Incontinence

[an error occurred while processing this directive] Naturopathic Treatment of Incontinence

Natural medicine may be used to treat urinary incontinence caused by poor muscle tone, hormonal deficiency, or food allergy.

Kegel exercises are the standard and most effective treatment for incontinence caused by poor muscle tone.

In women, lower estrogen levels during menopause can cause urethral tissue to become thinner, less resilient, and less elastic, leading to reduced sphincter control. The addition of phytoestrogens (plant estrogens) to the diet can be helpful for women who experience menopause-related tissue atrophy. Phytoestrogens are compounds found in plants that produce an estrogen-like effect in the body. In most cases, adding phytoestrogens to the diet is safe and easy and the following items may be suggested:

• Roasted soy nuts
• Soy milk
• Soy protein powder
• Tempeh
• Textured soy protein
• Tofu

From a naturopathic standpoint, incontinence problems that are not the result of neurological damage, poor muscle tone, or hormone deficiencies are may result from irritability or chronic inflammation within the bladder or urethral tissues caused by food sensitivities. Naturopathic physicians and holistic medical doctors often can treat this uncomfortable condition with changes in the diet and the elimination of sensitive and/or inflammatory foods.

Nutrition

• Eliminate food sensitivities which may cause chronic inflammatory conditions. To determine food sensitivities, use an elimination and challenge diet. While undertaking an elimination/challenge it is important to focus on calming the bladder with soothing urinary tract tonics. These help heal the bladder and related nervous irritation.
• Eat whole, fresh, unrefined, and unprocessed foods. Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, soy, beans, seeds, nuts, olive oil, and cold-water fish (salmon, tuna, sardines, halibut, and mackerel).
• Avoid sugar, dairy products, refined foods, fried foods, junk foods, and caffeine.
• Drink 50% of your body weight in ounces of water daily (e.g., if you weigh 150 lbs, drink 75 oz of water daily).

• Bromelain – Take 400 mg 3 times a day away from meals.
• Flaxseed oil – Take 1 tablespoon daily.
• Vitamin C – Take 500 mg 2-3 times daily with meals.
• Vitamin E – Take 400 IUs daily.

The following herbs may be used to soothe and heal the urinary tract:

• Buchu (Barosma betulina) – A soothing diuretic and antiseptic for the urinary system.
• Cleavers (Galium aparine) – A traditional urinary tonic.
• Corn silk (Zea Mays) – Has soothing and diuretic properties.
• Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) – An astringent and mild diuretic with tissue-healing properties.
• Marshmallow root (Althea officinalis) – Has soothing, demulcent properties. It is best taken as a cold infusion; soak the herb in cold water for several hours, strain, and drink.
• Usnea (Usnea barbata) – Has soothing and antiseptic properties.

The following remedies have been used to treat incontinence:

• Causticum – Indicated for stress incontinence associated with difficulty urinating.
• Natrum muriaticum – Indicated for stress incontinence associated with the menopausal symptoms of vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, and a history of emotional grief.
• Pareira – Indicated for difficulty urinating due to prostate enlargement.
• Sepia – Indicated for stress incontinence with urgency, especially associated with vaginitis or prolapsed uterus.
• Zincum – Indicated for difficulty urinating while standing up (must sit to initiate flow) or due to prostate problems.

[an error occurred while processing this directive]

Overview
Types
Incidence
Diagnosis
Treatment
Management
Treatment Profiler
Naturopathic Treatment
Find a Urologist
Videos

print this email this