6 Peeing Mistakes to Avoid for a Healthy Bladder

6 Peeing Mistakes to Avoid for a Healthy Bladder

Your bladder is an integral part of your body that deserves the utmost care. Maintaining a healthy bladder is a prerequisite for proper urinary function and overall well-being. Nevertheless, some common mistakes while peeing can damage an individual’s bladder and lead to various health problems. Therefore, in this article, we will discuss six pee-related mistakes that you need to sidestep to ensure a healthy bladder. So, let’s learn more about them.

Not peeing when needed
One of the most common pee mistakes people make is holding it in when they need to go. Whether you’re at work, on a long road trip, or just don’t want to move from your couch, ignoring the urge to pee can harm your bladder health. For example, holding in urine can cause your bladder to stretch beyond its capacity, leading to bladder infections, kidney damage, and incontinence.
The preferable thing you can do for your bladder health is listen to your body and go when needed. If you’re in a circumstance where you can’t access a restroom right away, try to find ways to distract yourself or use relaxation techniques to help you hold on until you can go.
However, it’s important not to hold in your urine for extended periods habitually. Instead, prioritize your bladder health and go when necessary, even if it interrupts your daily routine.

Holding in your pee for too long
One of the common mistakes people make regarding their bladder health is holding in their pee for too long. Whether you’re stuck in a meeting or on a long road trip, it’s crucial to prioritize your bladder health and listen to your body’s cues.
Holding in your pee for too long puts unnecessary strain on your bladder muscles and urinary tract. Over time, this can steer to urinary tract infections, kidney damage, and even bladder cancer. Moreover, it’s just plain uncomfortable.
Take bathroom breaks throughout the day to avoid holding in your pee for too long. If you’re in a circumstance where you can’t easily access a bathroom, plan and try to go before you leave the house or office.
If you find yourself in a stage where you need to hold it, try to practice pelvic floor exercises to help strengthen your bladder muscles. But don’t make a habit out of holding in your pee; your bladder will thank you in the long run if you listen to its signals.

Not emptying your bladder completely
One of the prevailing mistakes people make when peeing is not emptying their bladder. It’s easy to get distracted and cut your pee short, but doing so can harm your bladder health over time.
Leaving urine in your bladder can cause bacteria to grow, leading to infections such as UTIs. In addition, holding in urine for long periods can stretch your bladder muscles, making them weaker and less efficient over time.
If you want to skip this mistake, empty your bladder whenever you go to the bathroom. This may mean sitting on the toilet longer than usual, but it’s worth it for your bladder health.
If you’re having trouble emptying your bladder, try relaxing your muscles by taking deep breaths. And if you still can’t fully empty your bladder, it’s essential to talk to your doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
Remember, emptying your bladder fully each time you pee is a small but significant step toward maintaining a healthy bladder.

Straining
Straining while peeing is a common mistake that can lead to serious bladder problems. When you strain, you increase pressure in your bladder, which can cause damage to your pelvic muscles and lead to urinary incontinence. Additionally, straining can increase the risk of developing urinary tract infections.
It could indicate that your bladder muscles are weak if you find yourself straining while peeing. To avoid straining, try to relax your pelvic muscles and take time when going to the bathroom.
You must talk to your doctor if you continue to experience straining or any other bladder issues. They will provide you with the appropriate treatment plan and help eliminate the underlying cause of your symptoms. Remember, taking care of your bladder health now can prevent problems in the future.

Peeing frequently
You may think you have a weak bladder if you constantly run to the bathroom. However, frequent urination is a possible sign of a healthy bladder. It’s important to empty your bladder regularly to prevent infections and maintain proper bladder function. However, peeing too frequently can also be a problem.
If you head to the bathroom more than eight times daily, you may be overhydrating or drinking too many diuretic beverages, such as coffee and tea. You should also be cautious of overdoing it with the water intake, which can lead to excessive peeing and disrupt your sleep patterns. Stay hydrated but in moderation, and closely observe the signals your body sends you.

Not drinking enough fluids
One of the most common pee mistakes people make is not drinking enough fluids. This is an imposing mistake as it can cause several bladder problems. For example, your urine becomes concentrated and acidic when you don’t drink enough fluids, irritating the bladder and making it more susceptible to infections.
Drinking enough water is a key solution to a healthy bladder. You should focus on drinking at least eight glasses of water a day. You can also include other fluids like unsweetened fruit juices, herbal teas, and soups to help keep you hydrated.
One trick to ensure you’re drinking enough fluids is to monitor the color of your urine. If it’s dark yellow or amber, it means you’re not drinking enough. It is ideal for your urine to appear pale yellow or almost clear.
Insufficient fluid intake can also cause constipation, which lays pressure on the bladder and causes urine retention. So, make sure to stay hydrated to avoid any unnecessary bladder issues.

Women may sometimes experience urinary incontinence during and following a menstrual cycle. It is because progesterone levels fluctuate during this time, causing frequent bladder contractions. Progesterone also causes the body to release fluid, triggering OAB symptoms.

