10 Best Home Remedies for Overactive Bladder

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a serious health condition in which you can not hold your urine. This is one of the private part problem which is embarrassing to discus and due to that many people don’t report overactive bladder for diagnosis. There is nothing to be ashamed about, there are more than 30 million American suffering from the difficulty of frequent urination.

People diagnosed with OAB report to urinate more than 8 times in day and more than once at night(1). If you suffer from caffeine addiction then you might have problem in controlling your urine. It is not a disease but excessive amount of caffeine in body can trigger urinary incontinence.
There are various element which can cause overactive bladder. Some common causes are urinary tract infection (UTI), age-related changes, weak pelvic muscle, multiple sclerosis (MS), bladder obstruction, diabetes, kidney problems, and Parkinson’s disease( a neurological disruption in which you can not control your organs).

Overactive bladder in women is reported more as compared to men. According to Harvard Medical School, use of herbs, exercises focused on pelvic muscle and accepting behavioral changes can control bladder movement. The study found that lifestyle treatments for urinary incontinence in women was helpful for 70 percent of the participants.

It is important to manage overactive bladder symptoms immediately. Early diagnosis help you reduce OAB symptoms and may treat overactive bladder quickly.

Natural Treatments of Overactive Bladder

1. Bladder Retraining

Training your bladder to stop urine from leaking is an effect natural way to treat overactive bladder. With time, OAB can change the way your internal organs work. Sometimes people needing to urinate several times throughout the night but they urinate a little. Your bladder may not have the urine, but due to forced behavior you may sense the urge to urinate.
Retraining helps you increase your holding time. Such retraining exercises are effective in helping you to control the urge to urinate and avoid going to bathroom.
How to Retrain your Bladder:

• When you feel the urge to pee, hold it for 3 minutes.
• If you can not control any longer go to bathroom.
• Do this every single time when you are needing to go to the bathroom more often than usual.
• When you have achieved 3 minutes of control increase it to 10 minutes.
• Keep a note on your holding timeline.
• Increase the time every single day.
• Women with overactive bladder can take it to make 1-2 hours.
• Make sure to keep 4 hours of gap between bathroom breaks.
• Avoid drinking excessive amount of water. (not less than daily requirement)

2. Lingzhi Mushroom

Also known as ganoderma lucidum (GL), is among the best herbal remedies for overactive bladder. A 2008 study found that lingzhi mushroom extract can help men with lower urinary tract symptoms(LUTS). The study was performed on 50 men volunteers. Reports shows that, there was no side-effects and men found it helpful and observed a decrease in peak urine flow rate.
How to use lingzhi mushroom herb for overactive bladder treatment:

• In one cup of lukewarm water mix 1/4 teaspoon of ganoderma lucidum powder.
• Stir for a while and drink it everyday in the morning.
• Alternatively, you can take 6 milligram of its extract.
• Use this remedy for several days until you can control your bladder again.

3. Cypress Essential Oil

The cypress essential oil is potent stimulant that relieves nervousness and anxiety. Sudden shock to neuron system can cause stress, anxiety and involuntary bladder movement. Cypress essential oil can reduce the reaction time of nervous system which can help you manage frequent urination. Combine this essential oil with bladder retraining exercise to reduce the recovery time.
Topical application of cypress extract are used to cure wed betting. People in ancient Asia use to apply this remedy on babies and children under the age of 10 to prevent bed wetting.
How to use cypress oil for overactive bladder treatment:

• Put some drops of cypress oil on your palm.
• Rub your palms together vigorously to generate heat.
• Apply the oil on lower abdomen right before bed.
• You can also use them directly over bladder.
• Keep it all night and repeat this remedy daily.

4. Pumpkin Seeds for Overactive Bladder

Eating pumpkin seeds for overactive bladder is an old folk remedy. It reduce symptoms such as bladder contraction and eliminated the frequent need to urinate. They are roasted to make them edible. It is one of the oldest healthful snack and popularly used in Mexican cuisine.
Pumpkin seeds are nutritional powerhouse. They are rich source of clean protein, digestible fiber, carbs and antioxidants that can reduce free radicals from body.
How to use:

• Crush 1 tablespoon of roasted pumpkin seeds.
• Mix that in a glass of lukewarm water.
• Drink it twice in a day to control recurring urine.

