Natural Remedies for Urinary Health
If you haven’t thought much about urinary health, you are not alone. Most people don’t think about this important bodily function until they have a problem. But a lot of men and women do have issues with their urinary system and are looking for natural remedies for urinary health problems.
Common problems include urinary tract infections (UTIs), interstitial cystitis, kidney stones, incontinence, prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and chronic kidney disease. Symptoms vary and include pain, changes in urination, or may affect how well your kidneys and overall urinary system function.
Your urinary system does much more than remove urine from the body. Your kidneys filter waste and excess fluid from the blood, help maintain the body’s fluid and mineral balance, help regulate blood pressure, and play a role in red blood cell production and bone health.
Common Urinary Issues
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common, especially in women, and many women experience recurrent infections. Interstitial cystitis, also known as painful bladder syndrome, is another urinary condition that primarily affects women.
The more common urinary problems in men are prostatitis and BPH, which cause pain and difficulty urinating, and Kidney stones, which are also painful.
Common urinary problems in men include prostatitis and BPH, which can cause pain and difficulty urinating. Kidney stones are another painful urinary problem that can affect both men and women.
One of the most serious of all urinary problems is chronic kidney disease, which results in failure of the kidneys to function properly and they cannot filter blood as well as they should. This can result in end-stage kidney disease, which requires kidney dialysis and may require a kidney transplant.
Watch our video below on Kidney Health and why it is so important. There are many natural remedies for urinary health.
Things you can do to Support Urinary Health
Below are some natural remedies for urinary health to support overall health.
- Use the bathroom when you feel the urge and fully empty your bladder.
- Do pelvic floor exercises, such as Kegel Exercises..
- Make sure you wear breathable cotton undies.
- Exercise regularly.
- Maintain a healthy weight and watch what you eat, focusing on a nutritious whole-food diet.
- Limit processed foods and foods that are high in artificial sweeteners, sugars, and chemicals.
- Drink Plenty of Water and limit caffeine, alcohol, and sugary drinks.
- Keep your bowels moving and make sure your colon stays rolling. Constipation can put pressure on your bladder and keep it from emptying completely.
- Make sure you are eating enough fiber in your diet. If you need to add a fiber supplement, add one.
- Quit Smoking.
- Balance your pH. Keeping your pH balanced is essential for overall health. For more help on balancing pH, check out our pH balancing article.
It’s important to know when to get help. A healthy lifestyle full of healthy habits can support urinary health, but pain, blood in the urine, difficulty urinating, fever, persistent urinary symptoms, or changes in bladder habits should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
Herbs and Natural Support for Urinary Health
There are many herbs that have been traditionally used as natural remedies for urinary health. I have listed several of them below, as well as my favorite Nature’s Sunshine Products.
Cranberry has been traditionally used to support urinary health. Many people use cranberry products to reduce recurrent UTIs, and there is some research that supports that. It’s important to remember that evidence is limited and may be inconsistent.
Uva Ursi is another herbal remedy for urinary tract issues and bladder discomfort. This herb contains arbutin and hydroquinone and has traditionally been used to support the urinary tract and ease bladder discomfort.
Corn Silk is traditionally used as a mild diuretic and a soothing herb. It has been used to support normal urinary flow and soothe the tissues of the urinary tract.
Dandelion Leaf is one of my favorite herbs. Dandelion is a natural diuretic that can increase frequency. It is also a great tonic because of its mineral content, helping to support a healthy bladder and improve its function. It also differs from many diuretics because it doesn’t deplete potassium
Marshmallow Root, due to its mucilage effect, soothes mucous membrane tissues, including those of the urinary tract, which can help reduce irritation and inflammation. It also acts as a mild diuretic.
Remember, even though herbs are part of natural remedies for urinary health, they may not be appropriate for everyone. If you have kidney disease, take medications, are pregnant, or have an ongoing urinary condition, talk with your healthcare provider before using herbs or herbal supplements.
Supporting Your Urinary Health Naturally
Your urinary system works hard each day, removing waste, balancing fluids, and supporting many other functions in your body. It’s important to take care of it, and luckily it isn’t complicated. Focus on drinking enough water, eating a nutritious diet, staying active, keeping your bowels regular, and using herbs appropriately as a part of your natural remedies for urinary health.
Your habits shape your overall health in so many different ways. Many of us underestimate the impact they have. So, start with the areas that need the most attention and make changes you can maintain. Healthy habits really are the magic pill.
This article was originally published as part of the Sunshine Sharing newsletter series.
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References: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/15-tips-keep-your-bladder-healthy