Inadequate fluid intake can also increase these symptoms as well as cause constipation. When treating the symptoms associated with urinary incontinence, it is important to identify potential bladder irritants and modify a person's diet accordingly. Adequate daily intake of non-irritating fluids is necessary to reduce symptoms as well.
There are many foods and fluids that irritate the lining of the urinary bladder by increasing the acidity of the urine. This irritation often causes or increases urgency, frequency of urination, and urine leakage. These bladder irritants include caffeine, carbonation, and alcohol. Other common irritants are foods and fluids high in acid such as citrus fruits and juices, spicy and tomato based foods. Less common irritants are milk products, sugar and artificial sweeteners.
Not all of these potential irritants will increase urinary symptoms in every person. A continence specialist can help a person identify specific bladder irritants and assist in developing lasting dietary modification strategies. It is not always necessary to eliminate bladder irritants completely, but it is necessary to balance consumption with corresponding irritative urinary symptoms.
Caffeine, a stimulant of the central nervous system and a diuretic, is by far the most irritating of the common irritants, causing over stimulation of the bladder muscle resulting in increased urgency and frequency of urination and urinary incontinence. Caffeine is found in coffee, soda, tea, chocolate and many over the counter pain relievers and cold remedies. The effects of caffeine can be seen within 30 minutes after consumption and can last for several hours. Even decaffeinated beverages contain small amounts of caffeine.
Adequate daily fluid intake of nonirritating fluids, especially water, is important for good health. Many individuals will limit their daily water intake, hoping to leak less and urinate less often, yet inadequate fluid intake can actually increase these symptoms by causing the urine to be more concentrated and acidic, resulting in bladder lining irritation and an increase in symptoms. Plus, inadequate water intake often leads to constipation and urinary tract infections. Constipation can aggravate urinary symptoms by putting pressure on the bladder, causing it to contract before the person can reach the toilet.
Urinary incontinence and associated symptoms can be effectively treated often without the need for surgery or medications. Behavioral therapy combines pelvic muscle exercise, dietary modification, and bladder retraining into a program that can be successful and have lasting effects, with the help of a trained continence specialist.
Limiting daily intake of common bladder irritants along with adequate fluid intake is often the first step in regaining bladder control. As the saying goes, "You are what you eat." Or drink, as the case may be.
- People who drink three glasses of soda pop daily have a 62% higher rate of decay. This also applies to drinks like fruit drinks, juice boxes and sports drinks. They all have sugar. Pop just has the double whammy of sugar and acid.
- Make sure to replace your toothbrush after being sick. You can re-infect yourself with the microbes that survive on your toothbrush. Don't let your toothbrush touch other toothbrushes in the stand or in the drawer, that's another way bacteria is spread.
- 33% of Americans have untreated tooth decay. That decay causing bacteria is transmittable via kissing and sharing of utensils.
- 32% of Americans cite bad breath as the least attractive trait of their co-workers. Give your co-workers a break; brush and floss at least a couple of times daily. Don't forget to brush your tongue too. The tongue harbors lots of bacteria and is the major source of bad breath. Make an appointment to see your dentist to rule out decay and gum disease as the source of bad breath (halitosis).
- You know how gross your teeth feel when you don't brush? That's how gross they are in between if you never floss. If you need any encouragement to floss, notice the smell when you floss. Do you really want to leave all that bacteria in your mouth?
- 75% of Americans have some form of periodontal (gum) disease. It can range from very mild (gingivitis) to severe - all forms are caused by noxious bacteria that contribute to bad breath. Your dentist and dental hygienist are the sources to help you win the battle with gum disease. Most people are unaware of how bad the odor from gum disease is and how it affects their relationships.
- You shouldn't brush your teeth or store your toothbrush within six feet of a toilet. Airborne particles from the flush can travel up to six feet.
- The original toothbrushes were made from hog's bristles. Can you imagine brushing with that?
- 2% of people polled do not brush their teeth at all. Ever.
Now that you are totally grossed out, go brush and floss. And make a dental appointment if it has been a while since you have seen a dentist. Those around you will appreciate it!
Millions of people have problems with their vision every year. Some of these problems can cause permanent vision loss and even blindness, while others are common problems that can be easily corrected with glasses or contact lenses.
What is a comprehensive dilated eye exam? A comprehensive dilated eye exam is a painless procedure in which an eye care professional examines your eyes to look for common vision problems and eye diseases, many of which have no early warning signs. Regular comprehensive eye exams can help protect your sight and make sure that you are seeing your best.
What are common vision problems? Some of the most common vision problems are uncorrected refractive errors. These include myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), astigmatism, and presbyopia (aging eyes).
Following are a few simple tips for healthy eyes.
Know your family's eye health history - Talk to your family members about their eye health history. It's important to know if anyone has been diagnosed with a disease or condition since many are hereditary. This will help determine if you are at high risk for developing an eye disease or condition.
Eat right to protect your eyes - Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, particularly dark leafy greens such as spinach, kale, or collard greens is important for keeping your eyes healthy, too. Research has also shown that there are eye health benefits from eating fish high in omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, tuna and halibut.
Maintain a healthy weight - Being overweight or obese increases your risk of developing diabetes and other systemic conditions, which can lead to vision loss, such as diabetic eye disease or glaucoma.
Quit smoking or never start - Smoking is as bad for your eyes as it is for the rest of your body. Research has linked smoking to an increased risk of developing age-related macular degeneration, cataract and optic nerve damage, all of which can lead to blindness.
Wear protective eyewear - Wear protective eyewear when playing sports or doing activities around the home. Protective eyewear includes safety glasses and goggles, safety shields, and eye guards specially designed to provide the correct protection for certain activities. Most protective eyewear lenses are made of polycarbonate, which is 10 times stronger than other plastics.
Properly clean your hands and your contact lenses - To avoid the risk of infection, always wash your hands thoroughly before putting in or taking out your contact lenses. Make sure to disinfect contact lenses and replace them as appropriate.