Simple Remedies for an Overactive Bladder

Simple Remedies for an Overactive Bladder
By Donovan Baldwin

Many have to deal with an overactive bladder (incontinence) at one time or another. It actually is a common health complaint, and, to most, an embarrassing one, so, it's not discussed that often. But, if you are tired of the feeling of having to go, and the frequent trips to the bathroom, there are some simple remedies for an overactive bladder which may offer some relief.

Some cases may be severe enough to require prescription medications, but, for many making a few lifestyle changes may be all it takes, or, may help the medication.

It's All About Liquid

Liquid in pretty much equals liquid out. In some cases, simply reducing fluid intake may be all it takes. The downside to this is that we need fluids for good health. You might be able to take better control of intake vs. outgo by spacing your drinks over the day, rather than trying to drink a lot at one time.

However, the urgency you may be feeling may not just be the amount of fluid you drank. It may be what was in the liquid, or in the food you ate.

Cut Down on Caffeine and Alcohol

These two substances, found in coffee, tea, soda, chocolate, and some medications are stimulants and diuretics. While they may, on their own, cause the problem, if the problem exists, they may make it worse. In some cases, simply cutting down may be enough. In my own case, for example, I just had to give up an afternoon cup of coffee to experience relief.

The National Association for Continence recommends a daily caffeine intake of 100 mg a day or less. Since many experience symptoms of substance withdrawal when they try to cut out caffeine too rapidly, a gradual reduction is recommeded, rather than going "cold turkey".

Stop Relying on Artificial Sweeteners

Many of us, especially with the difficulty of managing our weight, try to reduce calories, and sugar, by using artificial sweeteners. They may or may not be good for that...the jury's still out...but they DO irritate the bladder. I also learned this the hard way while undergoing treatment for prostate cancer. I used to help my wife drink a can of artificially sweetened soda in the evening, but, I began making more frequent trips to the bathroom during the night. However, when I cut that out, I found I slept for several extra hours.

Oddly enough, beverages sweetened with sugar does not seem have this effect on the bladder.

I guess the best choice is to drink water when possible. That will keep you hydrated, and you won't have to worry about sugar or artificial sweeteners.

Do Pelvic Pushups - Kegel Exercises

Most women, and some men, can strengthen muscles which act on urination with Kegel exercises. While these will not work at reducing the feeling of urgency caused by irritation of the bladder, they can help prevent leaks and help you empty your bladder more effectively.

Women can help strengthen pelvic muscles to reduce leaks and urges through Kegel exercises. Kegels work by squeezing pelvic floor muscles as if you’re trying to stop urinating. The Mayo Clinic recommends performing Kegels three to four times a day for best results.

You may also consider wearing vaginal weights to enhance Kegel exercise performance. These are small, cone-shaped weights that insert into the vagina. You have to contract your pelvic floor muscles to hold the weights in place, which strengthens the bladder.

Lose Weight and Possibly Lose Your Overactive Bladder

There are many health problems associated with excess body fat, and one of these is overactive bladder. Fat in the abdominal area places pressue on the bladder and pelvic muscles. This is the common reason why pregnant women often suffer from increased urination.

Pencil in a Time for Urination

As strange as it might sound, you actually can get some relief from overactive bladder with a little bit of training. A consistent bathroom schedule can help prevent accidents, and help cut down on those sudden urges that always seem to occur at the wrong time. Also, some people, women especially, often pass up an opportunity to use the restroom due to some feelings of modesty or cleanliness. However, not only can skipping a trip to the toilet result in having to go at an inopportune moment, it can also lead to other problems, one of the most common being urinary tract infection.

You can prevent frequent accidents caused by an overactive bladder by maintaining a consistent bathroom schedule. This routine can be helpful even if you don’t feel like going, because the urge to urinate often comes on without warning.

Make it a point to visit the toilet as often as possible. You may be able to decrease the frequency as you strengthen your bladder and eliminate triggers through other home remedies.

Try OTC Treatments and Herbal Remedies

Not every treatment will work at the same level for everybody. Since overactive bladder may have many causes and contributing factors, you may have to try several methods, and combinations of methods, to get the maximum relief. Several herbs have been found to be effective for some people, such as Gosha-jinki-gan (a combination of herbs), Bachu, Cleavers, Cornsilk, and Horsetail are just a few such herbal substances.

Over-the-counter treatments, such as Flotrol Natural Bladder Control may be of benefit to some.

Don't Just Go To The Bathroom To Pee

Here's something I never knew until my prostate cancer event. When you need a bowel movement, you may feel the need to urinate. This is because the rectum and the bladder are in the same area and share space. Also, the signal that you need to "go" may be interpreted as one when it's actually the other that you need to do!

These things you can do on your own for overactive bladder may work to a greater or lesser degree for you. However, always include your doctor in your treatment plans, as your condition may arise out of a medical condition which needs to be treated, or, may require prescription medication to control fully.

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Donovan Baldwin is a freelance SEO copywriter residing in the Dallas - Fort Worth, Texas vicinity, and a University of West Florida alumnus.  He is a one time member of Mensa and is retired from the U. S. Army after 21 years of service. In his career, he has held many managerial and supervisory positions. However, his main pleasures have long been writing, nature, health, and fitness.  In the last few years, he has been able to combine these pleasures by writing poetry and articles on subjects such as health, fitness, weight lifting, yoga, weight loss, the environment, global warming, happiness, self improvement, and life. His blog on senior health and fitness may be found at http://fitness-after-40.ws.
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