4 effective ways to manage an overactive bladder

4 effective ways to manage an overactive bladder

Nearly 33 million people in the country suffer from an overactive bladder condition (OAB). Patients often struggle with a sudden urge to urinate and may experience long-term incontinence. Several risk factors are linked to OAB symptoms, including neurological disorders, diabetes, urinary tract infections, hormonal changes, and even an enlarged prostate. But, it is possible to manage the condition via changes in food habits, lifestyle modifications, the correct prescriptions and treatment methods.

Prescriptions to overcome an overactive bladder
Mild to moderate overactive symptoms can be managed with prescriptions including Gemtesa®, Myrbetriq®, and Toviaz®. Here is more on the options typically prescribed for OAB treatment:

Gemtesa®
It belongs to a class of beta 3 adrenergic agonists that help activate beta-3 receptors in the bladder muscles. This allows muscles to relax and hold more urine efficiently. 

Myrbetriq®
This prescription works in a similar fashion to Gemtesa® by relaxing the detrusor muscles in the bladder, allowing the organ to hold more urine and help overcome problems linked to incontinence. 

Toviaz®
It is an alternate prescription that belongs to a class of urinary antispasmodics used to control the urge to urinate. It helps block certain receptor signals in the bladder to relax the muscle walls and allows better control over spasms that could trigger incontinence.

Best foods to manage an overactive bladder
Change in daily meals to include more nutritious foods and eliminate food triggers can also help overcome an overactive bladder.

Eat non-acidic fruits and vegetables
Fruits and vegetables that don’t cause bladder irritation are safe to eat to manage overactive bladder symptoms better. Bananas, grapes, watermelon, strawberries, blackberries, apples, and coconuts are great fruits to eat regularly. You can add vitamin-rich vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, cucumber, kale, carrots, celery, lettuce, and peppers to meals.

Eat foods rich in fiber
Lentils, beans, bran, barley, artichoke, oats, and raspberries are excellent fiber-rich foods that promote better digestion. They help relieve discomforts linked to constipation that puts excess pressure on the bladder and the urinary tract. Also, almonds, pistachios, and pecans are excellent nuts to eat to overcome problems linked to constipation.

Eat foods rich in proteins
Protein is necessary for muscle growth and tissue repair in damaged cells. In an overactive bladder, the organ loses its ability to control and hold fluids, resulting in incontinence. Consuming more lean proteins such as chicken, turkey, fish, and eggs can help improve damaged muscle and overcome muscle control issues.

Foods to avoid
Overactive bladder symptoms can worsen over time due to several trigger foods. These range from acidic fruits and vegetables to even sweetened and carbonated beverages. Avoid limes, lemons, grapefruit, oranges, tomatoes, and even tomato products that are rich in natural citric acid. Spicy foods, foods containing added preservatives, additives, flavorings, sugar, and sugar substitutes will also worsen the symptoms. Also, avoid consuming sports drinks, carbonated beverages, and caffeinated beverages like tea, coffee, and energy drinks to control the symptoms of an overactive bladder.

Lifestyle changes to help overcome overactive bladder symptoms
Changes in daily nutrition can also be supplemented with effective lifestyle habits and a routine that improves control over urge and incontinence.

Pay attention to your fluid intake
Drinking too much water or other liquids can increase the urge and frequency to urinate with an already overactive bladder. Drinking more fluids during the day and avoiding hydrating at night is recommended. The body can also absorb liquids from daily foods, so pay attention to your fluid intake by keeping track of what you eat.

Explore bladder training exercises
Bladder training can also help train the muscles to gain more control. The first step is identifying a pattern of urge, frequency, and need for daily urination. Maintaining these details in a diary will help identify the problem and severity of the symptoms. Once the patterns are identified, it is possible to devise an interval plan to space out the urge to urinate. Over time, your mind and body will get used to the new routine, and with practice, it may be possible to overcome an overactive bladder condition.

Doctors also suggest pelvic floor exercises, including Kegel exercises, biofeedback sensor training, and vaginal weight training to control pelvic floor muscles better and manage incontinence. Daily physical exercise, maintaining a healthy body mass index, and avoiding stimulating substances will be beneficial in the long run.

Other treatment options to overcome an overactive bladder

Botox injections
Botox injections can be injected into the bladder tissue to help the muscles relax. It will, thus, help the bladder hold urine for longer These injection doses usually last for six months before it is time to take a follow-up shot.

Nerve stimulation techniques
Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS) is a non-surgical option where electricity is conducted carefully to stimulate the tibial nerve, helping prevent muscle spasms that could lead to incontinence.

Surgery
Surgery is the only viable option for patients with severe overactive bladder symptoms. It is done to improve the bladder’s capacity to store more urine. However, the procedure could also lead to permanent catheter use. In extremely severe cases, bladder removal is the only option. In this type of surgery, the organ is replaced with an artificial system to collect urine outside of the body.

