Having an overactive bladder may not seem serious to some but if not treated can lead to many sacrifices in one’s everyday lifestyle. You may decide not to go on that family camping trip or weekend hike for fear of not having a bathroom nearby or you may decide to stop doing regular everyday activities just because it seems too risky. The important thing to realize is that you have options. Through medications, specific exercise and even some injections such as Botox, the condition can helped but as some food for thought, there are other things you can do naturally to help yourself in the meantime.
- Watch What You Eat – Sugar, caffeine and alcohol are big no-no’s. They actually promote frequent and sudden urination which we know doesn’t help the condition. Instead, focus of Vitamin C foods like broccoli, oranges, etc. Magnesium and calcium will help you gain better control of the muscles and fiber will help absorb liquid.
- Sweat It Out – Eating correctly can only help with part of the problem. The other piece to the puzzle is exercise of course! Many studies have shown that urinary incontinence and overactive bladders can be traced back to lack of exercise and being overweight. So what are you waiting for? Taking a walk around the block is a perfect start.
- Start Training Your Bladder – This is a very common treatment for overactive bladders. It helps change the way you use the bathroom. Instead of going whenever you feel the urge, you urinate at set times of the day, called scheduled voiding. You learn to control the urge to go by waiting — for a few minutes at first, then gradually increasing to an hour or more between bathroom visits.
Have more questions about Overactive Bladder Syndrome or think you may be experiencing symptoms? Visit our FAQ’s page or read more about diagnostic testing here.
