Healthy foods to manage an overactive bladder

Healthy foods to manage an overactive bladder ?>

The bladder, located in the lower abdomen, is part of the urinary system that includes other organs like the kidneys, urethra, and ureters. But as you age (and due to other medical factors), the bladder starts to toughen and become less elastic. The deterioration can lead to an overactive bladder (OAB), causing urine to leak. And though there are medications and treatments to control the condition, combining them with healthy foods can calm an overactive bladder.

Potatoes
Potatoes are rich in magnesium that can ease the bladder. They are also rich in vitamin C and potassium. Together, these nutrients work towards promoting better urine flow and improve overall bladder health. A few sources of potatoes to eat with your meals include russet potatoes and sweet potatoes.

Pears
Pears contain low levels of sugar, which make for a significantly healthier lifestyle. The fruit is also rich in sorbitol which is a sugar alcohol that doubles as an osmotic agent. This agent sucks water into the intestines and promotes better bowel movements. Further, pears are also rich in antioxidants, and fibers are known to complement the body.

Nuts
A few nuts, such as almonds, cashews, and peanuts, contain several properties that benefit your wellbeing, even when it comes to calming an overactive bladder. They are rich in proteins and healthy fats that help ease bladder symptoms.

Cruciferous vegetables
Broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, kale, and radish are a few examples of cruciferous vegetables. These veggies contain vitamins C, E, K, and other healthy fibers and folates, significantly improving bladder health. These vegetables also contain agents known to reduce certain forms of cancer.

Berries
Berries are among the popular fruits when it comes to curbing any bladder-related issues. They are rich in antioxidants and have a low sugar level making them an excellent daily food source. Berries like raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries contain high levels of vitamins C and are known to ward off bad bacteria from the bladder. The fruit also has a high water content that can flush out the urinary tract system and prevent the occurrence of UTIs.

Whole grains
Whole grains like oatmeal, whole grain bread, brown rice, and cereals are among the top foods to deal with bladder problems. They are rich in healthy carbohydrates and also contain healthy fibers. Both factors promote regular bowel movements.

Bananas
Bananas are an excellent fiber source and also have a high potassium content. Therefore, eating bananas helps improve bowel movements and cleanse the urinary tract regularly. The fruit is also non-acidic, which means it will not irritate the bladder. Furthermore, they provide only the necessary nutrients required for a balanced food intake.

Kiwi
Kiwis improve bladder health because of their fiber-rich structure. These fibers are known to regulate the digestive tract and boost daily bowel movements. Further, Kiwis are known to reduce the transit time of the intestines and reduce any symptoms of constipation. This process helps reduce the use of laxatives.

Lemon infused water
Based on research infusing lemon with your water can significantly improve bladder health. That’s because lemon is loaded with vitamin C and is known to alkalize the body. What’s more, lemon is also a useful diuretic known to flush out any toxins from the body.

In some cases, patients may have to use bladder control products for urinary incontinence.

Bladder control products
There are a number of products available to manage bladder control. If one is looking for urine absorption products, one can use liners, pads, adult diapers, disposable, or reusable underwear. Most of the products have a breathable waterproof backing that prevents the overflow from reaching your clothes. Some even have an odor control feature.

Specialized bladder control products for men include drip collector, condom catheter, and Cunningham clamp. For women, there are pessaries, urethral insert, and disposable vaginal insert. Since multiple types are available, you can choose what’s best for you based on the frequency of your urination, comfort, cost, and durability. In some cases, to manage the symptoms of OAB, doctors may prescribe certain medications like those listed below.

GEMTESA
The sudden urge to urinate, urine leakage, or stress urinary incontinence (SUI) are common problems related to urological overactive bladder. GEMTESA for overactive bladder can be suggested as a treatment option. It is an FDA-approved selective beta-3 adrenergic agonist drug. It contains vibegron, which helps in reducing the frequent urge to urinate by facilitating bladder control.

MYRBETRIQ
MYRBETRIQ is another prescription medication used to treat OAB in adults affected by the condition. The FDA-approved medication helps reduce the urgency of urination, decrease leakage, and even reduce the frequency of urination. The extended-release tablet dosage should start with 25mg and can be administered once daily based on one’s doctor’s instructions. However, it can be increased to a maximum dosage of 50mg daily after four to eight weeks.

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