Let's take a look at five foods that you may - or may not! - have heard of. All of these are readily available in our supermarkets, so you can easily add them into your diet to nurture your bladder.
1. Pumpkin Seeds
A delicious snack or topping for salads, yoghurt and granola, pumpkin seeds offer myriad health benefits, especially for the bladder. They're an excellent source of essential fatty acids and antioxidants and studies have continuously shown that pumpkin seed extract can improve symptoms of overactive bladder, making them an essential addition to a bladder-friendly diet. Additionally, the magnesium found in these seeds has been linked to a reduced risk of bladder stones. If you struggle to chew pumpkin seeds or don't fancy the taste, don't worry.
2. Pears
We often overlook pears for their health properties but these delectable fruits serve more than just your sweet tooth. Pears are considered low-acid fruits, making them less likely to trigger bladder symptoms. The fibre content also promotes bowel regularity, indirectly relieving pressure on the bladder, a significant aspect for those grappling with latchkey incontinence. Furthermore, pears' gentle nature has been widely recognised in dietary guidelines for those with interstitial cystitis, a chronic bladder issue.
3. Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds are becoming increasingly popular in health circles, and for good reasons. Rich in alpha-linolenic acid, a type of omega-3 fatty acid, flaxseeds can reduce inflammation in the body. For the bladder, this means reduced irritation and potential for infections. They also contain lignans, which possess antioxidant properties beneficial to bladder health.
4. Kale
This nutritious leafy green stands tall in the world of bladder-friendly foods. Its rich vitamin K content helps in preventing excessive bleeding, including in the urinary tract. Moreover, the antioxidants in kale combat harmful toxins, thus ensuring a healthier urinary tract.
Kale isn't the only member of the cruciferous vegetable family that benefit bladder health though, as broccoli, brussels sprouts, and cauliflower, also possesses properties beneficial for bladder health. Cruciferous vegetables contain sulforaphane, a compound that has been shown to even have protective effects against bladder cancer. Regular consumption of these veggies can be a strategic dietary move to enhance bladder health and potentially reduce the risk of bladder-related issues.
5. Bananas
Who doesn't love a banana? But more than just a handy snack, bananas offer potassium in moderation, which, in balanced amounts, helps regulate fluid balance and muscle contractions in the bladder. Too much or too little potassium can disrupt these functions. Furthermore, bananas can counteract sodium in the body, aiding in the healthy function of the kidneys and subsequently the bladder.
