Find Natural Remedies for Overactive Bladder

Find Natural Remedies for Overactive Bladder
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Causes of Overactive Bladder

Overactive bladder occurs when the muscles around the neck of the bladder contract more than normal, usually when it is half full instead of three-fourths or more. Besides having the urge to urinate more than normal, leaking urine can also occur.

The exact causes of overactive bladder are not known. Factors linked to this condition include side effects from certain medications, inflammation near the urinary tract, urinary tract infections, enlarged prostate, bladder stones, bladder or prostate cancer, nerve damage from trauma (abdominal or pelvic) or surgery, and neurological diseases (including Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord lesions, and stroke).

Natural Remedies for Overactive Bladder

Food Sensitivity

It is believed by some naturopathic doctors that offending foods can cause the bladder and urinary tract to become inflamed. Most common food sensitivities linked to overactive bladder are dairy products, wheat, sugar, fried foods, and white flour.

To rule out a food sensitivity, eliminate the above foods from your diet for at least 3 weeks (this is when symptoms should subside) and slowly reintroduce them to see if symptoms reoccur.

Botanicals

The following have been used by medical specialists to treat overactive bladder in some patients:

  • bromelain
  • buchu
  • cleavers
  • cornsilk
  • pumpkin
  • saw palmetto
  • parsley

Kegel Exercises

Kegel exercises strengthen pelvic floor muscles that are used to stop urination. Squeeze these muscles, hold for 3 seconds, relax for 3 seconds, and repeat. Do this 10 times 3 times a day. Gradually increase the seconds to 10.

Bladder Training

Schedule bathroom visits during the day. If you normally have to go every hour, start with that. Each day, gradually increase the time between visits (about 15 minutes) until you get to every 3-4 hours.

Other natural remedies for overactive bladder include:

• Losing weight if overweight.

• Avoiding urinary tract irritants such as feminine products, cigarettes, alcohol, caffeine, spicy foods, acidic foods, and artificial sweeteners.

Before treating overactive bladder with natural remedies, you should consult with your doctor.

Disclaimer

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