An overactive bladder is a condition in which you frequently feel a sudden urge to urinate. According to the Mayo Clinic, this can be caused by involuntary muscle contractions of the bladder that can occur with medical conditions such as an enlarged prostate gland, multiple sclerosis or certain medications. Fighting the urge to urinate when it occurs so frequently may seem like a temporary effective solution, but it can lead to weakening of the walls of the bladder and incontinence. Certain herbs and vitamins may help decrease the incidence of overactive bladder. Check with your doctor before using any dietary or herbal supplement.
Cranberry
Cranberry is widely used as a treatment for urinary tract infections. The University of Maryland Medical Center explains that cranberry also helps prevent recurring urinary tract infections by blocking the effort of bacteria to infiltrate the bladder. Bladder infections, UMMC adds, can cause symptoms such as urinary urgency and if you have pre-existing incontinence problems, infections can make it worse. Cranberry is available in capsule and tea forms, as well as juice. If you're using cranberry in juice form, choose the type that doesn't contain added sugar.
Calcium Citrate
Calcium citrate is a form of calcium that is easy for your body to digest and absorb. UMMC notes that this form of calcium is usually more expensive but contains less of the actual mineral than calcium carbonate. According to Dr. Michael T. Murray of DrMurray.com, the mineral calcium in this form is bound to citrate molecules and is effective in treating infections of the lower urinary tract. Dr. Murray recommends a dosage of 125 to 250 mg of calcium citrate three to four times a day to treat a urinary tract infection.
Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto is a member of the palm family of plants that is used to treat symptoms of urinary problems. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, saw palmetto has been shown in research to be effective in treating conditions of the prostate gland. This gland, found in males, can become enlarged with age or disease and can cause pressure on the bladder, causing feelings of urgency. Saw palmetto is available as a capsule, extract and tea, which are made from the fruit of the plant. Side effects associated with the use of saw palmetto are generally considered mild and can include stomach upset.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is unique because in order to manufacturer it, your body requires exposure to sunlight. In the absence of exposure to natural light, you need to either eat foods fortified with vitamin D or use a dietary supplement. Vitamin D supplementation, according to DrPressman.com, may help improve urinary tract health by acting as an antibacterial. This antibacterial property works to kill the E. coli bacteria that are responsible for some forms of urinary tract infections. Check with your doctor before using a vitamin D supplement because vitamin D excesses accumulate in the fat of your body and can build to toxic levels.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Overactive Bladder: Causes
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Urinary Incontinence
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Cranberry
- Dr. Murray; Bladder Infection (Cystitis); Dr. Michael T. Murray; 2011
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Calcium
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Saw Palmetto
