Bladder Issues in old age and
the youth.
About 10 million adults in the U.S. have difficulties with their bladders. Older
adults are prone to conditions that trigger inflammation, discomfort, and
urination problems.
A swollen or an inflamed bladder can cause a host of unwanted symptoms, from
pain to frequent urination. One common condition is”interstitial cystitis” (IC).
Here are seven ways that could either treat or prevent an inflamed bladder,
which can seriously impinge on one’s quality of life.
1. Green tea
Catechins within this famous herbal remedy could protect bladder cells from
inflammation. It has been proven in studies that have exposed cells to a
damaging acid. Forget the actual tea here; you need the supplements to deliver
the dose of catechins needed for this effect.
2. Dietary changes
This is a big one. While diet may not actually cause an inflamed bladder,
certain foods will make symptoms worse. Many report that eliminating or cutting
down on potential bladder irritants helps a lot. These irritants include
• Spicy food
• Coffee
• Chocolate
• Fruits (especially citrus)
• Tomatoes
• Vinegar
• Pickled foods
• Alcohol, and anything with caffeine
3. Train the bladder
People with inflamed bladder must train themselves by setting bathroom trips
according to the time rather than waiting until they need to go. Start off every
half-hour regardless of whether you feel the urge. Slowly lengthen that time
period. Some deep breathing and other relaxation methods could also help cut
urinary frequency.
4. Quercetin
This flavonoid chemical is believed to be an anti-inflammatory (among other
things) and has been found to reduce IC symptoms.
5. Arginine
This is an amino acid your body uses to produce nitric oxide. This is something
that relaxes smooth muscles. Based on the idea that it could do so in your
bladder, arginine is considered a potential IC therapy.
6. Glycosaminoglycans
These are natural substances, polysaccharides, which are a family of
carbohydrates. It’s possible that the bladder’s surface doesn’t have enough of
these substances in cases of IC. This deficiency could, the thinking goes, be a
reason why the bladder has become inflamed, and could be a potential reason for
autoimmune problems.
7. Change your routine
Avoid putting pressure on your lower stomach, so don’t use belts or tight
clothes. Do your best to reduce stress, as it will hamper your healing progress.
Try some light exercise each day. And know that smoking cigarettes can make any
painful condition worse, and is harmful to the bladder specifically.
Curtsey, Doctors Health Press.