Overactive bladder, also known as urinary incontinence, occurs when your bladder is unable to properly store urine. An overactive bladder causes a sudden urge to urinate and results in an involuntary loss of urine. A variety of factors such as stretched or weak pelvic muscles, chronic urinary tract infections, bladder diseases, an enlarged prostate, diabetes or obesity can trigger an overactive bladder. Vitamins can relieve bladder pressure, strengthen your pelvic muscles and improve bladder function.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that improves immune system function and lowers your risk of bladder infections, interstitial cystitis and bladder cancer, according to Christopher Hobbs, author of the book "Vitamins for Dummies." Hobbs reports that vitamin A also aids in the healing process, repairs bladder damage, supports bladder health, alleviates urine leakage, strengthens weak pelvic muscles and decreases bladder inflammation. The recommended daily dosage for vitamin A is 900 mcg for men and 700 mcg for women. Foods rich in vitamin A include cod liver oil, butter, eggs, milk, baked sweet potatoes, mangoes, broccoli, squash, canned pumpkin, raw carrots and spinach.
Vitamin B-12
Vitamin B-12, also known as cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin that repairs damaged pelvic muscles, strengthens weak pelvic muscles, improves central nervous system functioning, relieves bladder pressure and alleviates mild urine leakage, notes H. Winter Griffith, author of the book "Vitamins, Herbs, Minerals, & Supplements: The Complete Guide." The recommended daily dosage for vitamin B-12 is 2.4 mcg for teens and adults. Foods rich in vitamin B-12 include rainbow trout, milk, plain yogurt, beef liver, top sirloin beef, white tuna, salmon, breakfast cereals, eggs and roasted chicken.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant that strengthens the immune system and protects the bladder from harmful free radicals that can impair or damage it, according to Steve Blake, author of the book "Vitamins and Minerals Demystified." Blake explains that vitamin C also heals a damaged bladder, decreases bladder inflammation, relieves bladder pressure, strengthens the pelvic muscles, prevents bladder infections and eliminates uncontrolled urine leakage. The recommended daily dosage for vitamin C is 1,000 mg for adults. Foods rich in vitamin C include cranberries, strawberries, blackberries, grapefruits, pineapples, kiwi, broccoli, oranges, Brussels sprouts, spinach and tomatoes.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that heals bladder injuries, reduces bladder inflammation, aids in bladder muscle contraction, strengthens bladder muscles, repairs injured pelvic muscles, prevents reoccurring urinary tract infections and lowers the risk of pelvic floor disorders such as urinary incontinence, reports Diane Stafford, author of the book "The Vitamin D Cure." The recommended daily dosage for vitamin D is 15 mcg for adults. Foods rich in vitamin D include canned pink salmon, fortified soy milk, fortified cereals, egg yolks, fortified orange juice, fortified cow's milk and sardines.
References
- "The Vitamin D Cure"; Diane Stafford; 2009
- "Vitamins and Minerals Demystified"; Steve Blake; 2007
- "About the Natural Treatments for Urinary Incontinence: Using Butterbur and Other Natural Supplements to Treat Bladder Control Problems"; Rita Elkins; 2000
- "Clinician's Guide to Holistic Medicine"; Robert A. Anderson; 2001
- "Vitamins, Herbs, Minerals, & Supplements: The Complete Guide"; H. Winter Griffith; 2000
- "Vitamins for Dummies"; Christopher Hobbs; 1999
