How to Treat Urinary Incontinence Using Natural Remedies

Treating Urinary Incontinence

Many people have some wild assumptions when they read or hear about natural remedies. However, many people overlook the fact that one of the greatest natural remedies is what you have right at your disposal, your own body. The good news is that there are certain things you can do that will help you treat urinary incontinence simply by using some of the natural healing powers of your own body. Here is what you need to know about how to treat urinary incontinence using natural remedies-

It is important to realize that urinary incontinence is a common problem. Both men and women experience incontinence but it is women who primarily suffer from stress incontinence. When you have stress incontinence this means that each time that you laugh, cough, sneeze, or engage in anything physical you may leak urine. This can be a difficult problem that grows worse without treatment. The good news is that there are several treatment options that you can begin right at home.

• Kegel exercises-One of the most highly effective ways to deal with incontinence is by doing Kegel exercises. Many patients with stress incontinence report considerable improvement in their incontinence symptoms after continuous practice of Kegel exercises. The exercise works by strengthening the pelvic floor muscles that surround the bladder and urethra. Kegels can be done by simply engaging the muscles that you would need to stop the flow of urine. The recommendation is to begin by contracting and relaxing the muscles for 1-2 seconds for up to 10 repetitions. You should repeat this between 3-5 times per day. As time goes on you need to work up to 15 second contractions. Keep in mind that it will take continuous practice over a period of time before you see results. If you are unsure as to whether you are doing these right consult with your doctor.  However, studies have shown that Kegel exercises have been shown to be more effective then surgery and medication for both stress and urge incontinence.
• Dietary changes-Many people are unaware that not only what you drink but what you eat can affect your incontinence. It is important to have a clear understanding of exactly what may be affecting your incontinence. Beverages that contain caffeine or chocolate can make incontinence symptoms worse. Foods that are highly salty, have caffeine, are highly spiced, or contain natural diuretics can aggravate incontinence. You may also be surprised to learn that high amounts of sugar can make incontinence worse.  Many people find significant relief of incontinence symptoms simply by making some changes in their dietary habits. In addition, both smoking and drinking alcohol have been shown to make incontinence worse. Cigarettes contain bladder irritating chemicals and many smokers develop a chronic cough that only aggravates incontinence. Alcohol can also make incontinence symptoms worse so it is best avoided or at the least reduced in the diet.

To find out more about all aspects of incontinence please visit http://caregiverpartnership.com/landing/incontinence. For help and guidance in selecting incontinence products please click on http://caregiverpartnership.com/incontinence-product-finder.

The Caregiver Partnership helps caregivers and their loved ones with answers to their care giving questions, including information about home health care products and supplies, from our Wisconsin-based team of Product Specialists who are all current or former caregivers. The company’s web site provides the largest online library of resources on subjects most important to caregivers — from arthritis to assisted living, and Parkinson’s to prostate cancer — as well as access to more than 3,000 home care products for incontinence, skin care, mobility, home safety and daily living aids. The Caregiver Partnership was founded in 2004 by Lynn Wilson of Neenah, Wis. Visit http://www.caregiverpartnership.com to learn more or call 1-800-985-1353.

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