| schema:text
| - Last Updated on September 10, 2024 by Dr. Saumya Saluja
Quick Take
A social media post claims that eating dates can cure bed-wetting in kids. We did the fact check to term this claim as False.
The Claim
According to a post circulating on Threads, eating dates can cure bed-wetting in kids.
Fact Check
Can eating dates cure bed-wetting in kids?
No, eating dates cannot cure bed-wetting in children. Bed-wetting, also called nocturnal enuresis, is a common issue in kids, especially those under the age of 5. Although dates are rich in nutrients like potassium, magnesium, and fibre, there is no scientific evidence supporting the claim that they can directly treat bed-wetting. Bed-wetting is generally a developmental issue that can result from various factors. Studies have not proven that dietary interventions, including dates, address the underlying causes of bed-wetting. Similar to this, there are also claims like dates can enhance memory, but even that is largely false.
We got valuable insights from Dr Unmesh Upadhyay, President of Paediatric Association of Ahemdabad (2023 -24), Founder and Senior Consultant Pediatrician at Vismay Childcare Hospital, Ahmedabad. He says, “Bed-wetting is a common occurrence in children, often due to factors such as delayed bladder development, deep sleep, hormonal imbalances, obstructive sleep apnea or snoring, constipation, and stress. It may also be hereditary. While it can be concerning for parents, most children grow out of it over time.”
Dr Upadhyay further explains, “Effective management strategies include regular voiding during the daytime, passing urine before bedtime, avoiding high-sugar and caffeine-based drinks, and keeping a diary of bed-wetting events. Regulating fluid intake is also helpful, with daily intake ideally divided into 40% in the morning (7 AM to 12 PM), 40% in the afternoon (12 PM to 5 PM), and 20% in the late evening (after 5 PM). Using bed-wetting alarms is another option. Although dates are nutritious, there is no scientific evidence to suggest they can cure bed-wetting, as the condition is not influenced by diet.”
What are the causes of bed-wetting in children?
Bed-wetting can happen due to a combination of factors, and diet alone does not play a significant role in preventing or treating the condition. Common causes include:
- Delayed bladder control: Some children’s bladders may not develop the ability to hold urine for the entire night until later than their peers.
- Hormonal imbalances: The body produces less antidiuretic hormone (ADH) during sleep to reduce urine production. Some children may not produce enough ADH, leading to bed-wetting.
- Genetics: A family history of bed-wetting can increase the chances of this condition.
- Deep sleep: Some children may sleep so deeply that their brain doesn’t respond to the bladder’s signals that it is full.
- Psychological factors: Emotional factors, including stress or changes in a child’s routine, can contribute to bed-wetting.
Moreover, bed-wetting can also be a complication of juvenile diabetes due to increased urination caused by high blood sugar levels. This is because the body tries to flush out excess glucose through the urine, often leading to more frequent bathroom trips, even during sleep. None of these causes can be directly influenced by the consumption of dates.
Are there any dietary changes that can help with bed-wetting?
No, there are no specific dietary changes that are scientifically proven to cure or significantly reduce bed-wetting. A healthy diet is essential for overall well-being, but no specific food, including dates, has been linked to improvements in bed-wetting. It is advisable, however, to avoid excess fluid intake, especially caffeinated or sugary drinks, in the evening. This is important because this can increase urine production and may worsen bed-wetting at night.
We asked Dr Swati Dave, PhD in Food and Nutrition, whether diet can play a role in curing bed-wetting. She says, “No single food can directly prevent or cure bed-wetting in children. Providing a balanced diet to your child is important for their overall health, adding foods like dates won’t have an impact on bed-wetting. Instead, it’s more helpful to focus on healthy eating habits and limiting fluids—especially sugary or caffeinated drinks—later in the day, as these can increase the chances of bed-wetting. If bed-wetting continues to be a concern, it’s always a good idea to talk to a healthcare professional rather than trying to fix it through diet alone.”
What are the proven methods to manage bed-wetting?
There are several evidence-based approaches to manage bed-wetting in children, but dietary interventions are not one of them. Proven methods include:
- Bladder training: Encouraging the child to go to the bathroom regularly and to hold urine for longer periods during the day can help improve bladder control.
- Limiting drinks before bedtime: Reducing fluid intake in the evening can help minimise the chances of bed-wetting.
- Bed-wetting alarms: These alarms can wake a child when they begin to urinate which can train their brain to respond to bladder signals during sleep.
- Medication: In some cases, doctors may prescribe medication such as desmopressin, which reduces urine production at night.
Finally, consulting a healthcare professional is the best course of action for parents who are seeking a solution for this condition.
What should parents know about bed-wetting?
Parents should understand that bed-wetting is a common childhood condition and, in most cases, resolves as the child grows older. It is important not to view it as a problem that can be “cured” with a quick fix, such as eating certain foods. Instead, parents should focus on supportive and evidence-based approaches like those mentioned above. We strongly advise consulting a healthcare professional if the issue persists beyond the typical age range. Generally, children learn to control their bladder by age 7; however, accidents can still happen beyond this age.
THIP Media Take
The claim that eating dates can cure bed-wetting in children is false. Dates offer various health benefits, but they do not have any proven effect on preventing or curing bed-wetting. Bed-wetting is usually a developmental issue. We recommend that parents should focus on medically-backed approaches rather than relying on unproven home remedies. If bed-wetting persists, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional.
|
![[RDF Data]](/fct/images/sw-rdf-blue.png)
![[cxml]](/fct/images/cxml_doc.png)
![[csv]](/fct/images/csv_doc.png)
![[text]](/fct/images/ntriples_doc.png)
![[turtle]](/fct/images/n3turtle_doc.png)
![[ld+json]](/fct/images/jsonld_doc.png)
![[rdf+json]](/fct/images/json_doc.png)
![[rdf+xml]](/fct/images/xml_doc.png)
![[atom+xml]](/fct/images/atom_doc.png)
![[html]](/fct/images/html_doc.png)