Feeling the need to release your bladder throughout the day is totally normal and natural. But some people experience this sensation far more than the average person. Both men and women can find themselves needing to get up multiple times in the middle of the night to urinate. An overactive bladder can really get in the way of daily activities too.
Here is a description of some of the many causes of frequent urination in adults, as well as what this symptom could be an early warning sign of. We’ll also discuss natural approaches to managing and treating an overactive bladder to ease discomfort, overcome the sense of urgency, and prevent embarrassing accidents.
How Frequent is Too Frequent?
Although everyone’s body is different, many people are curious as to whether their levels of urination throughout the day are normal or average. Six to eight times per day is the average for most people. Urinating more than 10 times per day could be a sign that something is going on in your body that needs to be addressed. However, the amount of water you drink per day and certain medications that you are taking, such as high blood pressure medications, can cause you to urinate more than usual.
Common Causes of Frequent Urination
Aside from drinking a lot of fluids and taking certain medications, there are many things that can cause an adult’s bladder to become overactive. Urinary tract infections, vaginitis, vaginal atrophy, and low estrogen levels are common causes of frequent urination in women. Meanwhile, prostate issues are a big cause of frequent urination in men.
Both men and women can experience bladder infections, kidney infections, anxiety, obesity, and nerve damage in the bladder due to an injury. All of these things can lead to frequent urination as well. Some high-risk causes of frequent urination that often tend to require prompt medical attention include Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, sexually transmitted diseases, bladder stones, stroke, and spinal cord injuries.
Diagnosing Frequent Urination Problems
If you are concerned that you are urinating too often or experiencing other symptoms alongside your frequent urination, it may be time to seek a professional opinion. A doctor will usually begin a consultation by asking questions about how long you’ve been noticing an increase in urine production, how much you drink per day, and what other symptoms you are experiencing. A cystometry may also be recommended to measure your bladder pressure and get closer to a diagnosis.
Natural Solutions for Frequent Urination
People of all ages and levels of health can experience frequent urination during their lifetimes, but there are so many compelling reasons to not rush to prescription medications unless they are truly warranted. Several herbal treatments are recommended for people with overactive bladders, such as the Gosha-jinki-gan blend of Chinese herbs, capsaicin, and gandoderma lucidum, which is a mushroom extract from East Asia.
Healthy foods to consume to help maintain control over an overactive bladder include foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, soybean extract, and pumpkin seeds. This is because omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties and support overall health. Kohki tea is also recommended because it is high in antioxidants and may aid bladder health too. Other good foods to incorporate into your meals to support normal bladder functioning are pomegranate, spinach, cranberries, and apples. It may also help to practice Kegel exercises on a daily basis.