Bed wetting is especially common in children under 3 years of age. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry reports that bed wetting is not itself a disease, but is instead a common symptom among children, especially boys. Bed wetting tends to run in families, and most children who wet the bed do not suffer from emotional problems. Bed wetting supplements may be helpful in treating this condition, although you should always speak with your child's doctor before giving him dietary supplements.
Bed Wetting
Bedwetting, notes MayoClinic.com, is commonly called nighttime incontinence or nocturnal enuresis. Bedwetting before the age of 6 or 7 is not unusual. In some cases, it can take years for a child to develop proper nighttime bladder control. Although the exact cause of bed wetting is unknown, certain factors may contribute to this condition, including a small bladder, an inability to sense when your bladder is full, stress, hormone imbalances, urinary tract infections and certain anatomical defects.
Bed Wetting Supplements
Nutritional supplements are a common alternative treatment method to help stop bed wetting. Ed Smith, an expert herbalist and author of "Therapeutic Herb Manual," reports that arnica, plantain, goldenrod and corn silk may be among the most helpful supplements in treating bed wetting in children. Other beneficial supplements for this health purpose may include calcium and magnesium, potassium, zinc, gotu kola and free-form amino acids. Further scientific testing may be necessary to determine the true health benefits of these supplements.
Featured Supplement
Gotu kola is a popular dietary supplement in treating bed wetting. According to Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," gotu kola has historically been used in treating urinary incontinence and encourages the natural growth of supportive bladder tissue. Gotu kola has also been used in treating connective tissue disorders, low appetite and sleep disorders. Extracts of the dried leaf are incorporated into dietary supplements. Talk to your doctor before using gotu kola to treat any medical condition.
Disclaimer
Bed wetting, though common among children, may be a sign of an underlying condition that requires the help of a licensed health care professional. Before giving your child dietary supplements to help treat her bed wetting, schedule a visit with her general practitioner to discuss the merits and drawbacks of supplements as well as the short-term and long-term health risks and benefits associated with this natural healing method. A physician specializing in clinical nutrition may offer you the most helpful information about the use of supplements for this health purpose.
References
- American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: Bedwetting
- MayoClinic.com: Bed-Wetting
- "Therapeutic Herb Manual"; Ed Smith; 2007
- "Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