It is always advisable to consult with medical professionals to understand the impact of changes in daily foods, treatment options, and lifestyle remedies to manage an overactive bladder. If the symptoms flare up, seek immediate medical attention at any point before or during treatment to avoid permanent damage to the organ.

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4 healthy foods for nursing mothers

Mothers who have recently delivered babies don't have sufficient nutrition due to the loss of blood and lactation. As a result, they have to carefully choose foods that are rich in calcium, carbohydrate, unsaturated fat, iron, folic acid, protein, and vitamins B6, B12, C, and D. Thankfully, healthy foods and supplements can help them regain strength and supply breastmilk to their newborns. The top four superfoods that can help nursing mothers include: Bananas Bananas are less expensive, available throughout the year, and considered a superfood for nursing moms. They are rich in nutrients, healthy carbs, vitamin B, antioxidants, and phytonutrients. Bananas are also abundant in potassium, calcium, and pectin, a source of energy. Experts claim that having a banana every day can help moms regain the energy they need to take care of the baby and breastfeed. Potassium is crucial for maintaining fluid balance in the mother's body and aids in the rampant transmission of nerve impulses.  Bananas can also aid in regulating blood pressure. It can prevent constipation, aid in regular bowel movements, and promote healthy gut bacteria. These fruits can provide about 1/4th of the vitamin B6 required for nursing moms, which is crucial for hemoglobin production and fighting antibodies. However, avoid bananas if you have allergies, a bout of cough and cold, or diabetes. Mothers can eat bananas after any meal or even add them to smoothies or pancakes as part of a meal. Fatty fish Fatty fish are naturally rich in vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D. Fish like salmon and sardines are one of the few food sources of vitamin D, which is essential for mothers and their infants. A deficiency of vitamin D in infants, though uncommon now, can lead to weak and deformed bones. These fish also contain DHA, a type of omega-3 fatty acid essential for an infant's brain and heart development. DHA can be naturally found in breast milk if a mother eats fatty fish, eggs, or red meat. Omega-3 acids can also help in preventing postpartum depression. Mothers can choose from freshly caught fish, buy from verified farms, or use canned salmon. However, ensure that you have salmon or sardines twice a week to get its benefits and increase the production of breastmilk production. Homemade stock Soups and broths are wholesome and satisfying meals for nursing mothers. The most significant advantage of broths or soups is you can make large quantities and freeze them. The first three months can be hectic for new moms, which is why broths are perfect. They are nutritious, time savers, and can instantly replenish nutrients and strength. Mothers can use the bones and cartilage of chicken or lamb for meat broths. However, slow-cook them as the soup will have time to absorb all the nutrients and minerals from the meat and bones.  On the other hand, vegetarian mothers can make soups and broths of various vegetables and lentils. Bell pepper, carrots, celery stalks, french beans, lentils, mung, cottage cheese, and peas are ideal ingredients for vegetarian soups. Broths and soups can also help deal with postpartum depression and help regain bone density. It can also help reduce joint pain and strengthen joints right after childbirth. Leafy green vegetables It is widely known that green leafy vegetables contain multiple nutrients like vitamin A, C, E, and K, fiber, minerals, calcium, and antioxidants. Spinach has a high concentration of phytoestrogens and iron. When a nursing mom increases the intake of spinach, it raises the estrogen level and helps stimulate milk production. Phytoestrogens also help in regulating and reducing cholesterol and blood sugar levels. They are low on calories; hence, you do not have to worry about gaining weight. One serving of green leafy vegetables daily is the recommended quantity for nursing moms.  Mothers can also eat broccoli and Swiss Chard, which are high in calcium and iron. The daily calcium requirement for nursing moms is about 1,300 milligrams a day. Kale or collard greens also can supply about 20% of the daily calcium requirement. Moms can also have milk and yogurt to ensure they receive the necessary supply of calcium. They can add greens to salads, smoothies, soups, or casseroles. Cigna breast pump Cigna is a global health service company that offers health, pharmacy, dental and supplemental insurance, and Medicare plans. You can get 100% of Cigna's insurance for hospital-grade and standard electric breast pumps with a prescription from your physician, midwife, or nurse practitioner. Cigna also covers the cost of renting a heavy-duty hospital-grade breast pump if a standard breast pump fails. Elvie Free Elvie, one of the brands covered by Cigna with a doctor's prescription, has introduced a revolutionary, silent wearable breast pump that women can discretely fit in their clothes. It is a wireless breast pump that can be operated through a smartphone. This easy-to-use pump can be used confidently and without any hassle. Since it is silent, it can be used anywhere without any disturbance or the need for privacy. Moreover, there are no tubes or pipes. It consists of five easy-to-assemble and clean components that make pumping clean and safe. If you're a new mother who wants to try out breast pumps, give this a try after consulting a doctor. 