5. Acupuncture for Overactive Bladder

Acupuncture is an effective treatment for bladder instability. According to the report of The Journal of Urology, 77 percent of patients suffering from idiopathic detrusor instability were symptomatically cured with the help of acupuncture. It stimulates the sensory urgency and prevent the sensation of wanting to pee all the time.
Every session was of 30 minutes which helped them reduce the frequency of urinary incontinence in men. The study found that people with diurnal symptoms can benefit from this therapy without suffering from any side effects. Consult a certified acupuncture practitioner for the treatment of overactive bladder.

6. Corn Silk

Corn silk has long history of treating bed wetting in babies. It strengthen your urinary tract walls and reduce unwanted feeling of urination. Strong mucous membranes in the urinary tract can prevent incontinence and allow people to reduce bathroom trips. Corn silk is a popular home remedy for overactive bladder.

It contains stigmasterol and sitosterol, which are effective in preventing heart disease. Corn silk is an amazing source of vitamin C and antioxidants that reduce free radicals and improve the strength of muscle tissues.
How to use:

• Pour one cup of water in a saucepan.
• Add 1 tablespoon of corn silk (chopped).
• Bring water to boil and allow it to simmer for 5 minutes.
• Stop the heat and cover the pan with a lid and let it steep for 5 more minutes.
• Strain and collect the water in a new cup.
• You can add raw honey as natural sweetener.
• Drink such two cups of herbal cold silk tea to cure overactive bladder naturally.

7. Magnesium Supplements for Overactive Bladder

Research show that magnesium hydroxide can reduce sudden contraction of muscle. Magnesium is an excellent home remedy for OAB. This supplement can trigger certain side effects such as vomiting, diarrhea and headache. However, one study published by The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA ) shows that it is helpful in management of urinary incontinence in women.
How much doses of magnesium you should eat to treat overactive bladder at home? for the accurate doses you must consult a doctor. Excessive doses of this mineral can cause side effects. Hence, get yourself tested from a physician to check whether you can take this supplement or not.

8. Kohki Tea

It is an ancient herb used to make healing tea in china. Kohki contain high amount of antioxidant that can protect bladder from contraction and irritation. A 2002 study shows that the extracts of the leaves of Engelhardtia chrysolepis, also known as kohki tea can improve bladder function and protect bladder obstruction.
People suffering from urinary tract infection can also benefits from this herbal tea. It will flush out bacterial colonies from urinary tract and reduce sensation of burning during urination.
How to use: 

• Mix 1/2 teaspoon of kohki tea in one cup of boiling water.
• Cover the cup and allow it to steep for 5 minutes.
• Add flavoring agent such as parsley or honey.
• Drink such two cups of herbal tea to manage overactive bladder.

9. Urinated Twice Before Going To Bed

It is an effective natural home remedy for overactive bladder at night. This method is a behavioral treatment that convince your brain that you no longer have to pee, according to Gina Shaw at WebMd. This method ask you to urinate not once, but twice before going to bed. People who tried it have reported this technique to be effective in reducing OAB symptoms.
The need to pee 3 or more times at night can cause headache and nausea. OAB cause sleep disruption and make people over-tired. If you have been waking up at night to pee due to OAB then this easy trick can help you control the need to urinate several times a night.

10. Capsaicin

Capsaicin is useful natural cure for overactive bladder symptoms. This compound is the reason behind chili pepper bitterness. It is found in the meat of chili pepper. Increasing the intake of capsaicin supplement is advised to treat pelvic pain syndrome which is a common symptoms of OAB.
A 2008 study report shows that people with neurologic disease are at higher risk of developing urge incontinence. Same report also found that capsaicin can increase the bladders urine holding capacity and reduce the bathroom frequency.
Other Treatments

