Incontinence is a condition
associated with the urinary tract in which the person is unable to control the
urination, and hence, there is an involuntary loss of urine.
There are several types of
incontinence and anyone, be it a women or men, can suffer from it. It can be
categorized as stress, urge, overflow, functional, transient, bowel
incontinence, etc. There are various reasons behind this unintentional leakage,
like age, nerve damage, menopause, constipation, enlarged prostate gland, etc.
A person may experience the urine
leakage during physical activities while sneezing, when there is a sudden need
to urinate, or if he/she is suffering from a physical or mental disability,
etc.
There are many home remedies that
can do wonders for this condition, and you can get rid of it in no time without
spending too much. Here is a handpicked list of wonderful and effective
remedies. Have a look at it.
Home
Remedies for Urinary Incontinence
Kegel
exercises
Kegel exercises—which involve
flexing the same muscles you use to stop the urinary flow—are top on the list
of remedies. “Kegels are very useful for early stages of incontinence, and
after a surgical repair to maintain pelvic floor tone over time,” says Philippe
Zimmern, MD, a professor of urology at UT Southwestern Medical Center in
Dallas. A physical therapist can tell you how to do them and how often; You may
see an improvement after six to 12 weeks of continued practice. And you’ll have
to keep doing the exercises to maintain the benefit, Dr. Zimmern points out.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D can also be used to
control urinary incontinence because it helps maintain muscle strength.
According to a 2010 study published in Obstetrics and Gynecology, women with
higher levels of vitamin D have a lower risk of developing pelvic floor
disorders, including urinary incontinence. Soak up the early morning sunlight
for about 10 minutes daily. It helps the body make vitamin D. Eat more foods
rich in vitamin D, such as fish, oysters, egg yolks, fortified milk and other
dairy products. You can also take vitamin D supplements, after consulting your
doctor.
Gosha-jinki-gan
Gosha-jinki-gan is a Chinese
traditional herbal medicine that can be used to treat an overactive bladder and
urinary incontinence. It is a combination of several different herbs. Two small
studies by Japanese researchers found that this herbal supplement can help
improve urinary urgency, frequency and nighttime urination in people with an
overactive bladder. Take this herbal supplement after consulting your doctor,
who can advise you on the proper dosage for your condition.
Get
fit
“Losing weight if you are
overweight is an important step toward reducing the severity of your incontinence,”
says Dr. Zimmern. Excess belly fat puts pressure on the bladder and the pelvic
muscles. Shedding a few pounds if you are overweight can help restore your
bladder control.
Magnesium
Magnesium, an important mineral
for proper muscle and nerve function, may also ease incontinent worries. In a
small study at Tel Aviv University in Israel, more than half of the 40 women
who took magnesium hydroxide pills twice a day had improvements in their
urinary incontinence, and did not wake up as many times in the night to go to
the bathroom. Some doctors believe that magnesium could relieve incontinence
because it reduces bladder muscle spasms and allows the bladder to empty
completely. Include magnesium-rich foods, such as corn, potatoes, and bananas
in your diet, but talk to your doctor before you start taking magnesium
supplements.
Apple
cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar works as an
excellent tonic for your health. It helps remove toxins from your body and
fights bladder infections. Moreover, it assists in losing weight. Excess weight
contributes to urinary incontinence, as the fat around your hips and abdomen
places extra pressure on your bladder.Mix 1 to 2 teaspoons of raw, unfiltered
apple cider vinegar in a glass of water. Add a little raw honey. Drink it 2 or
3 times daily until you are satisfied with the results.
Quit
smoking
In case you need another reason
to quit smoking, add “antidote to incontinence” to the list. Nicotine can
irritate the bladder. A small study conducted at the Aristotelian University of
Thessaloniki in Greece suggests that heavy smokers are more likely to be
incontinent than nonsmokers. “Smokers tend to cough more than non-smokers and
long-term, chronic coughing has been considered a risk factor for developing
stress urinary incontinence and/or pelvic organ prolapse,” says Dr. Zimmern.
Cleavers
Cleavers is a traditional urinary
tonic and helps treat urinary problems. It is particularly used to treat
cystitis and overactive bladder. It protects against bladder irritation as it
forms a soothing coating along the bladder. Steep 2 to 3 teaspoons of this herb
in a cup of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain and drink this tea 3 times
daily until you notice improvement.
Acupuncture
If you have incontinence, you
might consider acupuncture. Amber Addison, a licensed acupuncturist, has worked
with incontinence patients in her private practice in Greenville, SC. The
imbalance stems from not only the bladder and kidneys but from other parts of
the body such as the lungs and heart, Addison says. “Most of the time it’s a
combination of two or more system imbalances that causes overactive bladder.” While
Addison emphasizes that it’s not a quick fix, she reassures, “I have had
success with every person I have treated for incontinence.”
Cut
out caffeine
Caffeine, a diuretic, can
contribute to bladder irritation and stimulate muscle contractions, which can
both cause incontinence. “Caffeine is known to excite the brain, and since the
control of the bladder is in the frontal lobe of our brains, it has an
excitatory effect on the bladder as well, along with a slight diuretic effect,”
says Dr. Zimmern. “It’s best to avoid or restrict its use when you have
incontinence, especially the urge form.”
Additional
Tips
· Add more
fiber to your diet. Lack of fiber contributes to constipation that puts
pressure on the bladder.
· Drink
sufficient, but not too much, water.
· Lose
excess weight.
· Exercise
for at least 20 to 30 minutes, 5 days a week.
· Quit
smoking. Heavy smokers are at greater risk of developing an overactive bladder.
· Steer
clear of alcohol and caffeinated beverages including tea, coffee and some
sodas. They can worsen an overactive bladder and contribute to bladder
irritation.
· Avoid
citrus fruits, tomatoes, vinegars, hot peppers and spicy dishes as they may
irritate your bladder.
· Avoid
artificial sweeteners. They tend to aggravate urinary urges and frequency.
· Maintain
a consistent schedule of urinating every 2 to 4 hours, even if you do not feel
like going.
· Keep
track of your symptoms to help identify the triggers and help your doctor
determine the best course of treatment for you.
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