Bladder Health – 4 tips to keep your bladder healthy

November is Bladder Health Awareness Month! Read on to learn four ways to keep your bladder healthy all year long.

If you are like me, the days are often busy and erratic. Between work, errands, and chauffeuring the kids around, the day flies by with little thought for my own physical well-being. As the years go by and I see and feel my body aging, however, it is becoming abundantly clear that it is time to slow down and take account of how this lifestyle is affecting my body. Bladder issues can be an early indicator, but it is never too late to take stock and make some changes. Here are four simple tips to help keep your bladder healthy.

1. Stay hydrated

If you are anything like me, it is easy to go through the whole day before realizing you have not had a single glass of water! I will never miss my morning cup of tea, but beyond that I am often so distracted by the day’s activities that I forget to drink anything else. Water has so many benefits for our body in the bladder and beyond. Our bodies use water to flush bacteria and other toxins as well as aid in digestion and many other essential functions. Without water, we simply can not live! The standard recommendation is to drink 6 to 8 glasses of water each day. If that seems like a difficult task to accomplish, try keeping a refillable water bottle nearby. When it gets low, simply refill and you will reach your daily quota before you know it!

2. Avoid caffeine

While staying hydrated is extremely important for our overall health, it is crucial to fill our bodies with the right types of fluids. Many of us, myself included, begin our day with a dose of coffee or tea. While these caffeinated drinks may perk us up, they are not doing any favors for our bladders. In fact, caffeine often irritates the bladder and can exacerbate problems with urinary tract infections, overactive bladder and incontinence. Try to limit caffeine intake to avoid these complications. With so many beverage choices these days, even if you are a coffee or tea lover, you might try a decaf variety and find a new favorite!

3. Don’t hold it!

I have lost count of the number of times I have asked my kids if they need the toilet as I watch them wiggle and cross their legs. Unfortunately, the habit of holding it does not always stop when we grow up. With our busy days on the go, often in the car or in public spaces, it can sometimes be difficult to find a toilet when we need one. While holding in urine for a period of time is not necessarily dangerous for a healthy bladder, it can cause problems for anyone prone to leaks or with other underlying conditions. Your body signals the need to use the toilet for a reason. It is time to empty the bladder, releasing any bacteria or toxins that may have accumulated along with it. If you already have a weak bladder due to pregnancy, menopause, or following childbirth, an overfull bladder can lead to an uncomfortable and often embarrassing situation.

4. Exercise

Staying active is essential to staying healthy. Many of us make time to head to the gym or go for a walk on a regular basis. These are great habits, but in addition to traditional exercise, it is equally important to keep our bladders in shape. As our bodies and organs age, so does outrbladder. The pelvic floor muscles controlling the release of urine often become weak during our lives. For women, this can occur after pregnancy or childbirth, and during menopause. Exercising the pelvic floor is an important part of any physical workout. Carin can help guide you through these exercises and keep you protected from leaks at the same time.

Maintaining a healthy bladder does not need to be a difficult task and can easily fit into your lifestyle. Learn more about how Carin can help you reach your goals and stay healthy!

By Cristin Middlebrooks