Easy Changes to Help You Stop Going in the Middle of the Night

Urinary incontinence cureUrinary incontinence is a condition which can become a problem as people age. Although it frequently occurs in women much more commonly then men, it’s an equally embarrassing and inconvenient problem for both genders.

Although incontinence is associated with certain events, some of which are not easily controlled. In my opinion, prevention is the key to managing this condition.  Here are a few suggestions which may help you prevent this condition from ever occurring despite your age:

  • Weight Management

Being overweight or obese increases the abdominal pressure and stress to the bladder wall. The added pressure from the increased weight and abdominal fat mass volume can place a great deal of stress upon the bladder walls and urethra causing stress incontinence to occur.

My recommendation is to change your diet to one which consists of lean protein, vegetables, whole grains, raw fruits, nuts, seeds, oily fish, yogurt, legumes, and olive oil. The participation in a daily exercise program consisting of moderate-intensity cardiovascular activity combined with core strengthening, Kegel, and some mild weight-training will help you lose the excess amount of weight and strengthen your pelvic floor and abdominal wall.

  • Avoid Smoking

Smoking causes residue accumulation in the urine which can irritate the bladder wall and cause an overactive bladder response. Smoking is also the leading cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and the continued cough attributed to the bronchitis can often lead to urine leakage from the bladder neck. The best way to avoid this issue is to not start smoking or quit immediately.

  • Hydration

As you age, there is a great risk of developing bladder inflammation which is a major cause of incontinence. Females who are menopausal can relate to this as the urinary tract becomes much more prone to infection after the cessation of menses. The best way to avoid this problem is to hydrate well by drinking two liters of fresh spring water every day with an additional six to eight ounces of fresh, unsweetened cranberry juice diluted with water. This strategy will keep the flow of urine consistent and prevent bacteria from adhering to the bladder wall.

  • Diet

Your diet may cause these symptoms to become worse so you may want to look at limiting some common sources of concern. The excessive intake of caffeinated beverages; spices like curry; artificial sweeteners; sugar; and alcohol can aggravate the symptoms of incontinence.

  • Unnecessary surgery

Even after years of research and subsequent clinical guidelines later, men and women are still being subjected to unnecessary surgery. Men are having needless prostatic surgery completed which greatly impacts their quality of life including the development of incontinence.

In my opinion, far too many hysterectomies are performed which are recommended to women as a viable choice when there is no risk of cancer or serious disease! If you are offered this choice as a first option, seek several other opinions from qualified medical personnel.

Sources:
“Incontinence & overactive bladder health center,” WebMD web site;  http://www.webmd.com/urinary-incontinence-oab/womens-guide/default.htm, last accessed August 6, 2013.