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Effective tips that help manage asthma symptoms

Asthma is characterized by respiratory problems that cause narrowing and swelling of the airways, making breathing feel labored. Chest pain, shortness of breath, wheezing, and irregular sleeping patterns are common symptoms. The cold and cough mainly trigger attacks, which cause excess mucus formation. According to the WHO, around 262 million people in 2019 were affected by asthma. This article shares the effective treatment options, meal plans, lifestyle changes, and tips to manage asthma: Treatment options The symptoms of asthma can be managed with the help of effective treatment options, such as Tezepelumab This treatment option is a human monoclonal antibody that blocks the activity of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), a cytokine responsible for the inflammatory response. Tezepelumab is known to reduce annualized asthma exacerbation rate in severe asthmatic patients. FASENRA Severe cases of eosinophilic asthma are treated with this prescribed option. FASENRA targets the eosinophils, which helps patients breathe easier and reduces the frequency of asthma attacks. NUCALA NUCALA contains mepolizumab, an intravenously administered treatment for patients with severe eosinophilic asthma. This prescription targets the eosinophils in the bloodstream that are responsible for causing flare-ups. XOLAIR® This prescription option works against Immunoglobulin E (IgE), which is the main culprit of allergic reactions that trigger asthma. XOLAIR is used for moderate to severe asthma in people six years or above. ZYRTEC® ZYRTEC helps stop the immune response to allergy triggers, and it's used for treating mild to moderate asthma. This option provides relief from symptoms like watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, and itchy nose or throat. Foods to eat Any illness is fought with a combination of treatment options and a healthy food regime. In this case, we must focus on foods that enhance the function of the lungs. Spinach, lettuce, radish, parsley, rocket, and beetroot are all high in nitrate, which helps optimize the function of the lungs. These foods help increase the oxygen levels and let the organs perform at their best. Vitamin-C-rich foods like oranges, bell peppers, and lime help restore your immune system, keeping common triggers of asthma at bay. Garlic, ginger, tomatoes, olive oil, and leafy greens are rich sources of anti-inflammatory properties that help provide relief to asthma symptoms. Foods to avoid Cabbage, legumes, wheat, and lentils, cause bloating and acidity. These foods can put more pressure on the airways, causing them to narrow even further. Other foods that must be avoided include soy, peanuts, tree nuts, shrimp, and other shellfish, as these can easily trigger allergies even among normal patients. Those with asthma need to be extra careful about their food choices and eliminate triggers. Lifestyle changes Along with the treatments and nutritional choices mentioned above, here are a few daily habits that can help people with asthma: Regular exercise Practicing yoga, mild exercises, and meditation can be significantly rewarding for asthma patients. These activities can help improve breathing capacity and gradually help expand the airways. Better breathing patterns imply that the body receives optimal levels of oxygen, elevating the function of all organs. Meditation helps relieve stress and anxiety, which is crucial for those with asthma patients as such factors can contribute to a feeling of restlessness, difficulty breathing, and chest tightness. These symptoms can trigger an asthma attack or worsen the symptoms of asthma. Protection from triggers Anything that involves the sensation of the nose can trigger an asthma attack. It would be ideal for asthma patients to know their triggers and take the necessary preventive steps. The most common triggers include dust mites, perfumes, molds, fur from pets, and pollen. Keep a mask handy while stepping out during pollen season, and if you're an outdoor enthusiast, it's best to step out after the rains. The dust and pollens settle on the surface instead of freely swaying the way the wind sways. During a high pollen season, asthma patients can mouth covers, masks, or wraps to protect themselves from irritants. Using a humidifier People staying in a region with dry air will face respiratory issues like an inflamed windpipe and a dry mouth and throat. The lack of moisture in the air can irritate an asthma patient even more and may pose a higher risk of contracting a cold and cough. Besides, the dry air doesn't let the inflamed windpipe and a sore throat heal fast enough. In that case, an effective humidifier would be the best investment. Having more steam baths and hot beverages Some quick home remedies asthma patients can effectively use in their daily lives. Taking a steam bath more often helps release mucus and congestion, keeping one of the most common asthma triggers at bay. A cup of herbal tea like ginger, rosemary, peppermint, or chamomile tea right before bed can help release the accumulated congestion and clear the windpipe for a better airflow. Such habits practice can help asthma patients breathe easier, resulting in a peaceful night's sleep. Keeping a condition like asthma under control is crucial. The treatments, nutritional choices, and lifestyle changes discussed above will help protect one from the symptoms and help build a tolerance toward environmental factors that usually come into play.

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