For adults who struggle with urinary incontinence, it often feels like there’s no other choice but to resort to adult diapers. But did you know there are natural solutions that can help alleviate the problem? Let’s discuss the causes of incontinence and some alternatives to help you take control of your bladder health.
Understanding the Incontinence Dilemma
Urinary incontinence, or the involuntary loss of urine, affects one in six Americans. The causes of incontinence can vary between men and women, but weakened muscles, hormonal imbalances, and aging are common factors.
It is not uncommon for women to experience urinary incontinence after giving birth or during menopause. As for men, prostate problems, low testosterone levels, and aging can lead to bladder control issues.
In general, there are four categories of urinary incontinence:
- Stress incontinence: Commonly affects women after childbirth or menopause and men who have undergone prostate surgery. It results in urine leaks during physical activities such as exercising, laughing, coughing, or sneezing.
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Urge incontinence: Affects people over the age of 60. It causes sudden, involuntary contractions that make you feel the need to urinate even if you just went to the bathroom.
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Mixed incontinence: A combination of a leaky bladder and the urge to urinate, primarily affecting women.
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Overflow incontinence: A rarer type of incontinence that occurs when the bladder becomes too full due to an inability to completely empty it. This can affect a man with an enlarged prostate or someone who has experienced an injury, infection, or blockage.
Natural Solutions for Urinary Incontinence
Instead of relying on adult diapers, consider turning to natural remedies to improve your bladder control:
- Pumpkin Seed Extract (EFLA® 940): Native Americans used pumpkin seeds to treat urinary problems, but modern science has taken this remedy further by developing a specialized extract called EFLA® 940. It contains a complete spectrum of nutrients from the whole pumpkin seed.
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Soy Isoflavones: These natural plant estrogens, also known as phytoestrogens, can help the body naturally rebalance estrogen levels.
Researchers have discovered that a combination of pumpkin seed extract and soy isoflavones can inhibit the aromatase enzyme, which converts testosterone to estrogen. Maintaining adequate levels of testosterone is crucial for preserving the strength of pelvic floor muscles and ensuring complete voiding of the bladder.
The inhibition of the aromatase enzyme allows for more available testosterone in the body, which is essential for maintaining urinary tract muscle tone and proper bladder function.
Many natural supplement manufacturers offer products containing EFLA® 940 combined with soy isoflavones. Look for these supplements at health food stores and online retailers.
Additional Tips for Managing Urinary Incontinence
Alongside these natural remedies, consider incorporating these lifestyle changes to help improve your bladder control:
- Kegel Exercises: Regularly practicing Kegel exercises can strengthen your pelvic floor muscles and improve your bladder control. To do these exercises, tighten the muscles you use to stop urinating, hold the contraction for a few seconds, then relax. Repeat this process several times a day.
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Bladder Training: Schedule designated times to use the bathroom throughout the day, gradually increasing the intervals between visits. Over time, this can help train your bladder to hold more urine for longer periods.
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Monitor Your Fluid Intake: Pay attention to what and when you’re drinking. Limiting caffeine and alcohol consumption can help reduce bladder irritation, while spacing out beverages evenly throughout the day can prevent sudden urges to urinate.
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Maintain a Healthy Weight: Carrying excess body weight can put pressure on the bladder and pelvic floor muscles, resulting in urinary incontinence. Eating a balanced diet and staying active can help support overall bladder health.
Urinary incontinence can be an embarrassing and inconvenient problem, but there is hope in natural remedies and lifestyle changes. Explore the solutions mentioned above, and consult your healthcare provider to develop a personalized plan to regain control of your bladder health.
