Taking Control of Your Bladder Health in 2023
The new year is here, and that means it’s time to focus on self-care! Here at Michigan Institute of Urology, we believe that one of the best ways to do this is by optimizing your bladder health. Let’s take a look at some of the steps you can take to ensure that your bladder stays healthy for years to come.
Drink Plenty of Fluids
The most important step you can take for your bladder health is to make sure you are drinking plenty of fluids each day. We recommend aiming for around 8-10 glasses per day—but no more than 12! Too much fluid can strain your kidneys and bladder, so it’s important not to overdo it. It’s also important to make sure the majority of your fluids are water or other non-caffeinated options like herbal tea or fruit juices. Caffeine and alcohol are diuretics, meaning they will actually cause you to lose more fluids than you take in!
Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise has been shown to reduce the symptoms of urinary incontinence, which is why we recommend 30 minutes or so a day as part of a healthy lifestyle. This doesn’t have to be vigorous activity either; a simple walk or bike ride will do just fine. That said, if you do plan on doing any strenuous activities like running or weightlifting, make sure you’re taking breaks every 15 minutes or so to empty your bladder completely. This will help prevent any accidental leakage during physical activity.
Pay Attention To Your Diet
What we eat plays an important role in our overall health—including our bladder health! Eating more fruits and vegetables is always a good idea, but there are some specific foods that may be beneficial for those with bladder issues such as tomatoes, artichokes, and cranberries. You should also avoid spicy foods if possible since these can irritate the bladder and cause discomfort while urinating. Additionally, it’s best to limit caffeine intake as much as possible since this can lead to dehydration and further irritation of the bladder wall.
By following these simple steps you’ll be on track for optimal bladder health throughout 2023 and beyond! For more information about how we at Michigan Institute of Urology can help keep your body functioning its best. The Michigan Institute of Urology is one of the longest standing and largest sub-specialty Urology practices in the State of Michigan, we are dedicated to providing our patients the most up-to-date, state-of-the-art urologic care. Our specialists have been recruited from the most sophisticated university centers in the United States and are available at all of our 22 office locations. Our administrative staff follows strict guidelines to ensure the most cost-effective medical care is provided. Michigan Institute of Urology, P.C., is comprised of 46 General and Fellowship Trained Urologists with a complement of compassionate, caring Nurse Practitioners, Registered Nurses, Medical Assistants, and Ancillary Personnel.
