This condition can be described as the inability to control urination which leads to involuntary loss of urine or urine leakage. It is a very common condition, which in some cases can be debilitating.
This condition can be divided into 3 main types: urge incontinence (this happens when a hyperactive or overactive bladder causes a sudden and intense urge to urinate, causing involuntary loss of urine), stress incontinence (this type of urinary incontinence happens when physical activities like sneezing, coughing, jumping, vigorous exercise or even laughing put pressure on your bladder, and it releases urine), and overflow incontinence (this is the inability to completely empty the bladder, which is leading to constant or frequent dribbling of urine).
There are many factors that can lead to urinary incontinence, such as constipation, urinary tract infections, urinary stones, nerve damage, an overactive bladder, menopause, enlarged prostate, weakened pelvic floor muscles due to surgery or childbirth, and age (the bladder muscles become weaker with increasing age).
Also, there are some medications, foods, and drinks which can stimulate your bladder and cause temporary incontinence. This condition is not causing just embarrassment and discomfort, but also it can be harmful if the urine is left in the bladder creating a breeding ground for bacteria. Urinary incontinence is not a disease.
It is a symptom of an underlying disorder or condition. To get rid of this problem, you need to talk with your doctor to discover the underlying cause of it. Talk with your doctor before you start taking some of the mentioned home remedies because we do not guarantee you that they will work for you as you are expecting.
8 Natural cures for urinary incontinence
Contents
Buchu
This short–leaf buchu is one of the best home remedies for urinary incontinence. This is a great tonic that can help to improve the health of your urinary system.
Buchu is also known as Agasthoma betulina.
It has diuretic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, which make it a very effective home remedy for urinary incontinence that is caused by a bladder infection. Also, it can strengthen the tissues that are associated with urination, and it can ease systematic irritation.
You should steep one teaspoon of this home remedy in one cup of hot water for five to ten minutes. Strain it, and drink this tea a few times per day until you get positive results. If you have swelling, and pain in the urinary tract, then you should not use this herb. Talk with your doctor before you try this or any other home remedy. [1,2]
Gosha – jinki – gan
This is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine that can be used to treat urinary incontinence and overactive bladder. This is a combination of several different herbs. There were done 2 small studies by Japanese researchers, which were found that this herbal supplement can help improve nighttime urination, frequency, and urinary urgency in people who have an overactive bladder.
You need to talk with your doctor before you start taking it because he or she will tell you which the proper dosage for your condition is. [2]
Yoga
It can help to tighten muscles that are controlling the urethral sphincter, and it can provide benefits that are similar to Kegel exercises. We know that yoga is good for relaxation, and it can give you relief from depression and anxiety caused by urinary incontinence.
There was one study done in 2014, and it was found that a six-week yoga therapy program helped to control urinary incontinence in women who have stress incontinence [3].
Women who have taken part in this yoga program have said that they have experienced an overall 70% reduction in the frequency of urine leakage.
To control urine incontinence, you should try yoga poses like Squat Pose (Malasana), Triangle Pose (Trikonasana), Chair Pose (Utkatasana), and Root Lock (Mula bandha). You should seek the help of a yoga trainer with knowledge of pelvic floor health, or you can join a yoga class to practice yoga properly.
Vitamin D
This vitamin can be used as a natural treatment for urinary incontinence because it can help to maintain muscle strength. There was a study in 2010 in which was shown that women who have higher levels of Vitamin D have a lower risk of developing pelvic floor disorders in which urinary incontinence is also included [4].
You should soak up the early morning sunlight for about ten minutes. This can help your body to make Vitamin D. You should eat foods that are rich in Vitamin D, such as fortified milk, egg yolks, oysters, and fish. Also, you can take Vitamin D supplements after you have talked with your doctor.
Magnesium
Magnesium can also help you to treat urinary incontinence, especially if you have other signs of magnesium deficiency, like leg cramps at night. This element is important for muscle relaxation throughout the body. It can help to reduce bladder muscle spasms, and it can allow complete emptying of your bladder.
There was one study which was done in 1998 in which it was said that taking magnesium hydroxide helped women to treat urge incontinence due to detrusor overactivity [5]. You should take 350 mg of magnesium hydroxide supplements 2 times per day for a period of several weeks.
