Many people after a certain age start suffering from a hyperactive bladder, a condition that is not dangerous, but can be irksome and embarrassing. It can interrupt night sleep; disrupt plans; and disturb everyday life.
A doctor may prescribe long-term medication to soothe the bladder and reduce the need to empty, but it will not cure the bladder. What is needed to treat an overactive bladder is to get to the core of the problem.
There are several causes to an irritable bladder. Some of them are manageable and treatment can be quite straightforward; others are either chronic or more complicated.
Bladder disorders range from transient bladder infections (E. coli) and chronic bladder inflammation (intestinal cystitis) to nerve damage like multiple sclerosis (MS). Here are some healing suggestions from Dr. Mark Hyman.
• Bacterial bladder infections are quite common. They are detected through urine tests. The usual treatments include antibiotics. Recent research shows that forskolin extract from the Indian coleus plant makes bacteria surface, making it easier for antibiotics to destroy them. Herbal remedies such as cranberry juice and uva ursi can be quite effective, too.
• Sensitivity to gluten (wheat), dairy, yeast, eggs, corn, soy, and nuts can irritate the bladder. To detect what foods cause the allergy, eliminate the above-mentioned foods. Reintroduce one by one a week later to pinpoint the culprit and avoid it.
• Food additives and preservatives and aspartame are possible allergens. Read labels and avoid ingredients you do not know, particularly numbered ones (E5), which represent artificial chemicals and coloring.
• Yeast infections induce an overactive bladder. They result from repeated use of antibiotics, cortisone, contraceptive pills, and estrogen as well as an unbalanced diet that emphasizes refined sugar and carbohydrates and red meat. Such a diet depletes the “friendly” bacteria in the gut. Your physician may prescribe antifungal medication (nystatin) and probiotics. Supplements like garlic, berberine, oregano, plant tannins, and undecylenic acid help cure the condition.
• Deficiency in certain nutrients can over-stimulate the bladder. Insufficient magnesium triggers muscle cramps and spasms, including the bladder. Shortage of vitamin B12 can give similar symptoms to MS. Such conditions require testing and supplementation.
• Postmenopausal women suffer from vaginal wall and urethra thinning, irritating the bladder. Vaginal estrogen cream like yam extract can relieve the condition.
* Autoimmune diseases like MS lead to an overactive bladder that should be investigated by a neurologist before starting treatment.
Other natural treatments include vitamin C, ascorbic acid, to destroy bacteria in urinary tract infection; plenty of water to clear the bladder from bacteria; and essentials oils of oliban and coriander to kill bacteria.
Many a time undiagnosed disorders trigger symptoms that degrade the quality of our lives and health. All it takes is to investigate the underlying cause of an overactive bladder. Why should we settle for anything less than the best? Do something and get rid of irritants in your life!!!
P.S.
I would like to inform my readers that I shall cease writing during the months of July and August. I wish you all a good summer.
— Mariam Alireza is a holistic science specialist. Send comments to [email protected]. Log on to arabnews.com for previous articles.
