. We want to help them manage these accidents, so let’s see how we can address the root cause.

So What’s pH Anyway?

Alright, science time! pH is just a fancy way of measuring how acidic or alkaline something is. The scale goes from 0 to 14:

• A pH of 7 is neutral (think pure water).
• A pH below 7 is acidic (the lower the number, the more acidic it is).
• A pH above 7 is alkaline (the higher the number, the more alkaline it is).
  
  

Now, what about wee? Normal urine is more on the acidic side, with a pH ranging from about 4.5 to 8 on the scale. But if it gets too acidic, it can make things uncomfortable—like more bladder irritation, more night-time accidents, and less control over leaks. No fun.

What’s Making Wee So Acidic?

There are a few sneaky culprits that encourage pee to turn acidic. 
Let’s find out what they are…

1. What’s On The Plate?

Some food and drinks can crank up the acidity of pee, making the bladder a little grumpier than usual:

• High-protein foods: Meat, dairy, or other protein-rich foods are fantastic for growing those mighty muscles, but can lower urine pH. The more protein your child eats, the more amino acids are produced, tipping the balance towards the acidic side.
  
  
• Citrus fruits and juices: While citrus fruits like oranges and lemons are healthy and super yummy, they can lead to more acidic urine once processed by the body. 
  
  
• Processed foods and sugar: We all love a cheeky treat, but too many sugary and processed goodies can disrupt the body's natural pH balance, making wee more acidic and the bladder more irritable.

2. Not Enough H2O!

Kids tend to be super busy throughout the day—whether they’re swinging on monkey bars, exploring their favourite activities, or getting creative. While distracted by all the fun, they may forget to drink enough water throughout the day. When the body is dehydrated, urine becomes more concentrated, leaving less water to dilute waste products. Since kids have smaller bladders, dehydration can make it more difficult for them to hold it in.

Encourage your little one to sip water throughout the day, not just when they’re thirsty. A fun water bottle with their favourite character on it might just do the trick!

3. Health Challenges 

Some food and drinks can crank up the acidity of pee, making the bladder a little grumpier than usual Certain health conditions can cause your child's wee to be more acidic.

Let's see what they could be:

• Infections: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in children and can alter urine pH levels. Certain bacteria in UTIs could irritate the bladder and lead to more frequent "uh-oh" moments.
  
  

• Tummy Troubles: No one likes ongoing diarrhoea or vomiting. If it’s frequent, it can lead to a loss of bicarbonate in the body, which increases urine acidity. 
  
  

• Stress and Worries: Children, especially school-aged kids, may experience stress or anxiety. Big feelings can mean big changes in the body! Stress can mess with eating habits, disrupt sleep, and even change the way the body processes food—all of which can throw pH levels out of whack.
  
  
  
  

How Does Urine Acidity Affect Urinary Incontinence in Kids?

When wee gets too acidic, it’s like a little troublemaker in the bladder, making it extra sensitive and a bit unpredictable. That can mean more daytime dashes to the toilet and extra surprises at night. Here’s what’s going on:

Bladder Irritation

Acidic urine can make the bladder extra sensitive, meaning more "gotta go NOW!" moments.

Sensory Sensitivity

For kids with sensory troubles, high acidity can be even more uncomfortable. Nighttime bedwetting can disrupt their sleep patterns, leaving them to feel tired, irritable, and less able to manage their daytime incontinence.

How Can You Help

Here are some simple fixes to help keep things in check:

✔ Encourage drinking water:

Make sure your child drinks plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and help dilute their urine.

✔ Balance their diet:

Swap out some high-protein, sugary, or acidic foods for fruits, veggies, and whole grains. They can be tasty too!

✔ Monitor medications:

If your child is on any medication or supplements, check with their doctor to make sure they aren’t contributing to increased urine acidity.

✔ Create a stress-free environment:

Anxiety can make incontinence worse, so keeping things relaxed, supportive, and pressure-free can make a big difference.

When to See a Doctor

If accidents keep happening, seem painful, or are getting trickier to manage, it’s a good idea to check in with a doctor. Sometimes, there’s more going on behind the scenes, and a little expert advice can make all the difference.

Now that you know how urine acidity can shake things up, a few simple tweaks—more water, a balanced diet, and a stress-free approach—can help keep things on track. And remember, a little mess is just part of growing up, so keep it light, keep it fun, and keep cheering your kiddo on.