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Foods to Eat and Avoid for Optimal Kidney Health

Kidneys help filter waste from the blood and dispose of it off the body via urine. They also help balance the electrolyte and fluid levels in the body. But, conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes may intervene with their ability to work as required. Furthermore, damage to the kidney might also result in chronic kidney disease. Hence making changes in your meal plan is a vital aspect of treatment. You can prevent damage to these organs by following a kidney-healthy meal plan. Below, we will address some foods to eat and avoid for better kidney health. Foods to eat Cauliflower Cauliflower is a nutritious vegetable. It's an excellent source of folate, Vitamins B, K, and C. It's rich in anti-inflammatory compounds like indoles, a fiber source. In addition, you can use mashed cauliflower as a replacement for potatoes. For example, a cup of cooked cauliflower has 40 mg of phosphorous, 176 mg of potassium, and 19 mg of sodium. Sweet potatoes They are relatively similar to white potatoes but have more fiber content, resulting in them breaking down more gradually. Hence, you will experience a less spike in insulin levels. Sweet potatoes are also rich in vitamins and minerals like potassium that help balance the sodium levels in the body and lower their impact on the kidneys. But, since sweet potatoes have a high potassium content, people on dialysis or those with CKD should curtail the intake of this vegetable. Red bell peppers They are rich in flavor and low in potassium, but that is not the sole reason they are considered a hit among people with kidney disease. Red bell peppers have Vitamin C and A sources and are also high in fiber, folic acid, and B6 vitamin content. In addition, red bell peppers are also suitable because they have lycopene, an antioxidant that shields against some cancers. You can eat them raw with a dip, mix them into your salad, or enjoy them as an appetizer. Some people also like roasting bell peppers and using them as a topping for lettuce salads or sandwiches. Olive oil It contains healthy fat and has anti-inflammatory properties. Since it is monosaturated fat, it stays stable even at higher temperatures as you cook. Thus, switching to extra virgin olive oil can give you more antioxidants while you still enjoy your favorite dish. Green vegetables Leafy veggies like spinach, kale, romaine, arugula, and cabbage are hydrating, low in calories, and have high antioxidant and vitamin content. If you wish to be cautious about your mineral levels, you must opt for cabbage and arugula, which are nutrient-rich and lower in sodium, potassium, phosphorous, and calcium. In addition, kale and spinach have a high potassium content, which is ok for people seeking to improve their kidney health, but best for those already dealing with chronic kidney disease. Blueberries They are called superfoods because they are rich in antioxidants and are a low-calorie Vitamin-C and fiber source. You can stock them in abundance from your local grocery store or farmer’s market. You can also shop for frozen berries in the off-season and enjoy healthy smoothies. People with kidney diseases can also eat other berries like raspberries, cranberries, and strawberries. Apples Apples are low in potassium and rich in fiber when you eat them with peel. They also have a natural anti-inflammatory effect and are ideal for your kidneys. Foods to avoid Soda Soda has zero nutritional benefits and instead has high sugar content. It only adds to the extra calories. Some studies link high soda consumption to conditions like kidney disease, osteoporosis, dental problems, and metabolic syndrome. If you opt for their lower calorie alternative like coke zero, even that will do you no good, as it has no nutritional value and contains artificial sweeteners and additives. Hence, you must omit soda and opt for healthy beverages like water. If you do not enjoy plain water, add a slice or two of fresh fruit for added flavor. Avocados Avocadoes are known for their many nutritious qualities. They are rich in antioxidants, fiber, and heart-healthy fats. Even though consuming avocado is often considered healthy, people with kidney disease must avoid it as avocados have a high potassium content. An average-sized avocado has about 690 mg of potassium. If you love the taste and do not want to eliminate it, you can reduce the portion size to only 1/4th of the avocado. In addition, it will lower potassium intake.  Salty foods Sodium or salt is one of the most prevalent inclusions in foods you consume daily. However, their density is higher in processed foods. Salt results in water retention and may cause blood pressure, lung, and heart disease. Healthy kidneys work towards maintaining the correct fluid balance in the body. So, if your kidneys do not function as desired, the fluid balance may be disturbed. Hence, you must curtail sodium-rich foods like processed foods, packaged items, and soy sauce. When cooking meals at home, opt for low-sodium alternatives. You can replace salt with spices and herbs and keep the salt shaker off the table. Dairy Dairy products like yogurt, cheese, ice cream, and milk are rich in protein, calcium, and other vital nutrients. They also contain potassium and phosphorous. People with stage three kidney disease might want to curtail their potassium, phosphorous, and protein intake, which is high in dairy. So, you can instead reach out for dairy alternatives like rice, soy, or almond milk as they have lower potassium, phosphorous, and protein content than cow’s milk. Bananas Though naturally low in sodium, bananas' potassium content is significantly high. So, to ensure your kidney disease does not aggravate, monitor your potassium intake, and it might be challenging if the banana is your staple. Conclusion Whatever you eat or drink will affect your health regardless of any health issue. Therefore, maintaining a healthy weight and following a balanced meal plan are prerequisites to staying fit and controlling blood sugar levels. A kidney-healthy meal plan is less about eliminating certain foods but following portion control and finding a balance of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.

