With spring coming up, most people are focusing on heart health. While you’re at it, though, it’s a good idea to show the bladder some love as well. Both women and men can suffer from uncomfortable bladder issues, and solutions may be easier than you think. If your bladder is making you miserable, try these tips.

Drink Enough Water…but Not Too Much

Most experts agree that the average adult needs between six and eight glasses of water each day to stay healthy. Some people drink far less than this, while others get too much of a good thing. Drinking more than eight glasses of water a day can lead to urinary urgency. It’s also a bad idea to substitute water for caffeine-based substances like soda or coffee.

Stand and Walk Whenever Possible

Many people have desk jobs that require them to sit for most of the hours in the day. This causes fluid to build up in the legs and leads to increased urination at night. The need to frequently urinate can disrupt your sleep and lead to other health problems. Fortunately, you can prevent these issues by standing and walking during the day. For instance, rather than calling a colleague with a message, get up and walk to his or her office. You can also take walks during your lunch hour.

Do Kegel Exercises

Kegel exercises strengthen the muscles that are responsible for bladder control. When these muscles are stronger, you are less likely to leak when you laugh hard or sneeze. You can practice Kegel exercises by cutting your urine off mid-stream and then resuming the flow. Kegel exercises take a little getting used to, but they can make a big difference in your ability to control your bladder.

Eat Bladder-Healthy Foods

Experts recommend that women get about 21 to 25 grams of fiber in their daily diet, while men are advised to get a daily dose of between 30 to 38 grams of fiber. This not only eases constipation, it can also decrease the likelihood of an overactive bladder. Other bladder-healthy foods include herbal tea, blueberries and pears. Because artificial sweetener can irritate the bladder, it’s best to opt for sugar while experiencing bladder issues.

Call Urology Experts

The bladder, like every other part of the body, requires regular care and maintenance. If you are having bladder issues, make an appointment with one of our expert, compassionate staff members at Urology Experts today. We can help resolve your problems and get you back on the road to health.