Overactive Bladder in Adults: Can Supplements Help?
Overactive bladder (OAB) is a type of urinary incontinence that affects an astonishing 30% of men and 40% of women for a variety of reasons and can significantly affect your quality of life. Many adults who experience OAB have feelings of embarrassment and shame, leading them to limit their fluid intake and even avoid social engagements.
Luckily, there are many solutions available and you don’t have to face OAB alone.
Understanding Overactive Bladder Syndrome
OAB, also known as urge incontinence, causes a sudden urge to use the bathroom that is hard to control. It often results in leakage at any time of the day or night.
OAB happens when the muscles surrounding the bladder start to tighten and contract even when the amount of urine in the bladder is low, causing an urgent need to urinate. Several conditions contribute to this continence issue, including:
- Diabetes
- An enlarged prostate
- Tumors
- Bladder stones
- Multiple sclerosis
- Stroke
- Hormonal changes during menopause
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
There is no “magic pill” for overactive bladder, but there are effective treatment options to manage the issue when handled with a comprehensive approach.
The Role of Supplements in Managing OAB
One branch of treating overactive bladder can be through medication and supplementation. It’s important, however, to consult with your doctor first before starting any natural herbal regimen. Many herbs may interact with other medications or have negative effects depending on your health history, especially for those with pre-existing conditions. That being said, taking a natural approach to treating OAB is becoming increasingly popular, and in addition to lifestyle shifts and exercises, individuals with OAB can use herbal remedies and supplements as a complementary medicine to enhance their bladder health.
Common Supplements for Overactive Bladder
Know that many herbal remedies and supplements are not regulated by the FDA, so it’s important to discuss with your doctor the best protocol.
Here are a few effective natural treatments when it comes to OAB:
Magnesium Hydroxide
Magnesium hydroxide may help reduce bladder contractions that cause incontinence in the first place. This study showed that taking magnesium hydroxide improved urinary incontinence in women. Possible side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, and cramping.
Saw Palmetto
The berries of this southern United States plant have been used medicinally by Native Americans since pre-colonial times. It is used to treat a benign enlarged prostate in men, and a Japanese study states that the herb showed an improvement in men’s urinary symptoms, such as frequency, urgency, incontinence, and nocturia, which is nighttime urination. Other studies have shown it may be beneficial for females for daytime use as well. Side effects of the herb are rare but may result in headaches, diarrhea, or dizziness.
L-Arginine
This amino acid creates nitric oxide, which plays an important role in the lower urinary tract. This study found that the supplement Edicare, which contains 115 milligrams of L-arginine, helps relieve symptoms of OAB in adults. L-arginine is also found in foods rich in protein, such as walnuts, fish, meat, dairy products, soybeans, chickpeas, and coconut. L-arginine is generally safe but could create side effects such as nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating, gout, headaches, an allergic response, or airway inflammation/worsening of asthma symptoms.
Pumpkin Seed Extract
Pumpkin seed oil, which also contains Cucurbita, may be able to prevent symptoms of OAB and other urinary issues. Research is a bit more limited for pumpkin seed extract, but this older study found that people who were given pumpkin seed extract found reduced symptoms in urgency and getting up to go to the bathroom at night. It’s thought that linoleic and oleic acids in pumpkin seeds may be responsible for curbing overactive bladder symptoms. Side effects (although rare) include stomach discomfort, diarrhea, and nausea.
Gosha-jinki-gan
This traditional Chinese medicine herbal blend is composed of 10 different herbs that lead to an inhibition of bladder sensation that decreases the amount of times one needs to urinate. Significant improvements were seen in daytime frequency in a study. Potential side effects include nausea, diarrhea, or urinating more often.
Cornsilk
Cornsilk is derived from the female silk of a corn crop and is used to treat a variety of conditions, including bladder infections and prostate inflammation. It is thought to soothe the urinary tract. Although there aren’t significant clinical trial studies, cornsilk may be helpful for treating OAB. Potential side effects could include decreased potassium and sodium levels in the blood.
Vitamin D
Studies have found that women over the age of 20 with normal vitamin D ranges were far less likely to suffer from pelvic floor disorders, including incontinence. If you are already suffering from incontinence, you can check your vitamin D levels and discuss with your doctor whether supplementation may be helpful.
Most people are deficient in Vitamin D, but if you take too much (more than 4,000 IU a day), you could experience: vomiting and nausea, constipation, poor appetite, weight loss, confusion and disorientation, weakness, heart rhythm problems, or kidney damage.
Cleavers
Cleavers have an affinity for the waters in the body and are proven effective for skin diseases because of its ability to stimulate immune function in the skin. They may have anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties that could help ease symptoms of OAB. They have an affinity for soothing and treating the urinary tract, and they may be effective in treating overactive bladder. While there aren’t any significant side effects, you could experience an allergic reaction.
Capsaicin
Capsaicin, the main pungent ingredient in hot peppers, is a specific neurotoxin that may be effective in treating OAB by reducing bladder overactivity. Side effects (from topical use) may include local pain, swelling, dryness, hypertension, nausea, vomiting, sinusitis, or bronchitis.
These are just some of the effective herbs and supplements to help treat OAB, while there are many more still to be studied. These over-the-counter natural remedies should be discussed with your doctor before taking them.
It’s important to note that OAB symptoms can also be improved through lifestyle shifts, such as pelvic floor exercises and improving your diet. Talk to your healthcare provider about ways to treat your urinary urgency issues so you can live a confident, active, and worry-free life.
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