Bed-wetting, also known as enuresis, is a common occurrence in children up to 5 years of age or older. The National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse states that, in many cases, bed-wetting is caused by a small bladder or because the volume of urine your child's body generates at night is too much for her bladder to hold. Some supplements may be beneficial in treating your child's bed-wetting, although you should always review supplement-related topics with your child's physician beforehand.
About Bed-Wetting
Bed-wetting is defined as involuntary urination occurring at least two times per month. Approximately 9 percent of boys and 6 percent of girls still wet the bed at the age of 7, reports MedlinePlus. Although physical causes of this condition are uncommon, certain problems -- spinal cord lesions, urinary tract infections, diabetes -- may play a role in some cases. Most bed-wetting occurs at night, and this problem seems to run in families.
Helpful Supplements
Several dietary supplements may be beneficial in treating your child's bed-wetting, although some supplements historically used for this health purpose may require a larger body of scientific evidence. Nutrition researcher and certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," reports that free-form amino acids, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin E, buchu, plaintain, potassium, calcium, magnesium and corn silk may be among the most effective supplements in treating your child's bed-wetting.
A Commonly Used Supplement
Plantain may be one of the most frequently used dietary supplements in treating bed-wetting in children. In her book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," naturopathic physician Sharol Tilgner states that plantain possesses astringent action, or the ability to tighten and tone tissues throughout your child's body, including his bladder. This dietary supplement is soothing to your child's urinary tract. The leaves of the plantain plant contain medicinal ingredients that are incorporated into dietary supplements.
Disclaimer
If your child wets his bed, schedule an appointment with his physician to discuss all possible underlying causes of his bed-wetting. You should give your child dietary supplements only after reviewing proper dosage, treatment durations, risks and limitations with her doctor. Some supplements may not be appropriate for your child, as they may contain powerful medicinal ingredients that can cause unwanted health effects. Your child's doctor can instruct you on the best supplements to use to help reduce his bed-wetting frequency.
References
- National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse: What I Need to Know About My Child's Bedwetting
- Medline Medical Encyclopedia: Bedwetting
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
