Group therapy and meeting with others who share similar stories is a proven way to get on the road to recovery from many illnesses. Having an overactive bladder is no different. Instead of continuing to suffer on your own, there’s an opportunity to get together with similar people like you who suffer from an overactive bladder. The best part is you can meet these people at a luxurious retreat.
Retreat for an Overactive Bladder
The latest in self-help retreats, where you spend a few days away from it all to tackle your problem, is designed for people with an overactive bladder.
An overactive bladder consists of the sudden, frequent urge to urinate. Unfortunately, sometimes it’s difficult to make it to a restroom, leading to accidents. An overactive bladder can be quite stressful for a person and impact their daily living. The first Mind/Body/Bladder/Spirit retreat, still in the planning stages, will offer individualized treatment for participants in a small group setting – all overseen by a bladder expert.
From information classes to recreational activities like snorkeling, the aim is to assist those attending the retreat and create awareness about this serious health issue. Individual attention and group therapy can be highly effective for treatment and building support. Having an overactive bladder can often hinder the ability to go out and enjoy life. Being around others who share similar struggles will allow people to feel connected and have a great time while helping themselves.
Living with an Overactive Bladder
The Urology Care Foundation estimates about 33 million Americans have an overactive bladder. Unfortunately, this number is merely an estimate as those who suffer from an overactive bladder are often too embarrassed to report it.
A large factor in developing an overactive bladder is age, so seniors are more prone to the symptoms of an overactive bladder. What complicates matters is that people think the problem is aging and not so much the bladder itself. But there are treatments and steps you can take to control your overactive bladder, so speaking with a healthcare professional is vital for your health and life’s enjoyment.
For example, certain foods can worsen your overactive bladder, like caffeine and alcohol. Whereas other foods, like whole grains and apples, can help reduce the symptoms of an overactive bladder because of their fiber content. Knowing what to eat and what not to eat is the first step in controlling your overactive bladder.
Other ways to control your overactive bladder are maintaining normal body weight and monitoring your fluid intake. Both factors can ease overactive bladder symptoms.
If you can’t attend the upcoming retreat for your overactive bladder, not to worry! You can still practice some of the same principles. First off, start talking about your overactive bladder. Whether it’s with loved ones or a doctor, having a support group to help you through can be quite beneficial.
Learn about different treatments that are available. Finding what’s best and safe for you is always a good step in controlling your overactive bladder. These simple tips can pave the road to a healthier bladder and getting your life back.
How Do You Fix an Overactive Bladder?
Foods to Eat
Chinese Herbal Blends
Chinese herbal blends have been used for centuries to treat various ailments, including overactive bladder. Herbs such as houttuynia cordata, dandelion root, and goji berry have all been shown to help alleviate symptoms of an overactive bladder, such as frequent urination and urinary incontinence. In addition, Chinese herbal blends are generally well-tolerated and free of the adverse side effects associated with many medications.
Capsaicin
Capsaicin is the active ingredient in chilli peppers, and it works by reducing inflammation, making it a great option for those with an overactive bladder. It is also commonly used to treat pelvic pain syndrome, which is often a symptom of an overactive bladder. So if you’re looking for a natural way to ease your symptoms, give capsaicin a try.
Corn Silk (Zea Mays)
Corn Silk is a natural remedy that has been used to treat overactive bladder for centuries. The herb helps to relax the muscles in the bladder, allowing urine to flow more freely. In addition, Corn Silk can help to reduce inflammation and promote urinary health by strengthening and restoring mucous membranes in the urinary tract.
Pumpkin Seeds
Eating pumpkin seeds is one of the simplest and most effective remedies for an overactive bladder. Pumpkin seeds are rich in tryptophan, an amino acid that has been shown to help relax the bladder muscles. In addition, pumpkin seeds are a good source of magnesium, another muscle-relaxing nutrient. Just a handful of pumpkin seeds daily can make a big difference for people with an overactive bladder. So if you’re looking for a natural way to ease your symptoms, give pumpkin seeds a try.
Kohki Tea
Kohki Tea is made from the dried leaves of the Kohki bush, which is native to East Asia. The tea has traditionally been used to treat various health conditions, including overactive bladder. Some studies suggest that drinking Kohki Tea can help to reduce urinary frequency and urgency. Additionally, the tea may help to improve bladder control and reduce incontinence episodes. Kohki Tea may be worth a try if you’re struggling with overactive bladder.
Foods to Avoid
Caffeine
Caffeine is known for its ability to increase alertness and energy levels, but for those with an overactive bladder, it can also cause a sudden urge to urinate. Caffeine acts as a diuretic, leading to increased urine production. It can also irritate the bladder muscles, leading to more frequent urges to go. As a result, those with an overactive bladder may want to limit their caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea, and soda intake. Other sources of caffeine include chocolate and some over-the-counter medications, so be sure to check labels before consuming these products as well.
Tomato Products
If you have an overactive bladder, tomatoes may not be the best choice for your diet. That’s because tomatoes contain a compound called alpha-methylene-gamma-butyric acid (AMGBA), which can cause increased contractions in the bladder muscle and lead to an urgency to urinate. While AMGBA is also present in other fruits and vegetables, tomatoes tend to have higher levels of the compound. However, cooking tomatoes can significantly reduce their AMGBA content, making them a safer option for those with overactive bladders.
