Bladder health relates to general health

Nutrition Health Review, Summer, 2004 by Philip Zimmerman

As with so many other areas and systems in the body, when one is considering bladder health, one must first look at the general health of the person. Whether we are talking about lungs, liver, heart, bladder, or kidney, certain general principles apply to them all. Prominent among these is a healthy and stress-free lifestyle (exercise and avoidance of smoking and obesity). A healthful diet is essential for the maintenance and preservation of healthy organs and their functioning.

Having outlined general health modalities, we will now consider some specific functions that relate to the bladder.

The bladder stores liquids before they are excreted. As a first rule, it is wise for all of us to excrete liquids whenever we feel a fullness of the bladder. With extensive retention of urine, a putrefying phase may develop in which germs and microbes begin to multiply in the urinary tract, leading to problems. In general, women are more prone to this problem than men.

The health of the bladder is usually benefited by the ingestion of a proper amount of liquids to flush out the system. While some individuals may be under a restricted liquid intake because of doctor's orders, the average person should ingest six to eight cups a day of nutritious liquids. This quota can be met with water, juices, soup, herbal tea, and so forth. People should limit large amounts of coffee, regular tea, alcoholic beverages, and sodas (especially those containing phosphoric acid, which can wear down bones).

Which nutrients are advised for the bladder?

A good once-daily multivitamin benefits the entire system, including the bladder. Cranberry juice has been found very useful. It should be taken preferably in a form not loaded with sugar. Some people even make a soup with cranberries as the base. Apparently, cranberry juice has the ability to prevent microbes and germs from adhering to the urinary tract, thus reducing the risk of infection. Some people also find that garlic, either in food or in supplement form, may be beneficial for urinary tract problems.

Vitamin C, preferably in its nonbuffered form, is important. The dose should be regulated according to whether the person has a very sensitive stomach. The dose is about 500 milligrams (mg.) two or three times a day. Along with vitamin C, bioflavonoids have been found to be helpful; they may be taken at a dose of 1,000 mg. daily. (Editor's note: Readers should consult their physicians before taking nutritional supplements.)

Another important nutrient is acidophilus, best taken three times a day. If the person is taking antibiotics, acidophilus should be taken an hour before or after taking the antibiotics.

If infection is suspected (for example, pain on urination or overly frequent urination) or if the urine is not clear, a medical consultation is recommended. As with so many other wonderful systems in the body, a healthy urinary tract can benefits us in many ways, such as promoting better sleep patterns and often preventing irritability.

Philip Zimmerman, Ph.D., is chief chemist at Freeda Laboratories.