When most people discuss incontinence, they are referring to urinary incontinence, or the inability to hold urine in your bladder. In some cases, however, you may develop fecal incontinence, which is the involuntary voiding of your colon's contents. The Medline Medical Encyclopedia states that most urinary incontinence is caused by bladder weakness or weakness in the tissues that support your bladder. Certain nutrients may be helpful in treating your incontinence, but you should always check with your physician before using them.
Incontinence Info
There are several distinct types of urinary incontinence, notes the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, including overflow, mixed, urge and stress. Increased urinary urgency and frequency -- the need to urinate more strongly and more often than usual -- as well as the need to void urine at night, bed-wetting and painful urination are signs and symptoms that often accompany your urinary incontinence. The amount of urine leaked, states the Congress, can range from small to large.
Beneficial Nutrients
There are several beneficial nutrients -- vitamins, minerals, amino acids -- that may be helpful in treating your urinary incontinence, although not all nutrients used for this health purpose may be supported by scientific research evidence. Certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," states that zinc, potassium, vitamin A, vitamin E, calcium, magnesium, free form amino acid and a multiple vitamin and mineral complex may be among the most helpful nutrients in strengthening your bladder tissue, improving your bladder function and treating your incontinence.
Featured Nutrient
One of the most important nutrients in treating your urinary incontinence is zinc. Zinc, notes the Medline Medical Encyclopedia, is an important trace element that is required for optimal health and is best known for its ability to speed wound healing. Balch notes that zinc is also an important nutrient in supporting the health and function of your bladder and treating your urinary incontinence, and she recommends a dosage of about 80 mg of zinc per day for this ailment. Before using this nutrient for this health purpose, meet with your doctor to discuss proper dosage.
Considerations
Urinary incontinence is a major problem for many Americans. There are numerous treatment methods -- both conventional and alternative -- that have been used in treating this bothersome condition. In most cases, a multi-modal approach to urinary incontinence may be the most effective strategy in combating this condition. Before ingesting nutrients to help treat your urinary incontinence, review all possible risks, benefits and limitations of these powerful natural health substances.
References
- Medline Medical Encyclopedia: Urinary Incontinence
- American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: Urinary Incontinence
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- Medline Medical Encyclopedia: Zinc