• Anticholinergic drugs for overactive bladder can control the urine flow. It stimulate the urinary tract muscle and prevent them from leaking urine. Anticholinergic drugs help brain to control the bladder to prevent incontinence. It is an agent that block parasympatheric nerve impulse by selectively blocking neurotransmitter to its receptor in nerve cells.
• Homeopathic remedies for overactive bladder is another effective way to reduce frequency of needing to urinate several times throughout the night and day. Some of the homeopathic medicines for overactive bladder are Merc Sol, Kreosotum, Causticum and Sepia Succus (for females during pregnancy).
• Yoga poses for overactive bladder are also helpful in stretching the urinary tract. It help reduce the sensation in lower tract and increase the water holding capacity. Dhanurasana or Bow Pose, Bhujangasana or Cobra Pose, and Ustrasana or Camel Pose are some of the effective yoga asanas that can help you in controlling the involuntary passage of urine.
• Kegel Exercises are helpful in strengthening of weak pelvic floor. It reduce the OAB symptoms and prevent the risk of developing SI joint dysfunction pain. Kegel exercises are suitable for both men and women. Some people also believe that kegel can improve the chances of conceiving.

Urinary Incontinence vs. Overactive Bladder

What is Urinary Incontinence

• You loose the control of bladder.
• Common symptoms of OAB.
• Also symptom of urinary tract infection where patient feel burning sensation during urination.
• Can be caused due to temporary loss of control over the urinary sphincter.
• Easy to manage does not require diagnosis until you have to pee all the time.

What is Overactive Bladder

• One of the health condition which require proper diagnosis.
• If left untreated, it can cause health problems such as UTI, Parkinson’s disease, or bladder failure.
• Typical medical condition in which bladder can no longer hold urine normally.
• Being unable to hold your urine
• Increase the fear of drinking water.
• Induce short sleep and causes anxiety.
• Experiencing leakage when you need to urinate.

Foods to Avoid with Overactive Bladder

It is important to keep your body hydrated by drinking clear fluids. However, one must reduce the consumption of drinks and foods which contain preservatives and added color. Both preservative and artificial color can act as irritant that flare-up bladder suddenly.
Here is the list of foods that cause overactive bladder or increase the OAB symptoms:

• Avoid tomato and sauce prepared from tomato.
• Reduce the consumption of alcohol.
• Stop smoking cigarettes.
• Don’t eat chocolate.
• Decrease the intake of coffee.
• Avoid caffeinated cold beverages.
• Stay away from citrus fruit such as orange and lemon.
• Don’t eat deep fried and spicy food.

Overactive Bladder Risk Factors and Causes

Diuretic Medication
Diuretics, also called water pills, are medications designed to increase the amount of water and salt expelled from the body as urine. It is prescribed to the patients of high blood pressure. Hence, if you are taking water pills then no need to worry, your urge of sudden urination will pass once you stop taking those drugs.
Weak Pelvic Muscle
Weakness in pelvic floor muscle can lead to bladder obstruction. These pelvic muscle are able to hold your urinary tract – which no longer stays normal due to weakness. Weakness in this area can significantly increase the risk of developing kidney and urinary tract disease. Pregnant women suffer more from weak pelvic floor than a normal woman.
Overweight
Carrying excessive weight causes multiple health complications. Obesity is one of the leading cause of overactive bladder. It increase the weight around waist which affects pelvic muscle floor and increase lower back pain. It is advised to shed some weight in order to control bladder contraction.
Menopause
There is a reason why overactive bladder in women is high as compared to men. Women over 45 start to experience hot flashes due to menopause. It affects the location and balance of bladder which can lead to OAB symptoms. This issue is also accompanied by aging which reduces the strengthen of muscle tissues.

How to Stop Overactive Bladder from Recurring

Treating overactive bladder at home is not difficult if you can make certain lifestyle changes. If there is no infection or nerve damage these tips can help you stop overactive bladder and its contraction from recurring.

• Reduce your body weight and focus on midriff exercises.
• As you grow old start doing yoga poses or kegel exercise to keep your bladder strong.
• Continue the medicine for Parkinson’s disease under observation – if you were ever diagnosed.
• Stop drinking diuretic beverages such as coffee.
• Work on building pelvic muscle strength.
• Stop smoking cigarette and drinking alcohol.
• Watch fluid intake before going to bed at night.
• Avoid artificial sweetener.

It is important that you address overactive bladder symptoms. Leaving it untreated can cause complete loss of bladder control. Try these home remedies for overactive bladder and reduce the frequency of urge to urinate.

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