Natural remedies for urinary incontinence
Urinary incontinence is one of the common bladder problems. It arises due to loss of bladder control.
The problem is more common in older adults, especially in women. Minor and occasional leaks of urine are commonly experienced by many people. But some others may experience a moderate amount of leaks more frequently.
Frequent urination and sudden urge to urinate are some other common symptoms.
You can control the symptoms with certain exercises and lifestyle changes.
Here is a list of some home remedies to control urinary incontinence:
- Kegel exercises are one of the most popular muscle exercises to control urinary flow. These exercises strengthen pelvic and abdominal muscles. You need to practice them for at least 12 weeks to see the improvement.
- Manage your fluids and change your dietary habits. Limit intake of caffeinated drinks and acidic foods.
- Bladder training also helps restore bladder control. The training involves trying to delay urinating when you get the urge to go to the toilet. Try to delay it by 10 minutes in the beginning and increase the time gradually.
- Alternatively, you can schedule time for urination, i.e. every two hours, three hours and so on. In this method, you need to go to the toilet at a scheduled time rather than waiting for the urge to urinate.
- Double voiding helps control overflow incontinence. It involves urinating, waiting for a few minutes, and trying again to urinate to empty the bladder completely.
- Extra weight and fat put pressure on the bladder. So, stay fit and lose weight to regain bladder control.
- Smokers are prone to developing stress urinary incontinence, as per some researchers. So quit smoking. Also, limit your alcohol consumption.
- Magnesium is one of the vital minerals for nerve functions. It helps prevent neurological disorders. Hence add magnesium-rich foods like bananas to your diet to control urge incontinence.
- Devices like pessary help support the vagina and bladder and control stress incontinence.
- Hypnotherapy, acupuncture etc., are also helpful to restore bladder control.
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