Frequent urination is caused by an overactive bladder. This can happen due to aging, weak pelvic muscles, bladder obstruction, and other health conditions such as urinary tract infection and Parkinson’s disease. Unless the underlying condition requires medical intervention, frequent urination can be managed by following certain precautionary measures at home. This involves keeping a watch on what one eats and drinks daily. Here are a few home remedies that can help manage an overactive bladder.
Eat fiber-rich foods
Since the bowels are located close to the bladder, constipation causes strain on the bladder. This leads to frequent urination. To avoid constipation and manage an overactive bladder, increase the intake of fiber-rich foods. These include whole grains, chickpeas, lentils, oats, split peas, pears, apples, avocados, and Brussels sprouts.
Eat plenty of seeds and nuts
One of the richest sources of omega-3 fatty acids, nuts, and seeds have several health benefits. Moreover, they have a high percentage of anti-inflammatory properties. These properties can help to alleviate the symptoms of an overactive bladder. One can add seeds and nuts such as pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, sunflower seeds, almonds, and pine nuts to their meals to control frequent urination.
Sip on herbal teas
A few types of herbal teas have a detox effect on the bladder. These teas can effectively eliminate irritants, toxins, and infection-causing bacteria. This ensures that the bladder functions properly, helping to manage frequent urination. Also, most of these teas do not contain caffeine. Therefore, there is no risk of causing any irritation of the bladder muscle. The best teas to help with urinary incontinence include mint, chamomile, and lavender.
Drink pomegranate juice
A highly nutrient-dense beverage, pomegranate juice has several health benefits. This includes relieving symptoms of an overactive bladder, specifically caused by a urinary tract infection. Drinking pomegranate juice on a regular basis can curb the tendency to go to the bathroom frequently. Also, the juice has anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties that help to alleviate the effects of infection, such as a burning sensation when one pees.
Keep away from citrus fruits
Oranges, grapefruits, key limes, pomelo, and clementines have a high content of vitamin C, which is beneficial for one’s overall health. But those with overactive bladders must avoid these fruits because they are highly acidic. Therefore, eating these fruits or drinking juices made from them can irritate the bladder. This can trigger frequent urination.
Limit the intake of caffeinated beverages
Caffeine is known to trigger symptoms of bladder incontinence. Excessive consumption of tea, coffee, and caffeinated beverages, increases the urge for frequent urination. This is because the high amount of caffeine affects the muscles of the bladder and can cause them to contract. Additionally, caffeine may irritate the bladder tissues, increasing the urge to urinate frequently.
Cut down on sugary foods and drinks
Excessive sugar consumption increases glucose levels in the body. The kidneys work hard to absorb and filter this extra sugar, but if the intake of sugary foods and drinks is too high, the kidneys may not be able to keep up. As a result, the excess sugar is typically expelled as urine, leading to frequent urination. To prevent this, it is important to avoid or limit the consumption of sugary foods and drinks.