You should talk with your doctor before you start taking this or any other supplement. You should include foods that are rich in magnesium in your diet, such as yogurt, bananas, seeds, and nuts. Also, you can soak your body in an Epsom salt bath for fifteen to twenty minutes a few times per week. We know that Epsom salt is made of magnesium sulfate. Soaking in an Epsom salt bath allows your body to absorb magnesium through the skin. You should stir one to two cups of Epsom salt in a bathtub filled with warm water to make this bath.
Pelvic floor (Kegel) exercises
One of the best ways that can help you to treat urinary incontinence is to exercise your pelvic floor muscles, and it is very effective in the early stages. This type of exercise can help to improve bladder control in both men and women. It is very beneficial for reducing urges, incontinence, and stress.
You should tighten your pelvic floor muscles and hold for a count of eight. If you cannot hold for eight counts, then you should hold as long as you can. Now, you should relax your muscles for a count of eight. You should do eight to twelve repetitions of this exercise three times per day. We will give you a simple way that can help you to locate your pelvic floor muscles: When you are emptying your bladder, you should stop urinating in midstream, and then you should start again. The muscles which you have used during this task are pelvic floor muscles.
It is recommended to seek the help of a physical therapist who can help you not to do this exercise in the wrong way. Also, the physical therapist can give you advice on the further exercises which you can do in your case. While you are doing pelvic floor exercises, you should keep the muscles in your abdomen, buttocks, and thighs relaxed.
You should avoid holding your breath during this exercise. Instead, you should breathe freely. You should be sure to empty your bladder before you begin this exercise. [6,7]
Cleavers
This is a traditional urinary tonic that can also help in the treatment of urinary problems. It is particularly used to treat overactive bladder and cystitis [2]. It can protect against bladder irritation because it forms a soothing coating along your bladder.
You should steep two to three teaspoons of this herb in one cup of hot water for ten to fifteen minutes. You should strain it and drink this tea three times per day until you notice improvements.
Apple cider vinegar
This home remedy works as an excellent tonic for your health. It can help to remove toxins from your body, and it will fight bladder infections. Also, it can assist in losing weight. When you have excess weight, then it could lead to urinary incontinence because the fat which is around your hips and abdomen places extra pressure on your bladder.
You should mix one to two teaspoons of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar in one glass of water. You should add a little honey to it. You should drink it two or three times per day until you are satisfied with the results. You should not take apple cider vinegar if it irritates your bladder or if you have an overactive bladder. [8]
References:
[1] Geetha RV, Anitha R, Lakshmi T. Nature’s weapon against urinary tract infections. International Journal of Drug Development & Research. 2011;3(3):85-100.
[2] Chughtai B, Kavaler E, Lee R, et al. Use of herbal supplements for overactive bladder. Reviews in Urology. 2013;15(3):93-96.
[3] Huang AJ, Jenny HE, Chesney MA, et al. A group-based yoga therapy intervention for urinary incontinence in women: A pilot randomized trial. Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery. 2014;20(3):147-154.
[4] Badalian SS, Rosenbaum PF. Vitamin D and pelvic floor disorders in women: results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2010;115(4):795-803.
[5] Gordon D, Groutz A, Ascher-Landsberg J, et al. Double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study of magnesium hydroxide for treatment of sensory urgency and detrusor instability: preliminary results. An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 1998;105(6):667-669.
[6] Radzimińska A, Strączyńska A, Weber-Rajek M, et al. The impact of pelvic floor muscle training on the quality of life of women with urinary incontinence: a systematic literature review. Clinical Interventions in Aging. 2018;13:957-65.
[7] Jahromi MK, Talebizadeh M, Mirzaei M. The effect of pelvic muscle exercises on urinary incontinency and self-esteem of elderly females with stress urinary incontinency, 2013. Global Journal of Health Science. 2015;7(2):71-79.
[8] Yagnik D, Serafin V, Shah AJ. Antimicrobial activity of apple cider vinegar against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans; downregulating cytokine and microbial protein expression. Scientific Reports. 2018;8:1732.
