Natural Health: What can I do about my urge to pee?
"You may have an ongoing issue with urinary frequency for several reasons, most of which are relatively simple to resolve"
You may have an ongoing issue with urinary frequency for several reasons, most of which are relatively simple to resolve.
Detrusor instability is when the muscle surrounding the bladder wall does not function effectively. Drinking more than a single cup of coffee daily contributes to bladder irritation and incomplete bladder emptying, even more so if milk and sugar are added. Caffeine consumption through coffee, tea, energy drinks, and cola contributes to this issue at any age.
Magnesium supplementation can help restore stability to this area. Urinary frequency and incontinence symptoms in women have been shown to improve when supplementing with 250mg of magnesium three to four times daily.
Prescription medications can also be linked to urinary incontinence, so it is worth checking if you are taking tablets that may have this as a known side effect. If you suspect your urinary troubles are caused by an infection or kidney troubles, seek medical help immediately.
Bladder issues and urinary tract infections are far more common in women due to having a shorter urethra. However, there is often bacterial imbalance at the root of the issue. D-mannose is typically recommended for repeated urinary tract infections, but it is also a useful supplement for restoring urinary tract health and bladder function in general.
The practice known as ‘social voiding’, where women go to the bathroom ‘just in case’, is another habit that can contribute to urinary difficulties. When we empty a bladder that is not full, it leads to a reduction in capacity, which can trigger issues of urgency, frequency, and incontinence.
Pelvic floor health is foundational (quite literally) to a well-functioning bladder. Squatting is recommended as one of the most effective ways to maintain a healthy pelvic floor since it strengthens the supporting muscles in the core and back areas.
Biomechanist Katy Bowman (www.nutritiousmovement.com) notes: “In doing my research on the physics of the pelvis, movement, and how the pelvic floor works, it became clear that while the pelvic floor’s problem was weakness, it was weakness that is the result of too much tension — not weakness that comes from flopping around.”
Many women diligently perform Kegels as they are told this will build a strong pelvic floor. However, if tension is the underlying issue, this type of exercise will further aggravate the problem.
It may be that your little boy is getting teeth on both sides, but just one tooth is causing inflammation, or the red cheek could indicate teeth are popping through in that area before the others. Redness, pain, drooling, irritability, and rashes (including face, neck, chest, and nappy rash) are common symptoms of teeth coming in — and no two teeth seem to be the same.
Combination R is an effective remedy for teething babies. This homeopathic formulation was developed to ease any symptoms associated with teething, and is available from natural health stores or Homeopathy Supplies Ireland, where 240 tablets cost €12.95.
The tiny ‘fast melt’ tablets dissolve immediately under the tongue or can be crushed and added to a little water, breastmilk, or formula.
- NOTE: The information contained in this column is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a doctor.
