Ways to keep your bladder healthy

Ways to keep your bladder healthy

We share some Preventive Tips for bladder health

Introduction

The bladder has two main functions: storing urine and getting rid of it. While you can’t control everything that affects bladder health, there are some steps you can take to support a healthy bladder. So, what should you be careful about? 

 

What can irritate the bladder?

  • Caffeine-containing beverages
  • Drinks with artificial sweeteners, especially "Lite" or "Diet" varieties
  • Drinking alcohol - especially "shorts" - can irritate the bladder
  • Some medication

How can you avoid infections?

  • Drinking 1 or 2 glasses (250 to 600ml) of cranberry juice daily may help people who often get urine infections. People with diabetes or take warfarin should check with their doctor before drinking cranberry juice.
  • Taking Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in divided doses (totalling no more than 1000mg daily) works well.
  • Drinking barley water will also help to calm an irritated bladder 
  • Do not cut down on the amount you drink: this makes your urine even more concentrated and is likely to worsen your bladder problems.
  • Limiting stimulants like alcohol and caffeine - Certain foods and beverages can irritate the bladder. Try staying away from drinks like coffee, tea, and carbonated drinks, even those without caffeine, as well as alcohol to see if that helps your bladder health.
  • Using the bathroom when needed - Try to urinate at least every 4 to 5 hours. Holding urine in your bladder for too long can weaken your bladder muscles and make a bladder infection more likely. 
  • Doing pelvic floor muscle skills and exercise: Pelvic floor muscle training is a well-established treatment for stress UI in women, as well as men.

Conclusion

Appropriate changes in these factors have the potential for an enormous impact on bladder health if implemented gradually. 

You can monitor your health from the comfort of your home using our NeoDocs Wellness Care Kit and understand results instantly through the Neodocs app on your smartphone.

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