3 Home Remedies for Relieving Overactive Bladder (OAB) Symptoms
You have to go. You already went to the bathroom, but you have to go again. And you have to go now! The urgency, the inconvenience, the embarrassment.
An overactive bladder does not make for a very pleasant day.
Though you are struggling with this uncomfortable problem, you need to know two things: OAB is common and there are natural ways to overcome it!
What Is OAB?
Happy, healthy kidneys filter out waste from your blood and produce urine. The urine in stored in the urinary tract (the combination of your bladder, urethra, and ureters) and is later released when you urinate.
No big deal, right?
Well, the process of urination can become a big deal when you feel the urge to urinate more than you are naturally comfortable with. Sometimes it feels as though you cannot control OAB, which often affects may aspects of your life. Lack of sleep, feelings of humiliation when out in public with other people, and the interruption of your daily activities can become more than frustrating.
OAB can make you isolate yourself or even become depressed.
When your bladder is full, the muscles contract, signaling that you've got to go to the bathroom. An overactive bladder is caused by involuntary contractions when your bladder is not full.
What Causes OAB?
- Improperly functioning kidneys
- Urinary tract infection
- Consuming too many caffeinated beverages or alcoholic drinks
- Constipation
- Unhealthy bladder
- Certain medications
- Neurological disorders
- Enlarged prostate
- Diabetes
- Aging
Natural Ways to Combat OAB and Incontinence
First off, check with your doctor to ensure you don’t have any health, kidney or bladder problems or infections. If you have a condition or are taking medication that may cause an overactive bladder, speak with an experienced urologist to see if there is a medical solution.
If you don’t have any medical issues, try the following home remedies for improving your OAB symptoms:
#1 Maintain a healthy weight. Being obese or overweight puts a great deal of pressure on your bladder, causing an urge to urinate more frequently. If you are at a healthy weight, your bladder is relieved of this pressure and can function properly. Moderate exercise and a healthy diet helps internal functions—such as the process of urination—operate adequately.
#2 Avoid diuretics. Certain diuretic foods and drinks encourage your body to urinate. These are often helpful when you are retaining fluid and need to rid yourself of excess water weight. If you are struggling with OAB, avoid consuming diuretics, as they aggravate the bladder and can even cause incontinence. Examples of diuretics include: caffeinated beverages or food, vegetables and fruit with a high-water content and alcohol.
#3 Teach your bladder healthy urination habits. Though it may sound silly, you can actually train your bladder control and strength. Choose when you should urinate, and if you feel the urge to go before your chosen time, mentally remind yourself that your bladder is not quite full. Keeping track of how often you urinate can help you better understand and control your bladder.