Bladder Control: How to Treat Overactive Bladder Naturally?

How Bladder Functions

Belonging to the digestive system of your organism, bladder (gallbladder) is meant for urine storage. Consuming water and food, your body gets water. This water goes through kidneys and then urine is produced, which unites this water with wastes of the organism. Actually, bladder is like an empty muscle (detrusor muscle) which grows when bladder contains urine. It is relaxed letting bladder enter and then sphincter muscles (the ones at the bottom of the bladder) start contracting to hold urine inside it. Bladder functions when joint muscles work.

Bladder can be of different capacity. It determines the quantity of urine bladder can hold. It is under control of our brain. If fifty percent of bladder is filled with urine, then special signals are perceived by the spinal cord through the pelvic nerves. At such moments you experience the necessity to urinate to make your bladder empty again.

Bladder capacity depends upon the age too. When the person is young the bladder can take about 1/4 liter until the person feels the need to go to the toilet, but in fact bladder can take up to 480 milliliters.

Importance of Bladder Control

This is how bladder control functions. In the process of urinating the brain gets information that bladder is empty. With this the function of bladder muscles alters letting urine out. In other words healthy bladder muscles contractions alternate, their modes change one another. The mode of storage is active in the bladder when needed. Usually this is typical to urinate at least 4 times and up to 8 times a day.

Healthy Bladder

To enjoy healthy bladder you should take care of it. Daily urination from 4 to 6 times is a necessity and this is normal to get up to go to the toilet up to 2 times during the night.

You should follow these tips to have a healthy bladder:

1. The daily amount of water should be from 1.5 liters, up to 8 cups of water if your physician does not recommend something opposite.
2. Decrease alcohol and caffeine intake as this is bad for your bladder. Much coffee, cola or tea will also harm you. If there is still a desire, then choose a drink with less caffeine in it, for instance, instant coffee, because brewed coffee can be too strong and therefore harmful, they destroy your healthy bladder and cause bladder problems.
3. Developing the habit to urinate when you feel no necessity in it is not that good. It should be done only when the bladder is filled. Though it is okay to go to the toilet before your sleep at night.
4. Do not hurry when you go to the toilet and try to urinate fully at that otherwise your haste can bring to bladder problems and the bladder infection may develop. The healthy bladder should be completely empty after you went to the toilet. It is recommendable to be on the toilet sit at that for women, not to hover over it.
5. Much fruit and vegetables is healthy for your bowel and helps avoid bladder problems.
6. Straining is not advised during bowel usage. This is not good for muscles which are in charge of muscles contributing to bladder control - pelvic floor muscles.
7. Pelvic floor muscles should be trained to prevent bladder problems.
8. In case you have some bladder problems, if you noticed leak, it is necessary to apply to your doctor.

Bladder Problems

Some bladder problems can be in the way of healthy bladder functioning. A range of bladder problems become evident and look like incontinence, therefore doctor's help is required to find the reason for bladder problem.

• Bladder cancer is the development of malignant tumor in the bladder.
• Bladder stones - when minerals from the kidneys are excreted, minerals are crystallized in the bladder.
• Cystitis - inflamed bladder is usually women's disease, though men also suffer from it sometimes.
• Overactive bladder - the state of bladder when the person has a desire to urinate often.
• Shy bladder - a kind of phobia influencing the person's ability to urinate when somebody observes it.
• Urethritis - inflamed urethra causing pain when one goes to the toilet.

Overactive Bladder

An overactive bladder is a state when immediate necessity to go to the toilet arises causing discomfort for the person. It can pass with leakage of urine or without it.

Overactive bladder happens when bladder muscles (smooth muscle of detrusor muscle in particular) contractions happen with bigger frequency and when you do not want it at all. When the bladder should stay relaxed, it contracts, even when for instance, the bladder is filling.

Bladder Control Problems

Unforeseen urine leakage from the bladder denotes that there's bladder control problem, which is in other words named urinary inconsistence. Unforeseen leaking means that there is a problem with the bladder.

Bad bladder control is in the basis of the problem. Many patients suffer from poor bladder control at this or that period of life, but the older the person - the bigger the risk of overactive bladder. Women have such problems as bad bladder control more frequently too. This is quite common to have a bad bladder control. For instance, this is one of the most wide-spread diseases in the United States with 14 million patients having blood control problems at certain point of life. Embarrassment can be in the way when people do not visit doctor suffering from bladder control problems or overactive bladder.