Spicy Foods
It’s well known that Spicy Foods can add an extra kick to your meal, but for those with an overactive bladder, they can also lead to unpleasant and frequent urges to urinate. Spicy Foods not only irritate the bladder, but they can also increase stomach acid production and lead to indigestion. This can result in increased urinary urgency and frequency. In extreme cases, Spicy Foods may even lead to urinary tract infections or bladder inflammation. So if you have an overactive bladder, it’s best to steer clear of Spicy Foods and opt for milder flavors to keep your bladder healthy and happy.
Processed Foods
Processed Foods are often high in sodium, which can lead to increased fluid retention and bladder discomfort for those with an overactive bladder. In addition, processed foods often contain artificial sweeteners and other additives that can irritate the bladder and cause discomfort or frequency. These foods may also lack fiber, leading to constipation and pelvic pressure. It’s important for those with an overactive bladder to focus on nutritious whole foods and stay away from processed foods as much as possible to maintain bladder health.
Citrus Fruits
A diet high in citrus fruits may seem like a healthy choice, but for those with an overactive bladder, citrus can be a major trigger for frequent and urgent urges to urinate. The acids in citrus foods, such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruits, can irritate the bladder and intensify these symptoms. It’s not just the juices that can cause problems – even citrus peel can aggravate the bladder and worsen symptoms. While citrus fruits are an important source of vitamins and nutrients, individuals with an overactive bladder may want to consider limiting their intake or avoiding them entirely.
Alcohol
If you have an overactive bladder, alcohol can spell disaster for your bathroom schedule. Not only does it act as a diuretic, causing your body to expel more urine than usual, but it can also worsen bladder control. In fact, a study done by the National Institutes of Health found that alcohol intake significantly worsened symptoms in those with overactive bladders.
So next time you reach for that drink, consider whether it’s worth risking potential accidents and increased trips to the restroom. And remember, there are plenty of alcohol-free options out there that won’t disrupt your bladder control. Cheers to staying dry!
Behavioral Interventions for Fixing Overactive Bladder
Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises
Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises (PFME) involves contracting and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles in a specific way. This type of exercise has been shown to be effective in reducing OAB symptoms. In addition, PFME is safe and can be done in the privacy of your own home. For these reasons, PFME is an attractive option for those seeking treatment for an overactive bladder.
Kegel Exercises and Muscle Training
Kegel Exercises are simple exercises that strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. These muscles support the bladder and help to control urination. To do a Kegel Exercise, simply squeeze the pelvic floor muscles as if you are trying to stop urinating. Hold the contraction for three to five seconds, then relax for three to five seconds. Repeat 10 to 15 times. You can do Kegel Exercises any time, any place – no one will even know you’re doing them!
Healthy Weight
While overactive bladder can be caused by a variety of factors, such as medications or nerve damage, one of the most common causes is excess weight. Extra weight can increase the pressure on your bladder and cause stress incontinence, which is when urine leaks out during activities such as coughing or laughing. Losing weight can help to reduce this pressure and may also improve other symptoms of overactive bladder, such as urgency and frequency.
Bladder Retraining
Bladder Retraining is behaviour therapy that gradually increases the intervals between trips to the bathroom. This allows the bladder to hold more urine and helps to reduce frequency and urgency. In addition, patients learn techniques to relax the pelvic floor muscles, which can help to reduce leakage. Over time, these changes can lead to significant improvements in symptoms. For many people with OAB, Bladder Retraining is an effective way to manage the condition and improve
quality of life.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves the insertion of thin needles at specific points on the body, has been shown to provide relief for those struggling with overactive bladder. Acupuncture works to ease symptoms by increasing blood flow and relaxing the muscles in the bladder. In fact, multiple studies have shown its effectiveness in reducing urinary frequency and improving overall bladder function. Acupuncture may also offer benefits beyond just treating an overactive bladder; it has been demonstrated to improve symptoms of urinary incontinence as well. If you suffer from an overactive bladder, consider trying acupuncture as a possible solution for finding relief.
Not Smoking
One of the many health benefits of quitting smoking is improving bladder control. A study published in the American Journal of Medicine found that smokers were more than twice as likely to have symptoms of overactive bladder, including frequent urges and leaking accidents. This link has been attributed to nicotine’s effect on the bladder muscles, causing them to contract more frequently.
Quitting smoking can lead to a significant improvement in bladder control and decrease episodes of leakage and urgency. Additionally, quitting smoking can also improve other urinary conditions, such as urinary tract infections and incontinence after childbirth. So not only can quitting smoking improve your overall health and well-being, but it can also help with bladder control.
Using Absorbent Pads or Undergarments
When it comes to managing an overactive bladder, absorbent pads and undergarments can offer much-needed peace of mind. These discreet options absorb excess urine and feature odor control, allowing for a comfortable and confident experience.
While absorbent pads can be slipped into regular underwear, undergarments offer even more protection with built-in absorbency. Additionally, absorbent pads and undergarments are available in various sizes to ensure a perfect fit. Absorbent pads and undergarments can provide invaluable support for those living with overactive bladder.