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6 Warning Signs of Dementia that Cannot be Ignored

Dementia is a progressive disease that often begins with subtle changes in memory, mood, and behavior but can quickly lead to a loss of independence and cognitive function. In the following article, we will discuss six red flags that indicate the presence of dementia that one should not ignore and avoid in the future. Identifying the early warning signs of dementia is crucial to receiving an appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Warning signs of dementia Memory loss It is one of the commonly known signs of dementia. If your loved one seems to be forgetting important details about themselves, their family, or life events, it could indicate dementia. While everyone experiences some degree of forgetfulness as they age, significant memory loss that disrupts daily life is a red flag. They might forget recent events or conversations, repeat themselves frequently, and rely heavily on notes or reminders to remember basic tasks. In some cases, individuals with dementia might also forget important dates like birthdays or anniversaries or lose track of the season or year. If you notice your loved one is struggling to remember information that was previously easy to recall, it may be time to talk to a healthcare professional. Difficulty with everyday tasks Another alarming sign of dementia is difficulty with everyday tasks. Individuals with dementia may struggle with simple tasks such as dressing themselves, grooming, and even basic hygiene routines like bathing or brushing their teeth. This can be caused by forgetfulness, confusion, and lack of focus. Another task that can become challenging for those with dementia is preparing meals or handling money. This may result in forgetting to turn off the stove or leaving food uncooked, leading to safety concerns. They may also struggle with handling money, paying bills, or remembering how to operate household appliances. Sometimes, people with dementia may have difficulty finding their way around their homes or community, which can cause them to feel lost or disoriented. This is due to their impaired spatial awareness and memory. Attention to these signs is crucial as they impact an individual's ability to live independently. Caregivers and family members can assist in helping the individual maintain their independence for as long as possible. This may involve creating a structured routine and breaking down tasks into manageable steps. Disorientation and confusion Dementia can cause disorientation and confusion, which are concerning symptoms. People may become disoriented in familiar places, forget the purpose of objects or activities, and have difficulty keeping track of time and dates. As the condition progresses, individuals may experience confusion about their identity, recognizing their loved ones, and remembering where they live. They may also become agitated, anxious, or distressed when they cannot orient themselves in their surroundings. If someone you know is experiencing disorientation and confusion regularly, it's crucial to seek medical advice as soon as possible. An experienced physician can help diagnose the cause of these symptoms and provide appropriate treatment and support to help manage the condition. Impaired judgment and decision making One of the concerning warning signs of dementia is a decline in a person's judgment and decision-making abilities. As dementia progresses, individuals may have difficulty making simple decisions or solving problems they previously would have found easy. They may begin to make poor choices that can have significant consequences. For example, they may forget to turn off the stove, leave doors unlocked, or wander away from home without realizing the danger. In some cases, individuals with dementia may also become more vulnerable to financial scams and fraud. They may be persuaded to hand over large sums of money to strangers or engage in risky investments. As caregivers or family members, monitoring a loved one's decision-making abilities and being vigilant to changes in their behavior is essential. If you notice your loved one making questionable choices, addressing the issue immediately is essential. Personality and mood changes Dementia affects memory and cognitive abilities and can also impact a person's personality and mood. If you notice your loved one displaying drastic changes in their mood or behavior, it may be a sign of dementia. Some personality changes associated with dementia include becoming more withdrawn, apathetic, irritable, or paranoid. Individuals may also display impulsive behavior, sudden mood swings, or become more socially inappropriate. It's important to note that these personality changes can be tough to distinguish from other mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety. However, it is better to consult a healthcare professional when these symptoms occur along with memory loss or difficulty with everyday tasks. Personality and mood changes are a natural and standard part of aging and may not necessarily indicate dementia. However, if other warning signs of dementia accompany these changes, seeking medical attention and ruling out any underlying conditions is essential. A timely diagnosis and treatment can slow the advancement of dementia and improve quality of life. Withdrawal from social activities One of the most telling signs of dementia is when someone suddenly loses interest in social activities. If someone you care about was once sociable and enjoyed chatting with friends and family but has stopped attending social events or calling people they used to talk to regularly, it's important to look into the cause. People with dementia may withdraw because they struggle with communication or find social situations too overwhelming. It's common for those with dementia to feel embarrassed or ashamed of their condition and fear judgment from others. They may also avoid social situations as they struggle with fatigue or feel uncomfortable in new surroundings. Whatever the reason for the withdrawal, it's essential to encourage your loved one to remain socially active for as long as possible. Staying connected with family and friends helps to stimulate their minds and prevent feelings of loneliness and depression. If you notice that your loved one is avoiding social activities, try to determine the reason and work with them to find solutions. You may need to offer additional assistance, like coordinating transportation or accompanying them to events. Another option is creating smaller, more intimate gatherings to alleviate any feelings of being overwhelmed.

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