Use Diet And Nature To Control And Conquer Overactive Bladder

Lifestyle and dietary changes

1. Avoid sugars, artificial sweeteners and caffeine and alcohol, which promote rapid release of urine. Ingest foods containing vitamin C. Cranberries prevent bacteria growth in urine and prevent bacteria from sticking to the bladder walls. Fiber helps by absorbing water.

2. Staying active and maintaining weight control can be essential. One way or another, just get moving – because many health problems, including urinary incontinence, are associated with obesity and lack of activity. Studies have shown that weight loss can greatly decrease overactive bladder.

3. Acupuncture can strengthen the urogenital system, tone the pelvic muscles and increase blood flow to the bladder. Acupuncture also boosts the immune system, diminishes swelling, and keeps hormones in balance.

4. Drink plenty of water every day in order to keep your urinary tract properly cleansed. Note: You should not drink liquids right before bedtime and should also limit liquids prior to physical activities.

5. For women, avoid feminine deodorant products as they may be urinary tract irritants.

6. Until you get your overactive bladder under control, wearing absorbent pads can help hide any leakage that occurs.

Herbs and other supplementation

For inflammation which can cause overactive bladder, anti-inflammatory remedies such as bromelain, curcumin or quercetin may help. To combat the oxidative stress that can irritate nerves surrounding the bladder, take antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and alpha-lipoic acid. Flax oil is often taken for overactive bladder and the combination of magnesium and calcium gain better control of muscles in the urinary system.

Homeopathic medicines, which can promote a healthy bladder, include:

*A potassium compound called Causticum helps strengthen muscles weakened by age or damage to the nerves.

*Natrum muriaticum, a table salt compound, aids in incontinence associated with menopause

*Sepia, made from squid ink or dried cuttlefish, helps with incontinence due to stress, particularly in cases resulting from a prolapsed uterus and vaginitis.

Herbs which may help overactive bladder include:

*Buchu (Barosma betulina) has been used by South Africans for hundreds of years to treat bladder and kidney infections and many other ailments. Buchu is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and diuretic. Buchu remedies act like tonics, nourishing the bladder tissue and making it healthier and more supple.

*Cleavers is often used in herbal remedies for urinary problems. In addition to its diuretic effect, it also acts as a soothing coating along the inside of the bladder wall that may protect against irritation, which can cause overactive bladder.

*Cornsilk helps soothe the urinary tract and has been used as a remedy for urinary infections dating back to its use by the ancient Incas.

*Gosha-jinki-gan is made from a combination of several different herbs and is one of the best-studied herbal remedies for bladder problems. Researchers believe this herbal supplement increases bladder capacity and reduces the number of bladder contractions via its effects on the nervous system.

*Horsetail is used to treat kidney and bladder stones, urinary tract infections, and incontinence. Horsetail acts as a diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant.

*Pareira brava has antiseptic properties that also help ward off urinary problems, including incontinence resulting from prostate enlargements.

*Saw palmetto may help diminish symptoms of urinary incontinence in men. Used primarily for impotence, saw palmetto is also effective against incontinence because it targets the enlarged prostate gland.

*Zincum is used for help with urinating while standing and prostate gland troubles.

Sources included:

http://www.livestrong.com/article/1…
http://www.caregiver.com/articles/g…
http://www.prevention.com/health/he…
http://www.webmd.com/urinary-incont…
http://www.webmd.com/urinary-incont…