11 peeing mistakes to avoid for a healthy bladder

11 peeing mistakes to avoid for a healthy bladder

The kidneys filter out the toxins and waste products present in the blood and produce urine. This urine gets collected in the gall bladder and is pushed out of the body through a pipe called the urethra. Attending the bathroom break is essential when the urge to empty the bladder strikes. When ignored, it can lead to swelling of the kidneys and bladder and might even give rise to other complications.

Holding it in
People often prioritize other things over their health. This includes eating, exercising, and even peeing. This means we end up holding in the pee more frequently than attending it the minute we get nature’s call. Holding in peeing frequently can cause damage to the bladder muscles and might even cause the organ to swell up. However, taking regular bathroom breaks can help avoid losing bladder control.

Peeing halfway
Speeding up the peeing process or bathroom breaks can end in a urinary tract infection. This is one of the most common peeing mistakes most of us make. A typical result of rushed bathroom breaks is only half empty bladder. For some, it might not be possible to empty the bladder all the way through. However, letting urine sit in the bladder can increase the risk of infections. This needs to be avoided as much as possible.

Frequently peeing
Like reduced urine frequency or holding it in, peeing too frequently is also a red flag. No one wants to recalibrate the bladder to react to small quantities of urine. When emptying the bladder, even when unnecessary, we retrain our bladder to respond to accumulating smaller volumes of urine. Plus, being unable to hold in our pee even when we have no option can be a big issue.

Not drinking enough water
When the body does not produce enough urine, it can indicate dehydration. So can be the pain when peeing. Those who are dehydrated will also show the presence of dark yellow colored pee with some characteristic odor. Being consistently dehydrated can also leave us susceptible to urinary tract infections, kidney stones, bladder stones, and other renal issues. If clean water is unavailable, fluids like soups, juices, vegetables, and watery fruits can also maintain hydration.

Wiping incorrectly
When we wipe the wrong way, we increase the chances of contracting a urinary tract infection and, in some cases, a vaginal infection. Wiping back to front brings the bacteria festering in the anal and perineal region to the urethra and the vagina. To avoid this, it is recommended to wipe front to back. Do not go back and forth, either. Excessive and aggressive wiping can also leave us vulnerable to infections.

Straining
Pushing or straining hard to ensure that the bladder has been emptied is another peeing mistake some of us end up making unknowingly. Doctors and health experts have often told us that the bladder functions best when relaxed. This makes straining it in any way, to hold the pee in or push it out, affect the organ’s efficacy. For example, straining can increase the risk of hemorrhoids, irritation, and hernia.

Hydrating with the wrong fluids
We might enjoy our canned juices and sodas. But they can be tricky when dealing with a urinary tract infection scare. Some of these fluids can serve food for the infection-causing microbes, and others can secretly dehydrate the body. Take caffeine, for example; we all know that caffeine is a diuretic. But how many of us take it upon ourselves to hydrate our bodies before and after having some much-needed coffee? Take care to limit the intake of these fluids to ensure we avoid almost all possible bladder problems. And if cutting back is not an option, make sure to hydrate enough.

Overlooking good hygiene practices
It is critical to keep the intimate area clean and fresh. It goes a long way to keeping the bladder healthy and avoiding one of the most common peeing mistakes. To avoid developing UTIs, keeping the intimate area clean with the help of nothing but soap and water is essential. It is equally vital that we donne clean and breathable undergarments after cleaning and drying ourselves.

Using harsh products
Skin is the largest organ of the human body and also a sensitive organ. The skin in the intimate areas is even more sensitive. Using chemical products loaded with harsh compounds and fragrances can damage the skin in intimate regions. It can cause discomfort and might even increase the chances of developing an infection. So, to avoid such infections, it would be better to use mild cleansers and other dermatologically-approved products specially formulated for the intimate region.

Holding breath while peeing
Not many know that we might put our bladder health on the line when we hold our breath when peeing. Sadly, holding our breath puts us at the risk of similar outcomes that we expect when we do not empty our bladders. Instead, it puts an added strain on the bladder muscles as the muscles cannot relax completely, leaving behind the possibility of urinary incontinence or bladder damage.

Multiple cups of coffee
A well-known diuretic, caffeine is one of the compounds that increases urine production in the body. This leaves us with a frequent urge to pee. It also implies that as giddy as we are to top up our mug of coffee, we also risk our bladder health by having frequent cups of joe. Having to pee frequently lands us with weakened bladder muscles and an increased risk of bladder incontinence. For people that have to pee too frequently after having their coffee, it is advisable to avoid or limit its intake while also increasing the intake of hydrating fluids.

