Keep Your Bladder in Good Condition

February 8, 2009 by  
Filed under Kidney Health

The bladder is an organ of our body where urine is stored. Urine is released by the bladder when it is full. The bladder can get afflicted with a number of ailments like, cystitis, urinary incontinence and even cancer. There are many ways to prevent bladder problems and maintain the bladder in good health.

The first step in the prevention of bladder problems is consumption of ample fluids. It is an established fact that water provides holistic health benefits. Water is involved in every bodily process. We know we must drink enough water.

The next step is following a proper diet. Improper diet can cause serious bladder problems like incontinence, cystitis, etc. Caffeine, for example, can irritate the bladder in some people. Caffeine should be consumed in measured quantities depending on the individual person’s body. Similarly every other diet component has to be consumed in measured quantities. Excess consumption can lead to bladder problems and very low consumption can lead to malnutrition.

Alcohol has antioxidants which are good for health provided it is taken in measured quantities. Some health foods like yoghurt, bananas, chocolates, etc can also cause bladder irritation if consumed in excess.

The bladder is composed mainly of muscles. Bladder has the sphincter muscles at its neck which controls the holding back and release of urine. In order to keep your bladder in good shape, muscle strengthening diet can be consumed. These diets will also strengthen the muscles of the whole body and provide holistic health benefits.

Muscles mainly need proteins. Amino acids are the main constituent of protein. Consumption of good amounts of various types of amino acids helps. Calcium is another diet component which helps maintain muscles. Children between four to eight years of age need around 800 mg of calcium a day. The elderly people aged over fifty, need about 1,500 mg of calcium a day.

Studies have proved that bladder cancer can be prevented by the consumption of phytochemicals. Phytochemicals are found in fruits like strawberries, blueberries and cranberries. The skins of these fruits are especially rich in phytochemicals.

Intake of right quantity of water, and a healthy and balanced diet which is rich in phytochemicals, proteins, calcium, antioxidants, will keep your bladder in good shape. These measures will provide good bladder control and prevent bladder infections, bladder tumour and bladder cancer.