Overactive bladder - #18974

Ah, dealing with an overactive bladder can be pretty annoying, I know. The good news is that Ayurveda offers some insights on how you might approach this condition. Your goal to aim for urinating 8 times a day is reasonable, though it might take a bit of time and patience to get there. Kegel exercises are great, but there's more you can do. First, let's talk about diet. Try incorporating more barley into your meals—barley water is particularly beneficial and might help reduce frequency over time. Sip on it slowly throughout the day. Avoid caffeine and alcohol; these are diuretics and can increase urination frequency. We gotta consider your doshas too, especially Vata. Mental stress and anxiety can aggravate Vata and lead to overactivity. Daily practices of meditation or pranayama (breathing exercises) might help you find balance, calming the mind and bladder. Try Anulom Vilom or Nadi Shodhana, they’re quite effective. Aim to do this breathing exercise early in the morning for 15-20 mins. Also, think about your liquids. Space out your fluid intake throughout the day instead of having large quantities all at once. Train your bladder by gradually increasing the time between bathroom trips. Start by holding it for about 10-15 mins longer than usual, and slowly increase from there. Herbs like Gokshura or Shatavari, in consultation with an ayurvedic practitioner, may also support bladder health. You might wanna also try Ashwagandha if stress seems like a contributing factor. And hey, don't forget about movement! A gentle evening walk might assist digestion and thus reduce strain on the bladder. Maybe try to avoid heavy or spicy foods esp. in dinner, which can further irritate an already overactive system. Try these ideas step by step, and see what works best for you. Persisting too much with anything all at once can confuse your system, so move at a pace that feels right. If your condition doesn’t improve or worsens, seeking advice from a healthcare professional is key.