Popular Reads

Top 6 foods that may reduce dementia risk

Top 6 foods that may reduce dementia risk

Many individuals mistakenly believe that dementia is a disease, but it’s a term used to describe symptoms related to memory, social abilities, and thinking. These symptoms can be challenging to manage and can impact daily activities. However, healthcare professionals often recommend implementing a healthy meal plan as a way to improve management. If you’re interested in learning about how your food intake can reduce the risk of developing dementia, read on. What is dementia? As previously mentioned, dementia is not a specific disease. Instead, health conditions like Alzheimer’s disease are among its most frequent causes in older adults. Other known causes of dementia include damage to the blood vessels that supply nutrients to the brain, the formation of balloon-like proteins in the brain, and the breakdown of connections and nerve cells in the brain. While memory loss is one of its most recognizable signs, this symptom alone does not mean one has dementia. Most symptoms of this group of health issues can vary depending on the cause. Hence, here are some of the most common signs to look out for. Memory loss Difficulties while communicating Reasoning and problem-solving issues Poor control of movements and coordination Disorientation Confusion What are the foods that can help reduce the risk of dementia? Typically, dementia and Alzheimer’s are known to be caused by a combination of several factors, such as environmental, lifestyle, and genetic. Furthermore, developing issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease can contribute to cognitive decline in patients. Therefore, healthcare professionals suggest the consumption of nutrient-rich foods to reduce dementia risk as one grows older. Some of the foods that can be added to one’s meal plan are: Avocados Avocados are one of the most commonly known superfoods, which can provide the brain with the needed energy without a spike in blood sugar levels.
Avoid these 15 common shower mistakes

Avoid these 15 common shower mistakes

There is nothing a warm shower cannot resolve. Showering after a long day can be a stress reliever and enhance one’s mood instantly. It also has several other health benefits besides cleansing the body, including facilitating cold relief, boosting immunity, and relieving muscle pain. However, not bathing the right way can give rise to skin conditions such as rashes and eczema. Here are some common mistakes one should avoid while bathing and showering: Not moisturizing after a shower Wiping after a bath can reduce the body’s moisture, causing dry skin, which can lead to rashes and itching. Dermatologists recommend applying body lotion and moisturizer immediately after a shower to retain skin texture and prevent dryness. One should look for hypoallergenic moisturizers that do not have any added fragrances. Bathing in scorching hot water Scorching hot water can damage keratin cells in the skin’s outer layer. Consequently, the skin becomes dry and dehydrated. It is important to balance the water temperature before stepping into the shower. Ideally, the temperature of the water should be lukewarm. Using the wrong towel An absorbent towel that does not feel rough is ideal for wiping oneself after a shower. The most effective way to select the right towel is to check its density, measured in grams per square meter (GSM). Towels with GSMs between 400 and 550 are considered ideal for use after bathing. One should avoid towels below a GSM of 400, as these towels can be thin and rough, causing skin dryness. Moreover, towels made of superior-quality Egyptian or Turkish cotton are extremely soft and perfect for the skin. Soaping the arms and legs excessively While it is important to wash and clean one’s arms and legs, these areas typically do not collect much oil and dust. Hence, scrubbing them excessively can dry out these areas and hamper their natural texture.
15 signs of a weak immune system

15 signs of a weak immune system

The immune system is a complex network of organs, cells, and proteins that act as the body’s defense mechanism against diseases and infections. The system —the innate immune system that people are born with and the adaptive immune system, which develops due to exposure to toxins and microbes. Both parts work together to keep infection-causing germs and toxins. So, weak immunity can make the body susceptible to diseases and other health issues. High stress levels The American Psychological Association suggests that chronic stress weakens the immune system. This is because stress lowers the number of white blood cells (i.e., lymphocytes) in the body that fight infections, increasing the risk of infections such as the common cold. Persistent cold Most adults develop two to three colds per year, which usually last from 7 to 10 days. During this period, the immune system forms antibodies to fight the virus. However, if one keeps catching a cold or is dealing with common cold symptoms for a long time, it could be a sign of weak immunity. Slow-healing wounds When one develops a cut or a wound, the body immediately goes into damage control mode to stop any bleeding and regenerate skin. Immune cells in the body guide this process. However, when dealing with a weakened immune system, wounds take longer to heal. This can make one more susceptible to infections as well. Frequent infections Those with a lowered immunity are at a higher risk of contracting infections such as pneumonia, meningitis, bronchitis, and skin infections. They are also more likely to experience autoimmune disorders, organ inflammation, blood disorders such as anemia, and growth and developmental delays. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, some signs of weak immunity include: – Having more than four ear infections in a year – Developing pneumonia twice within a year – Dealing with chronic sinusitis or more than three episodes of bacterial sinusitis in a year Fatigue If one constantly feels tired despite getting enough sleep, it may be a sign of weak immunity.