Is Holding Your Pee Bad For You?
Also Known As: holding your urine
Short answer
Holding your pee is not bad for you, but as soon as you find a bathroom it's best you go!
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
It happens to the best of us. You end up at the wrong place at the wrong time, not a bathroom in sight, and you are way past the "I gotta go" feeling. So, should you worry?
As you consume liquids throughout the day, your bladder begins to fill up. Receptors in the bladder wall send a signal to the brain when it's about half way full (anywhere from 50-500 mL depending on bladder size), telling us it's time to find a bathroom. They also alert the brain to hold the urine (using the detrusor muscle) until you safely arrive at a toilet. Those who are prone to urinary tract infections, should relieve themselves as soon as possible. When holding urine, bacteria in the bladder has the chance to multiply. This could result in an infection, but note that this is extremely rare and is more likely if you have a bad habit of "holding it".
In most cases, holding your pee in too long will simply lead to you wetting your pants. How long you can hold it completely depends on your bladder size and willpower. Myths also claim that holding your urine too long can rupture the bladder, however, research has proven this to be false.
Possible short-term side effects
- uncomfortable
-
eventually wet pants
-
embarrassment
Possible long-term side effects
Healthier alternatives
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Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Kathan Natrajan
Published on: 12-27-2015
Last updated: 12-10-2016
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Kathan Natrajan
Published on: 12-27-2015
Last updated: 12-10-2016
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