Our bodies are like machines, and each organ has a significant role to play in keeping us healthy and fit. The bladder, however, is an organ that is sometimes ignored, even though it’s closely connected to some of our most vital systems.
It is a hollow organ in your lower abdomen that is responsible for storing urine and flushing it out of the body. Urine contains toxic substances diluted in water and must be released from the system in time to keep the renal tract healthy.
However, overlooking its health often results in overactive bladder, urinary tract infections (UTIs), urinary incontinence, and even kidney failure.
Unfortunately, Tennessee is among the states with a high kidney disease rate of 4.2% and overactive organ problems, and Cookeville is no exception.
Thousands of Cookeville residents are hospitalized each year due to urinary system diseases and disorders. But the good news is that there are some simple lifestyle changes and healthy habits you can adopt to keep this organ in good shape.
Follow these easy tips and suggestions to keep your urinary tract in perfect health.
Stay Vigilant for Signs of an Unhealthy Bladder
In Tennessee, 60% of women and 10% of men suffer from urinary tract infections in their adult life, while it’s one of the most common bacterial infections in children and adolescents.
Vesicle problems can severely affect the entire urinary system, and infections can quickly travel up to the kidneys. It’s necessary not to ignore some common red flags of infections and disorders.
If you notice the following symptoms, consult the urologist in Cookeville TN, as soon as possible for proper evaluation and diagnosis:
- Frequent cases of urinating, especially at night
- Strong urges to urinate that can’t be controlled
- Pain or discomfort during urination
- Blood in urine
- Pain or pressure in the lower abdomen when urinating
- You consistently feel like the bladder isn’t empty after urinating
- Frequent UTIs
- Dribbling or difficulty controlling the flow of urine
- Pelvic pain in women, even when they’re not on periods
A qualified urologist will evaluate the symptoms and go through your complete medical history to identify the underlying cause. They will run specialized tests and screenings to diagnose specific vesicle conditions.
Once they diagnose the underlying cause, they might suggest some dietary changes and prescribe medications.
Don’t Hold Urine
The bladder is essentially a muscular organ that contracts to release urine out of the body. If you hold it for more than 4 to 5 hours, it can weaken the muscles in the vesicle and cause various health issues like urine incontinence, urine dribbling, and overactive bladder.
Moreover, it contains the toxins that your body must flush out of the system at any cost. If you hold it for too long, it can fill up the entire urinary tract up to the kidney, which can seriously affect kidney function in the long term.
Try not to hold the urine for too long and urinate whenever you feel the need, even if it means waking up at night.
Did You Know?
Bladder cancer is the 6th most common cancer in the US.
Empty Your Bladder When Urinating
One of the most common causes of cystitis and disorders is not emptying the bladder while urinating.
Suppose you tense the muscles to stop urinating, in that case, the urine that didn’t completely leave your system will return, where bacteria can enter the renal tract and travel up to the kidneys.
Women, infants, and adolescents have a higher rate of UTI infections, and not urinating completely is the main culprit behind it.
One of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of developing cystitis is to completely drain the bladder.
Take your time while urinating, allow the urine to flow naturally, and avoid interrupting the stream prematurely. After you have finished, you should not feel any lingering fullness or discomfort in the lower abdomen.
Drink Plenty of Fluids, But Don’t Overdo It
Urine contains uric acid and other toxic components, that’s why the body naturally dilutes it with water to neutralize its adverse effects as it passes through the renal system.
When you drink insufficient water, your urine becomes concentrated and irritates the bladder lining, which could lead to a condition called interstitial cystitis or painful vesicle syndrome.
Not drinking enough water for a long time can also cause stones and impaired kidney function. This is why you need to drink an adequate amount of water, preferably 8 to 10 glasses each day, or more if you exercise or live in a hot and humid climate.
The above pie chart shows the global market size of Foley Catheter, a device used to drain out the bladder, in the year 2022.
Drinking plenty of water also helps the body flush out bacteria from the urinary tract and eliminate the risks of developing UTIs.
Watch Your Diet
Certain foods and beverages can irritate this organ and exacerbate conditions like interstitial cystitis. Limit your consumption of caffeine, spicy foods, artificial sweeteners, and carbonated drinks.
Kegel Exercises
To maintain a healthy renal system, kegel exercises are the best choice as they help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which play a key role in bladder control.
Implementing the Kegels into your daily routine can improve the bladder’s strength and reduce the risk of urinary incontinence.
These exercises are discreet and can be done almost anywhere, making them an accessible way to support your well-being.
Maintain a Healthy Weight:
Being overweight can put extra pressure on your bladder and pelvic muscles, which you can prevent by maintaining a healthy weight and reducing the risk of developing urinary incontinence.
Avoid Smoking:
Smoking is a known irritant to the bladder and can contribute to various problems. If you smoke, consider quitting to improve the urinary system’s overall well-being.
Bladder Health Supplements:
There are various supplements, like cranberry extract and probiotics, that may help support health and reduce the risk of cystitis.
Final Thoughts
The above tips and suggestions will help you maintain a healthy bladder and prevent infections and disorders. If you suspect any urinary problems, there are treatments available that can help.
Talk to your urologists about the concerns and get immediate treatment to maintain bladder health and prevent future complications.
Also Read: 4 Proven Ways To Improve Your Gut Health
