Even though urinary bladder is a muscular sac situated in the pelvis, it does not actually play a primary role as a reservoir for urine. The urinary bladder only grabs attention when it needs to be emptied, has got inflamed, or is infected and causes pain or discomfort. The kidneys produce urine which gets transported to the bladder via a pair of tubes. This is where the urine is actually stored, with the bladder expanding to accommodate the urine inflow. This storage function is supported by the presence of layers of muscle tissue which line the urinary bladder, allowing it to expand when urine begins to fill the sac. The urinary bladder is susceptible to many medical conditions which can range from being annoying to worthy of immediate medical attention. Overactive Bladder (OAB) is a condition which occurs when the bladder is unable to function normally. An overactive bladder triggers a sudden urge to urinate and can also result in an involuntary loss of urine. A number of factors like stretched or weak pelvic muscles, bladder diseases, chronic urinary tract infections, diabetes, an enlarged prostate, or obesity can lead to an overactive bladder.
4 Vitamins For An Overactive Bladder
Along with certain OTC and prescription medications, some natural treatments can help in relieving the problem of overactive bladder, as well. Certain vitamins can also prove useful in improving bladder function and helping the patient get rid of the embarrassing problem of urinary incontinence. Some vitamins for an overactive bladder are:
Vitamin A for an Overactive Bladder
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin, which helps to improve immune system function, and decrease the risk of interstitial cystitis, bladder infections and bladder cancer.
According to medical experts, vitamin A also helps in the healing process, supports bladder health, repairs bladder damage, prevents urine leakage, strengthens weak pelvic muscles and reduces bladder inflammation. The RDI of vitamin A for men and women are 900 mcg and 700 mcg, respectively. Cod liver oil, milk, butter, eggs, baked sweet potatoes, broccoli, mangoes, squash, raw carrots, canned pumpkin and spinach are some vitamin A rich foods which can be consumed to overcome the problem of overactive bladder.
Vitamin B12 for an Overactive Bladder
Also known as cobalamin, Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin which can help to improve central nervous system functioning, relieve bladder pressure and alleviate mild urine leakage. The recommended daily dosage for vitamin B 12 is 2.4 mcg for teenagers and adults. Some foods which contain high amount of vitamin B-12 are milk, rainbow trout, plain yogurt, top sirloin beef, beef liver, salmon, white tuna, eggs, breakfast cereals, and roasted chicken. Consuming foods rich in vitamin B12 helps in dealing with an overactive bladder.
Vitamin C for an Overactive Bladder
Vitamin C is a powerful water-soluble antioxidant, which helps to strengthen the immune system and also protect the bladder from any damage or impairment caused by harmful free radicals in the body. Experts believe that vitamin C can decrease bladder inflammation, relieve bladder pressure, and prevent bladder infections. The recommended daily intake of vitamin C for adults is 1000 mg. Some vitamin C rich foods include cranberries, blackberries, strawberries, kiwi, grapefruits, oranges, pineapples, broccoli, spinach, Brussels sprouts, and tomatoes which you can eat in plentiful for combating the problem of an overactive bladder.
Vitamin D for an Overactive Bladder
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, which can help with the problem of an overactive bladder and in reducing bladder inflammation, promoting better bladder muscle contraction, strengthening bladder muscles, and decreasing the risk of pelvic floor disorders like urinary incontinence. The recommended daily intake of vitamin D is 15 mcg for adults. Some vitamin D rich foods to be eaten for alleviating an overactive bladder are fortified soy milk, canned pink salmon, sardines, fortified cereals, fortified orange juice, egg yolks, and fortified cow’s milk.
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