Causes of Overactive Bladder and Related Problems

There are some states that cause bladder problems. Among them are the following:

• Pregnancy, surgery, vaginal delivery, some unexpected injury or radiation. These events may evoke such problems, though there are some others.
• Chronicle state of constipation, when you have to bear down too much.
• Certain lung states when breathing disorders press with bigger might pelvis and abdomen.
• Neurological conditions, such as spina bifida and multiple sclerosis, when muscles and nerves do not work properly.
• There are some kinds of job that makes hazards bigger, when the person lifts extra weight (excessive physical activity as a rule).
• Sometimes urinary inconsistence is connected with medical preparations which are taken for something else, for instance, diuretics. Among the harmful things are also caffeine intake, smoking and obesity.
• In some cases kidney stones, bladder stones, certain types of cancer can make the bladder leak.
• Often there are unknown reasons of overactive bladder though.

An Overview of the Treatment Options for Overactive Bladder

Various treatment options are available, ranging from conventional medical interventions to natural therapies.

Lifestyle and Behavioral Therapies

The first line of treatment for OAB often includes non-invasive methods. These options focus on behavior modification and are generally recommended before starting medication:

• Bladder Training: Involves scheduled urination and gradual delay of urination to retrain the bladder to hold urine for longer periods.
• Pelvic Floor Exercises: Commonly known as Kegel exercises, they help strengthen pelvic muscles that control urination.
• Fluid Management: Adjusting fluid intake, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, and maintaining hydration can help reduce symptoms.
• Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce pressure on the bladder and improve symptom control.

Medical Treatments

For individuals who do not respond to lifestyle changes, physicians may suggest medications or other clinical procedures:

• Antimuscarinic Drugs: These medications reduce bladder spasms and help calm the bladder. Examples include oxybutynin and tolterodine.
• Beta-3 Agonists: Drugs like mirabegron work by relaxing the bladder muscle and increasing its storage capacity.
• Botulinum Toxin Injections: Botulinum toxin (Botox) may be injected into the bladder wall to reduce involuntary contractions.
• Nerve Stimulation Therapy: Electrical impulses delivered through implanted or external devices help regulate bladder activity.
• Surgery: In severe cases, surgical interventions such as bladder augmentation or urinary diversion may be considered.

Natural Treatment Options

Natural remedies are becoming more popular as an alternative or complement to conventional treatments. These options are especially attractive to individuals looking for fewer side effects or long-term support:

• Herbal Supplements: Certain plant-based supplements are formulated to support bladder health and reduce urgency.
• Acupuncture: Some individuals report symptom improvement through traditional acupuncture techniques.
• Biofeedback Therapy: A technique that helps individuals gain control over bodily functions, including bladder activity.
• Dietary Adjustments: Avoiding spicy foods, citrus, artificial sweeteners, and carbonated drinks may help alleviate bladder irritation.

While conventional treatments offer clinical solutions, many people prefer natural approaches to manage symptoms effectively and safely.

Why Avoid Prescription Medications for Overactive Bladder

Prescription medications for overactive bladder my cause certain side effects, which are likely to appear if you take them in high dosage. Side effects of overactive bladder medications can include:

• dry mouth
• constipation
• drowsiness
• memory problems

If a patient takes other prescription medications, they may interact with bladder control medicine. For example, diuretics for high blood pressure and obesity pills can cause additional pressure on the bladder.

The choice of overactive bladder medications depends on what kind of bladder problem you have. It also depends on the cause of bladder problems. Anyway overactive bladder medications should promote healthy bladder support and maintain bladder and urinary tract health.

Natural Products for Overactive Bladder

Natural products offer an alternative or complementary approach to managing overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms. These products are generally available without prescription and are designed to support bladder function, reduce urgency, and improve overall urinary control. Many individuals choose natural solutions due to concerns about side effects associated with conventional medications.

Natural Supplements

Herbal supplements are among the most widely used natural products for bladder health. These supplements typically contain plant-based ingredients known for their calming and toning effects on the urinary tract. They are available in capsule, tablet, or liquid extract form and are often taken daily to maintain bladder support over time. These products are developed to help reduce nighttime urination (nocturia), decrease urgency, and increase bladder capacity. Most formulas are intended for long-term use and may take several weeks to show results.

Homeopathic options are also available and are based on the principle of stimulating the body's natural healing processes. These remedies are often used by individuals who prefer an ultra-low-dose approach to health concerns. Though more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness, some users report symptom improvement.

Functional Foods and Drinks

Some functional foods and beverages are formulated with bladder-supportive ingredients. These products aim to deliver mild therapeutic benefits through regular consumption, such as teas with calming herbs or probiotic-rich foods that support urinary tract balance.

