Loss of bladder control, also called urinary incontinence, is a serious -- and potentially embarrassing -- health problem. The National Institute on Aging states that urinary incontinence is more common in seniors and women. Although incontinence is often associated with aging, many other factors can also cause this problem. Nutritional supplements have long been used for treating urinary incontinence. Meet with your doctor before using nutritional supplements to help treat your condition.
Loss of Bladder Control
An inability to maintain proper bladder control, or the unintentional loss of urine, is a common health problem. Approximately 13 million people in the United States -- 85 percent of whom are women -- suffer from this health problem, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Possible cause of urinary incontinence include weak bladder muscles, bladder spasms or overactive bladder muscles, nerve damage and conditions such as osteoarthritis that may make it difficult for some seniors to walk to the bathroom.
Bladder Control Nutritional Supplements
Nutritional supplements have long been used to help improve your bladder control, although more scientific research studies may be necessary to prove these supplements' purported health effects. Certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," reports that potassium, calcium, magnesium, free form amino acid, vitamin A, vitamin E, zinc, and a multivitamin and mineral complex may provide the nutrition required to help treat urinary incontinence and improve bladder control.
A Commonly Used Supplement
Zinc may be a commonly used nutritional supplement for improving bladder control. Balch notes that zinc improves bladder function. According to the National Institutes of Health's Office of Dietary Supplements, zinc is an essential mineral that plays a significant role in many aspects of your cellular metabolism, including the catalyzing of enzymatic reactions, supporting healthy immune function, the building of proteins, cell division and other cellular activities. Balch recommends a dosage of 80 mg of zinc daily for urinary incontinence, although you should always discuss dosage with your doctor first.
Additional Information
Maintaining proper bladder control is extremely important. Urinary incontinence may cause considerable embarrassment, and it may be an indication of serious underlying pathology that requires the attention of licensed healthcare professionals. Nutritional supplements should always be used judiciously and under the care of a qualified healthcare practitioner. A physician who specializes in clinical nutrition can make helpful recommendations about the nutritional supplements you should use and avoid.
References
- National Institute on Aging: Urinary Incontinence
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Urinary Incontinence in Adults
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- National Institutes of Health: Zinc
