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Natural Ways to Treat an Overactive Bladder

Overactive bladder is most common in people as they age and in women during pregnancy or after childbirth. The symptoms of this condition can, in most cases, disrupt one’s daily routine including work life, social life, and even sleep patterns. There are several treatment options and natural cures that help manage urinary symptoms due to an overactive bladder.

Natural Ways to Treat an Overactive Bladder
Listed below are a few of the best ways to deal with this issue:

Making nutritional changes
One of the most popular natural cures for an overactive bladder involves removing foods that can irritate the lining of the bladder from the meal plan. Trigger foods are not the same for everyone, so keep track of the foods that are causing symptoms. Here are some of the foods that can cause this condition:

Spicy foods
Spicy peppers and sauces might irritate the bladder. It is best for people with an overactive bladder to avoid these foods.
Caffeine
Caffeine found in coffee and tea can impact bladder activity and must be taken in moderation.
Citrus fruits
The acidic nature of these foods can worsen bladder control. Avoid fruits such as oranges, limes, lemons, and grapefruits.
Carbonated drinks
Beverages like flavored soda and energy drinks have fizz in them that can aggravate overactive bladder symptoms.
Chocolates
Chocolates also contain caffeine and hence can cause bladder symptoms.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are acidic and can potentially worsen overactive bladder symptoms. Avoiding tomato products such as pasta, ketchup, and salsa is also advisable.

Staying hydrated
Drinking enough water is one of the most common natural cures for an overactive bladder. Some people believe that drinking less water will help in limiting bladder urgency. But that is not the case, as dehydration can irritate the bladder lining and in turn increase urgency. Drinking eight glasses a day is highly recommended. At the same time, it is best to limit fluid consumption before bed to reduce one’s chances of waking up to go to the washroom.

Training the bladder
To reduce bladder leaking, one needs to learn how to put off the need to go to the bathroom. This natural cure for an overactive bladder requires patience. Keep track of bathroom visits, and based on the patterns, add 10 minutes to the usual times. Gradually increase the time between bathroom visits is increased. The urge to visit the bathroom will reduce within a few weeks.

Kegel exercises
Among the natural cures for overactive bladder is doing Kegel exercises every day. These exercises require one to repeatedly squeeze and relax their pelvic floor muscles. With continued practice, one may find improvement in their symptoms. Kegel exercises are usually useful for the early stages of incontinence.

Maintain a healthy body-mass index (BMI)
People who have a high BMI should take steps to lose body mass as it will help with bladder control. Excess mass exerts pressure on the bladder and pelvic muscles. Hence, shedding a few pounds can help restore bladder control.

Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a Chinese healing technique and is one of the natural cures for overactive bladder. In this technique, tiny needles are placed on the skin near pressure points. Regularly going to sessions results in the reduction of urgency and frequency of urination thus improving the quality of life.

Biofeedback
Biofeedback is a therapy that uses electrical sensors to monitor muscles. The therapy can help reduce the frequent need to urinate and regain bladder control. Biofeedback is a safe and effective method that helps one learn to control and strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.

Herbal treatments
Herbal treatments are becoming one of the more common overactive bladder treatment options. Before taking any herbs, check with the doctor in case of any potential side effects.

Gosha-jinki-gan
This blend of traditional Chinese herbs can significantly improve the symptoms of an overactive bladder.
Ganoderma lucidum
This extract is known to help improve symptoms of the urinary tract.
Corn silk
Corn silk has been used for centuries for conditions such as bladder irritation.
Capsaicin
Capsaicin is found in chile peppers and is an effective treatment for overactive bladders.
Pumpkin seeds
Having pumpkin seeds is a great remedy for an overactive bladder. These seeds have anti-inflammatory properties and can help support healthy bladder strength.

Vitamin D
Low vitamin D levels can also aggravate an overactive bladder. One can increase these levels by including foods such as eggs, fatty fish, soya milk, and cheese.
Magnesium
Magnesium is an important mineral for muscle and nerve function. It enables the bladder to empty fully easing one from incontinence worries. Include foods rich in magnesium such as potatoes, bananas, leafy vegetables, and corn for improving urinary incontinence.

Physical therapy
This form of therapy acts as a natural cure for overactive bladder; it is done by a pelvic floor therapist in sessions. Physical therapy can help regain control of the bladder muscles and nerves. Although this option is time-consuming, it can help the pelvic floor muscles to relax and prevent overactive bladder symptoms such as uncontrollable urgency and frequency of urination.

Maintaining bowel regularity
Constipation can also put pressure on the bladder and affect its function. Healthy bowel habits may help avoid constipation and reduce bladder symptoms. Increasing fiber intake and exercising regularly will help maintain regular bowel movements.

Living with an overactive bladder can be stressful. With the above natural cures for overactive bladder, one will find relief from the symptoms.

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