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Incontinence
Medications | Naturopathic
Treatment | Nutrition |
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Medications
Intermittent Self-Catheterization
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:
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Roasted soy
nuts
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Soy milk
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Soy protein
powder
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Tempeh
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Textured soy
protein
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Tofu
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Soy isoflavones, which are the components of
soy with the strongest estrogenic properties, are available in
capsule form in health food stores and supermarket nutrition
sections. A typical dose is 50 –150 mg daily. There are also
several phytoestrogenic and progesterone creams that can be
applied directly to the genital tissue to support the
elasticity as well as reduce vaginal dryness.
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 for
Inctontinence
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 ½ of your body weight in ounces of water daily (e.g., if
you weigh 150 lbs, drink 75 oz of water daily).
Supplements
The following supplements can provide anti-inflammatory
support.
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Bromelain —
Take 400 mg 3 times a day away from meals.
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Flaxseed oil
— Take 1 tablespoon daily.
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Vitamin C —
Take 500 mg 2 –3 times daily with meals.
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Vitamin E —
Take 400 IUs daily.
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Herbal Medicine
Herbal medicines usually do not have side effects when used
appropriately and at suggested doses. Occasionally, an herb at
the prescribed dose causes stomach upset or a headache. This
may reflect the purity of the preparation or added
ingredients, such as synthetic binders or fillers. For this
reason, it is recommended that only high-quality products be
used. As with all medications, more is not better and
overdosing can lead to serious illness and death.
The following herbs may be used to soothe and heal the urinary
tract:
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Buchu (Barosma
betulina) — A soothing diuretic and antiseptic for the
urinary system.
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Cleavers (Galium
aparine) — A traditional urinary tonic.
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Corn silk (Zea
Mays) — Has soothing and diuretic properties.
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Horsetail
(Equisetum arvense) — An astringent and mild diuretic with
tissue-healing properties.
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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.
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Usnea (Usnea
barbata) — Has soothing and antiseptic properties.
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Homeopathy
A trained homeopathic practitioner is needed to diagnose and
prescribe a deep-acting, constitutional remedy. The standard
dosage for acute symptom relief is 3 pellets of 30C every 4
hours until symptoms resolve. Lower potencies, such as 6X, 6C,
30X, may be given every 2 to 4 hours. If the right remedy is
chosen, symptoms should improve shortly after the second dose.
If there is no improvement after 3 doses, a different remedy
is given.
The following remedies have been used to treat incontinence:
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Causticum —
Indicated for stress incontinence associated with
difficulty urinating.
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Natrum
muriaticum — Indicated for stress incontinence associated
with the menopausal symptoms of vaginal dryness, painful
intercourse, and a history of emotional grief.
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Pareira —
Indicated for difficulty urinating due to prostate
enlargement.
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Sepia —
Indicated for stress incontinence with urgency, especially
associated with vaginitis or prolapsed uterus.
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Zincum —
Indicated for difficulty urinating while standing up (must
sit to initiate flow) or due to prostate problems.
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Contact Us
If you would
like to receive more information about this topic or about the
urology offices of The Austin Diagnostic Clinic, please email
us your request or call 512/901-4221.
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