Do you find yourself struggling to make it to the bathroom in time? Urinary incontinence is a common and often frustrating condition that can be managed through some simple behavioral changes. Below are four steps you can take to keep your bladder healthy and minimize incontinence symptoms.
Keep a healthy weight
The heavier you are, the more weight presses on the bladder, causing the pelvic wall muscles to weaken. That is why maintaining a healthy weight through adequate exercise and well-rounded diet can help prevent bladder leaks.
Do Kegel exercises
Kegels are a great way to maintain lifelong bladder control. The key is to do them regularly and correctly. Kegel exercises help strengthen the muscles that are used to control urine flow. Check out this blog, “3 Kegel Exercises to Help with Urinary Incontinence”, for more information on how to do these exercises.
Watch what you drink
Caffeine and alcohol have a diuretic effect on your body. That means they increase the amount of urine you produce. Moderation is key here.
You also want to make sure you drink enough water. Dehydration can lead to concentrated urine and constipation, which can irritate the bladder and cause incontinence. Make sure you are consuming 8-10 cups of water a day.
Limit bladder irritants
Some foods can irritate your bladder and stimulate urine production. These can include:
- tomatoes
- apples
- citrus fruits
- spicy foods
To help manage your symptoms, try to limit these foods.
Remember success does not happen overnight. Improvement is usually gradual and my take several months. Americare Medical Supply recognizes the need for quality products and carries a full line of incontinence products and supplies. It is our mission to be your partner in finding the best products to support your incontinence needs or the needs of someone in your care.