Health
Tips for Better Bladder Control
Guest Blogger: Myke Thomas
Many people suffer from an uncontrollable bladder. Such problems can make it difficult to drive for long periods of time or even sit in the movie theater. People who suffer from a bladder control problem find the condition very frustrating. Luckily, there are some easy tips available to help gain control over your bladder.
Control Your Water Intake
The first tip for improving bladder control is to carefully regulate the amount of fluids you take in. It is important to drink a healthy amount of water every single day, but try to avoid consuming too much water at once. An uncontrollable bladder is unable to handle large amounts of fluids in one sitting. It is recommended that you drink a glass of water with every meal. However, try to drink small amounts at various times throughout the day as well. Many doctors also recommend drinking eight separate servings of eight ounces of water every day. This can be tough for a person with bad bladder control. Try to space your water intake to avoid the feeling of urgency that comes when the fluids overwhelm your bladder.
Avoid Coffee and Alcohol
There are plenty of bladder irritants out there. Many of them are commonly consumed on a daily basis. Caffeine is one of the most irritating substances for a person with a bladder control problem. Caffeine boosts urine production and causes the bladder to panic. This causes that urgent feeling that people with bladder problems are so familiar with. Caffeine has this effect on everyone, so you can imagine what the effects are like on an uncontrollable bladder. Unfortunately, sugary and spicy foods are also irritants. Drinking soda or eating spicy noodles will have a negative effect on the bladder. Avoid these foods as much as possible and also avoid drinking alcohol. Alcohol is a major problem for the bladder. This is because it is an irritant and also because it is often consumed in large quantities. Going out for drinks usually means more than one.
Pelvic Exercises for Treating Your Bladder
There are certain stretches and exercises that can have a profound impact on your bladder. Many pelvic exercises can improve the muscles that are used when urinating. This helps to reduce the feeling of urgency that occurs among sufferers. One way to exercise these muscles is to pretend to hold urine in. When you try to hold in urine you are working those pelvic muscles. Working these muscle regularly can decrease the need to go as frequently. This will allow you to hold urine longer without feeling the need to release it.
Hold It In as Long as Possible
It is not always healthy to hold urine in, but many people suffering from bladder control problems are actually releasing urine too frequently. When you urinate frequently, you are telling your brain that your bladder is full even when it is not. This causes the problem to become worse. Next time you have to go to the bathroom, you should try holding it in for a little while. If this is extremely uncomfortable then you should not do it, but see how long you can last. This is a way of training the bladder to build its tolerance.
About the Author
Myke Thomas is a freelance writer, professional blogger, and social media enthusiast. His blog Vitaminsandminerals.net focuses on health bloggers and fitness bloggers. You can follow him on Google+ and Twitter.