Although it is an issue that no one enjoys talking about, over 13 million Americans are suffering from urinary loss or incontinence. Many patients are reluctant to bring up embarrassing matters, such as the urgent need to go, frantically searching for a restroom or resorting to products like adult diapers. While bladder weakness often comes with aging, it can also be related to separate conditions.

For men it could be related to your enlarged prostate. And for women who are twice as likely as men to have this condition, the complications can be caused by female-related infections, irritations, and surgery of reproductive organs.

The good news is, with breakthrough research, it is now possible to naturally treat many underlying problems and restore a healthy bladder.

Men and Prostate Health

Bladder problems in men range from always feeling like you have to go, to weak stream, to incomplete evacuation of the bladder. All of these symptoms can get in the way of living an active life. While sometimes triggered by the aging process, these issues are often the result of an enlarged prostate. The prostate gland surrounds the urethra, a tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. When the prostate becomes enlarged, it sometimes blocks or puts pressure on the urethra.

An enlarged prostate is also known as BPH, or benign prostatic hyperplasia. BPH may be caused by hormonal changes and cell growth and sometimes leads to prostate cancer. However, in most cases, an enlarged prostate can result in urinary retention, urinary tract infections and kidney stones.

To deal with an enlarged prostate, see your doctor. Everyone has different symptoms and therefore, different treatment needs. There are many ways to naturally manage your BPH. I suggest that you even eliminate or limit your use of alcohol and caffeine. They act as diuretics causing the body to release fluids faster than normal.

Another effective technique is to try “double voiding.” After urinating, relax for a few moments, then try to go again in order to ensure you have emptied your bladder completely. You should also check with your doctor to make sure any medications you take are not to blame for BPH. Some over-the-counter antihistamines, decongestants (including nasal sprays) and allergy pills can cause symptoms.

Some natural ingredients are highly effective for treating bladder weakness and BPH. Look for an herb called Uva Ursi leaf. While strengthening the urinary system and the prostate, it also contributes to kidney health.  Another helpful nutrient is Uncaria tomentosa, an herb known to reduce swelling of the tissue in the prostate and urinary tract. This may relieve pressure on the urethra and lessen urine loss.

Women and a Healthy Urinary Tract

Many women struggle with urine loss, which impacts their freedom and can make once pleasant social interactions a source of stress. In many cases, infections of the urinary system, commonly called UTIs, can often go untreated because they are usually mistaken for other problems and misdiagnosed.

If you have a history of urinary tract infections or experience urinary loss that’s erratic and accompanied by pain, I suggest you see your personal doctor for a definitive diagnosis. He or she can treat a current infection and develop a plan to make your urinary system less susceptible to harmful bacteria.

Many women who experience urine loss or pelvic pain due to infections tend to over wash the vaginal area or douche frequently. This over washing can often encourage bacteria growth, especially if scented products are used.

For both women and men fighting urinary infections, cranberry extract is frequently recommended. Studies have proven its effectiveness at reducing UTIs by up to 50%. This anti-bacterial can reduce harmful E. coli and other bacteria in the urinary tract. Look for bladder supplements with at least 800 to 1200 mg of cranberry extract.

Probiotics are natural substances that promote the growth of flora in the digestive tract and urinary system. This “good bacteria” is essential for bladder health and balances any bad bacteria in the body. FOS is a powerful probiotic proven to restore this delicate balance. Another effective natural treatment is the herb, cornsilk. Found in some bladder supplements, it supports overall health and soothes irritation and inflammation of the urethra in women. For men, cornsilk may support prostate and kidney health.

I have seen these natural remedies improve the bladder health of many of my own patients. If you have difficulty leading a full and active life due to bladder problems, you owe it to yourself to explore the natural treatments that have been proven to benefit this embarrassing condition. Managing urinary loss and supporting a healthy bladder will leave you free to enjoy friends, family and all the things you love.

References

1. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/urinary-incontinence/DS00404/DSECTION=lifestyle-and-home-remedies.
2. http://men.webmd.com/prostate-enlargement-bph/tc/benign-prostatic-hyperplasia-bph-topic-overview?page=2.

[Ed. Note: Mark Rosenberg, M.D. is director of the “Institute for Anti-Aging” in South Florida. He is a highly sought-after speaker for lectures on topics such as integrative cancer therapy and anti-aging medicine. Dr. Rosenberg is avidly involved in supplement research and is nutritional consultant for Vitalmax Vitamins.]

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