How Natural Products Work for Overactive Bladder

Natural products for overactive bladder aim to support the urinary system and improve bladder control using non-pharmaceutical mechanisms. These products target the root causes of symptoms such as frequent urination, sudden urgency, and nighttime urination by promoting bladder strength, calming bladder muscles, and improving urinary function.

• Muscle Relaxation: Many natural products work by helping to relax the smooth muscles of the bladder. When the bladder is overactive, it contracts more often than necessary, causing frequent urges. Natural ingredients with muscle-relaxing properties can help reduce these contractions, allowing the bladder to fill properly and hold urine longer.
• Nervous System Regulation: Some natural products support the nervous system's control over the bladder. By calming the signals between the bladder and the brain, these products can help reduce the sense of urgency. This mechanism is especially useful for people who experience sudden urges without warning or those who suffer from urge incontinence.
• Strengthening Bladder Tissue: Certain herbal products are believed to help tone and strengthen the tissues of the bladder wall. Stronger bladder tissues can help reduce involuntary leakage and improve the ability to retain urine until the appropriate time. This may also support the long-term improvement of bladder capacity and control.
• Reducing Irritation and Inflammation: Natural products often include anti-inflammatory or soothing ingredients that reduce irritation in the urinary tract. When the bladder lining is inflamed or irritated, it may trigger more frequent urination. Reducing inflammation can ease discomfort and minimize triggers that contribute to overactive bladder symptoms.
• Supporting Hormonal Balance: Hormonal changes, especially in older adults, can affect bladder function. Some natural products include plant-based compounds that help balance hormone levels, especially in women during menopause. This can improve bladder control and reduce the frequency of symptoms linked to hormonal shifts.

These combined effects can provide gradual and sustained relief for individuals managing overactive bladder.

Common Ingredients in Natural Products for Overactive Bladder

Natural products designed to support bladder health and relieve symptoms of overactive bladder often include a combination of plant extracts, minerals, and nutrients. These ingredients are selected for their ability to support urinary function, soothe bladder tissues, and improve bladder control.

Pumpkin Seed Extract

Pumpkin seed extract is widely used in bladder health supplements. It may help improve bladder tone and support the function of the pelvic floor muscles. This extract is often included in formulas intended to reduce urinary frequency and nighttime urination.

Saw Palmetto

Saw palmetto is commonly used in men's health supplements but is also found in bladder control formulas for both men and women. It supports urinary tract function and may reduce inflammation that contributes to bladder irritation and urgency.

Corn Silk

Corn silk has a history of use in traditional medicine for urinary issues. It is known for its soothing properties and may help reduce bladder irritation, making it useful for managing urgency and frequency.

Crateva Nurvala

Crateva nurvala is a botanical ingredient used in Ayurvedic medicine. It supports bladder muscle function and is believed to strengthen bladder walls. It is often included in supplements for its potential to reduce involuntary contractions.

Magnesium

Magnesium is a mineral that helps relax muscles, including the smooth muscles of the bladder. Adequate magnesium levels may help reduce bladder spasms and improve control over urination.

Horsetail Extract

Horsetail is a natural diuretic that also supports urinary tract health. In small amounts, it may help tone bladder tissues and promote a balanced urinary system.

How to Prevent Bladder Problems?

Preventing bladder problems involves adopting healthy daily habits that support urinary function and reduce the risk of overactive bladder and other urinary disorders. These strategies can help maintain bladder control, minimize irritation, and promote long-term bladder health.

• Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water is essential for bladder health. Proper hydration helps flush out bacteria and prevents concentrated urine, which can irritate the bladder lining. Aim for consistent water intake throughout the day, but avoid excessive fluids before bedtime to reduce nighttime urination.
• Limit Irritating Foods and Drinks: Certain foods and beverages can irritate the bladder and trigger symptoms. Common irritants include caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, citrus fruits, artificial sweeteners, and carbonated drinks. Identifying and reducing these triggers can help prevent bladder discomfort and urgency.
• Practice Bladder Training: Bladder training involves setting scheduled bathroom visits and gradually increasing the time between urination. This method strengthens the bladder and helps improve control. Over time, it may help reduce the frequency of sudden urges and accidental leakage.
• Strengthen Pelvic Floor Muscles: Pelvic floor exercises, such as Kegels, can improve bladder control by strengthening the muscles that support the bladder and urethra. Regular practice is especially beneficial for women after childbirth and for older adults at risk of incontinence.
• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight places additional pressure on the bladder and surrounding muscles, which can lead to bladder problems. Losing weight and staying active can relieve this pressure and support better urinary control.

By following these simple preventive steps, individuals can protect bladder health and reduce the risk of developing urinary disorders over time.