Do you feel like you have a sensitive bladder? Many people suffer from bladder issues, which can lead to bigger problems over time. Have you ever heard of an overactive bladder? If not, this blog is for you!
In this post, I'll explain what an overactive bladder is and share natural remedies to help manage and treat it. So, without further delay, let's dive in and learn more!
What Is an Overactive Bladder?
An overactive bladder (OAB) is a condition that causes sudden and frequent urges to urinate, even when the bladder isn't full. It can result from factors such as abdominal , nerve damage, certain medications, or infections.
This condition often leads to an unintentional loss of urine, making it difficult to control. People with OAB may feel the need to urinate multiple times during the day and night-sometimes as frequently as three or more times within an hour.
How Do You Know If You Have an Overactive Bladder?
The symptoms of an overactive bladder (OAB) can vary from person to person. Here are some common signs that may indicate you have an overactive bladder:
People with OAB may urinate more than eight times a day and wake up two or more times at night to urinate, even after falling asleep.
If you have an overactive bladder, you might find it impossible to delay urinating, leading to a sudden, overwhelming urge to go.
Incontinence
This refers to the involuntary loss of bladder control, resulting in leakage without warning. While an overactive bladder doesn't pose a direct danger to your life, it can significantly impact your quality of life. Incontinence can affect your relationships, work, and sleep. Treating OAB in its early stages can help you manage or even cure the condition.
Impact on Day-to-Day Life
These symptoms can interfere with everyday activities, such as limiting your ability to be away from a restroom for extended periods. OAB can have many underlying causes, including:
- Aging-related changes
- Bladder obstructions
- Medical conditions like Parkinson's disease
- Weak pelvic muscles
While OAB may lead to future complications, it's a common and treatable condition with proper care and management.
Did You Know? According to Harvard Health, about 70% of women who have used home remedies and followed proper exercise routines have reported positive results and significant improvements in their OAB symptoms.
Natural Remedies to Get Rid of Overactive Bladder
There are several natural remedies that can help manage an overactive bladder, including herbs, proper exercises, and behavioral therapy. However, it's essential to consult your doctor before starting any natural remedies or herbal supplements to ensure they're safe and suitable for your condition.
Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, both of which have powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Pumpkin seed oil, in particular, has been shown to improve abnormal urinary function and reduce the symptoms of an overactive bladder.
Additionally, a study in Japan found that a combination of pumpkin seed and soybean seed extracts can help reduce incontinence.
Additionally, a study in Japan found that a combination of pumpkin seed and soybean seed extracts can help reduce incontinence.
Have you heard of Kohki tea before? Kohki tea is an extract derived from a subtropical plant found in southern China. Known for its naturally sweet taste, this tea is widely available over the counter in Japan due to its powerful antioxidant properties. Additionally, studies have shown that Kohki tea can provide visible results in reducing symptoms of an overactive bladder.
Dietary Changes
If you want to manage OAB (overactive bladder), adopting a thoughtful dietary plan is essential. These changes may include avoiding certain food items and beverages known to aggravate symptoms.
While food triggers and causes may vary from person to person, the items listed above are commonly associated with worsening OAB symptoms. Paying attention to your diet and identifying specific triggers can significantly help in managing this condition.
Making Lifestyle Changes
Quitting smoking can be an effective remedy for managing an overactive bladder. Regular smoking can worsen OAB symptoms significantly, potentially leading to more severe and challenging conditions to treat.
Smoking not only harms overall health but also increases the risk of urine leakage during activities like sneezing or coughing. Taking steps to quit smoking can improve bladder health and overall well-being, reducing the impact of OAB symptoms.
Weight Management
Maintaining a healthy weight can significantly reduce the pressure on your bladder and pelvic muscles, helping you better control your bladder. Excess weight increases pressure on the bladder, which can lead to incontinence and exacerbate symptoms of an overactive bladder.
By eating healthy foods and incorporating regular exercise into your routine, you can effectively reduce your weight and see visible improvements in a short period. Research consistently shows that individuals with an overactive bladder are more likely to also suffer from obesity, emphasizing the importance of weight management for bladder health.
Eating to Reduce Constipation
Constipation often occurs when the bladder feels extra pressure. You can help prevent constipation by engaging in regular exercise and including more fiber in your diet. High-fiber foods such as beans, whole-wheat bread, fruits, and vegetables are excellent choices to promote healthy digestion and reduce constipation.
Bladder Control Techniques
Bladder control techniques are highly effective for reducing unwanted urine leakage. Here are some strategies to try:
Scheduled Urination
If you're struggling with an overactive bladder, consider keeping a diary of your urinary habits. Track the times of your bathroom visits, leakage, and urges to urinate. Using this information, create a schedule for bathroom breaks by adding 10 minutes to your usual intervals.
For instance, if you typically urinate every 60 minutes, schedule your bathroom visits for every 70 minutes instead. Be consistent with following the scheduled timing. Gradually increase the intervals between bathroom breaks as you become more comfortable.
Delayed Urination
Delayed urination is a practice that can help strengthen bladder control. Each time you feel the urge to urinate, try delaying it by at least five minutes-if you're comfortable doing so.
As you build your ability to control the urge, gradually increase the time you delay urination. This practice can help improve your bladder's capacity and reduce overactive bladder symptoms over time.
Double-Void Techniques
The double-void technique is especially helpful for individuals who feel like their bladder doesn't empty completely. This technique involves urinating, and then waiting a few moments to try urinating again to ensure the bladder is fully emptied.
It's a particularly useful practice before going to sleep, as it may help reduce nighttime urination and improve sleep quality.
Herbs and Supplements
Herbal supplements can also be helpful in managing an overactive bladder (OAB). Here's one of our top picks that may assist in treating OAB symptoms:
Gosha-Jinki-Gan
Gosha-Jinki-Gan is a powerful supplement made from a blend of 10 traditional Chinese herbs. It has been shown to help with nocturia-a condition where individuals wake up during the night to urinate-especially in cases where other medications have not been effective.
Ganoderma lucidum
Ganoderma lucidum is an extract derived from East Asia that supports proper urinary tract function. It is often used to help alleviate urinary issues and improve overall bladder health.
, derived from chili peppers, has been studied as a treatment for overactive bladder (OAB). A 2003 study found that intravesical instillation of capsaicin significantly improved bladder capacity and reduced symptoms like urgency and frequent urination in patients with hypersensitive bladder conditions. This makes capsaicin an effective and affordable option for managing OAB symptoms.
When to See Doctor?
If you notice changes in your urine or urinary habits, it's important to visit your doctor. This includes symptoms related to urinary tract infections or other medical conditions. Early intervention is crucial, as proper guidance and treatment can help effectively manage overactive bladder (OAB).
At the onset of OAB or sensitive bladder symptoms, you may try natural remedies. However, if these do not provide relief, consult your doctor about other treatment options, such as neuromodulation-a technique that alters nerve activity-or surgery. Always seek professional advice before pursuing advanced treatments.
I hope this blog has helped you learn more about overactive bladder and some natural remedies to manage it effectively!
Iris is a health writer at Completehealthnews.com. She has completed her Masters in Nutrition and Health and wants to share her knowledge with the world through her blogs. Her blogs emphasize on the importance of tracking one's health and seeking a physician when required. Check out Iris's posts for health tips and suggestions.
