Urine is one way in which the body excretes waste products generated by cells. Urine also allows the body to regulate the amount of water and electrolytes in the body. This process, which normally is carefully controlled, can lead to excessive urine output because of the consumption of certain compounds or problems with the urinary system.
Frequent urination, which can be uncomfortable, may also result in urinary incontinence. However, patients who are worried about frequent urination can take a number of steps to prevent these problems.
Step 1
Limit alcohol consumption. As alcohol is processed by the body, it causes increased urine output, which can cause you to urinate frequently, Health Central notes. This is particularly pronounced for alcoholic beverages such as beer and wine, which also have a high water content, further increasing the amount of urine excreted.
Step 2
Avoid diuretics. Diuretics, which include caffeine, work by signaling the kidneys to increase urine output. Patients who are having trouble with frequent urination should avoid caffeinated beverages, such as sodas and coffee. They should not take diuretics for weight loss.
Step 3
Take cranberry supplements. Urinary tract infections are a common cause of increased urinary frequency. Many people take supplements of cranberry extract, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine notes, in order to prevent urinary tract infections. Although research suggests that some of the compounds in cranberries can keep bacteria from adhering to the walls of the urinary tract, there is not enough scientific evidence to support any claims that cranberries can prevent or treat urinary tract infections.
Step 4
Eat a diet high in soluble fiber. A diet high in soluble fiber can help prevent constipation, which is often associated with bladder issues, the Mayo Clinic explains.
Step 5
Practice bladder and voiding control. Some people who struggle with frequent urination can benefit from gradually training themselves to delay urination when they feel the urge. The Mayo Clinic recommends people start by trying to wait 10 minutes and then gradually increase the amount of time they wait in order to train themselves to not go to the bathroom as soon as they feel the urge. Patients may also benefit from double voiding, which involves urinating and then attempting to urinate again a few minutes later.
Step 6
Take medications for overactive bladder. The need to urinate frequently can be caused by a condition known as overactive bladder, the Mayo Clinic notes. Certain medications, such as trospium, tolterodine and darifenacin can be prescribed to help treat an overactive bladder.
