Health often relies on knowledge, and November is Bladder Health Month! Take time to read this blog and educate yourself on the actions you can take to have a healthier bladder and a better quality of life in the future.
Don’t Stress Your Bladder Out
Urinary Incontinence or leaking throughout the day is often caused by putting too much stress on the muscles in your bladder, urethral sphincter, and the surrounding muscles. Keep the following points in mind if you want to avoid damaging your bladder and the muscles surrounding it.
- Go to the Bathroom When You Need To
Holding your pee causes you to strain and weaken the muscles in your urethral sphincter. The more you hold it now, the less you will be able to in the future.
- Get in a Relaxed Position When Urinating
Failing to sit all the way on a toilet in public might seem like the best sanitary thing to do when in public, but it is terrible news for your bladder.
- Be Careful When Working Out
Going to the gym is healthy, but heavy lifting causes damage in areas that you don’t even know you are working, like your bladder.
Avoid Getting Bacteria in Your Bladder:
Bladder infections or Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are often caused by allowing bacteria to enter your urethra, which causes infection and heighten discomfort. By taking the below actions, you can minimize the possibility of infecting your bladder.
- Take Enough Time to Empty Your Bladder Fully
When you rush to pee, the urine that is left in your bladder could grow bacteria.
- Wear Loose-Fitting Clothing
Tight fitting clothing is uncomfortable and irritates your urethra. Wearing tight-fitting clothing or certain materials can cause UTIs if it is done frequently.
- Wipe Correctly
After urinating, it is important to wipe front to back to avoid infecting your urethra and bladder with germs from other parts of your body.
Live a Healthy Life for A Healthy Bladder
Keeping an overall healthy body is necessary to keep your bladder running properly. Being mindful of what goes into your body can make it less painful coming out.
- Stay Hydrated
Drinking the recommended amount of water a day can help reduce any present or lurking bacteria within your urinary tract or bladder.
- Stop Smoking
We all know that cigarettes are cancerous and can cause many health problems, but many don’t know that it can cause bladder cancer as well.
- Reduce Alcohol and Caffeine Consumption
A large intake of acidic foods and drinks like coffee can cause interstitial cystitis in the bladder of women and alcohol is unhealthy for your body in general.
For more tips on keeping a healthy bladder, read the blog, 4 Ways for Adult Women to Maintain a Healthy Bladder.
Have a happy Bladder Health Month from Road Trip Potty!
Sources:
“10 Ways to Keep Your Bladder Healthy.” Stroke Center – EverydayHealth.com, Everyday Health, 4 Apr. 2013, www.everydayhealth.com/bladder-health-pictures/keep-your-bladder-healthy.aspx#11
“13 Tips to Keep Your Bladder Healthy.” National Institute on Aging, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, www.nia.nih.gov/health/13-tips-keep-your-bladder-healthy
