Your urinary bladder is an organ that temporarily stores urine produced by your kidneys. Bladder control problems -- an inability to hold urine in your bladder without leakage -- may restrict your physical activities and cause withdrawal from social situations. Some people with this condition avoid treatment for many years. The use of specific nutrients may be helpful in treating this condition, but always consult your doctor before using nutrients for this health purpose.
Bladder Control Problems
Bladder control problems, also known as urinary incontinence, are a common health issue, especially among women. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration states that 10 to 40 percent of women suffer from this condition. Possible causes of bladder control problems include certain prescription drugs; constipation; urinary tract infections; weak or overactive bladder muscles; and tumors in your brain, spinal cord or bladder. Depression and reduced sexual activity and self-esteem are commonly associated with bladder control problems.
Helpful Nutrients
Many nutrients may be helpful in controlling your bladder function, but more scientific research evidence may be needed to support the use of these nutrients for this health purpose. Helpful nutrients for improving your bladder control, notes certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," include calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper and free form amino acids. Lycopene, manganese and molybdenum may also be helpful nutrients for this health purpose.
A Useful Nutrient
Free form amino acids may be among the most useful nutrients in improving your bladder control. Amino acids, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center, are organic compounds that join together to form proteins. Free form amino acids are amino acids that remain unattached to other amino acids. According to Balch, free form amino acids help strengthen your bladder muscle, which in turn helps improve your bladder function and reduces your likelihood of involuntarily voiding urine.
Considerations
Bladder control problems can be bothersome and embarrassing. In some cases, this health problem may be caused by a serious underlying health condition that requires immediate treatment to resolve. Nutrients are an important part of a well-rounded bladder control treatment plan, although not all nutrients may be appropriate for you or your condition. Review all aspects of nutritional therapy with your doctor before using these natural substances to treat your bladder control problems.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Urinary Incontinence
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Loss of Bladder Control
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch; 2010
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Amino Acids
