Bladder Health

Taking charge of your bladder health is encouraged. If you are experiencing problems with incontinence it is always recommended that you seek the advice of a healthcare professional. It is also good to educate yourself on natural remedies that you can put into practice to address the problem.

If you have to see a doctor, there are things you can do before your appointment.

Stay away from foods that may irritate your bladder. Some of the main culprits of bladder irritation include caffeine, carbonated drinks, chocolate, acidic fruits or juices and alcohol. Stick to no more than 8 cups of liquid per day unless you have an exercise routine that requires more hydration because of sweating.

Never ignore your body’s urge to urinate or move bowels. In case you experience dribbling, wear absorbent pads to catch any leaking urine. Always maintain proper hygiene to prevent odor and skin irritation.

Kegel exercises are designed for improving muscle strength and elasticity in the female pelvis and are recommended for the treatment of urinary incontinence. The exercises involve strong contractions of the pelvic muscles use to hold back urine flow.

Keeping a diary of urination patterns can help your doctor in diagnosing the problem. The diary should include:

• Times of urge to urinate
• Level of urge or pain
• Record actual time of urination
• Amount of urine and leakage if any
• The types and amounts of fluids you drink throughout the day

There is a new treatment called biofeedback that has had significant results. Many individuals with incontinence have a “pelvic floor dysfunction”. This treatment involves bladder retraining. It involves pelvic muscle tightening and relaxation. Biofeedback is administered by a trained professional and requires a dedicated individual for the treatment to work.