Top 8 products beneficial to the bladder with proven Effect
The bladder is a hollow muscular organ that is necessary for the accumulation and subsequent excretion of urine from the body.
About 15% of the population face various diseases from the bladder during their lifetime (from banal cystitis to oncology).
A significant role in the health of this organ is played by a person's lifestyle, the presence of bad habits, a burdened hereditary background, as well as diet.
The exclusion of stone-forming, irritating and toxic substances from the diet significantly improves the condition of the bladder and reduces the risk of developing pathologies.
Below is a list of 8 useful foods that are recommended to be consumed to improve the functional state of the bladder and prevent complications.
1. Chili Pepper
Chili peppers contain a large amount of capsaicin, a substance that helps to relax the bladder wall and reduce the severity of pain caused by spasm of smooth muscles or increased intravesical pressure (with stone obstruction).
One of the studies showed that the use of capsaicin improves the condition of patients with overactive bladder. This disorder occurs in a wide range of pathologies from the brain or spinal cord (multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, alcoholic neuropathy, osteochondrosis, etc.), as well as in abnormalities of the structure of the bladder.
2. Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds contain valuable omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties, and also improve the general condition of urinary disorders caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Pumpkin seeds, according to scientists from Japan , reduce the severity of urinary incontinence and normalize the tone of the bladder muscles. The effect is provided by the presence of sitosterols, which are contained in seed oil.
3. Coffee
Coffee is known to have a diuretic effect.
According to scientific data, a dose equal to 6 mg / kg of caffeine significantly increases the excretion of fluid from the body, which helps to activate the motility of all parts of the urinary system and, as a result, the excretion of small stones and salts, which can cause the development of clinical symptoms of urolithiasis.
It should be noted separately works of British scientists , which proved that caffeine does not disrupt the water and ion balance in the body with the development of a diuretic effect within the framework of maintaining a normal lifestyle and adequate fluid intake according to physiological norms.
14 more facts about the benefits of coffee here →
4. Cranberries
Cranberry berries have a broad-spectrum antimicrobial effect (cranberries are effective against most gram-positive and individual gram-negative bacteria).
The flavonoids found in cranberries prevent the development of cystitis and urethritis.
Cranberry juice is recommended for patients with nephrological profile not only for detoxification (elimination of toxins), but also to protect the organs of the urinary system from damage.
Scientists from South Africa have identified that cranberry juice reduces the excretion of oxalates and their concentration in urine, which reduces the risk of developing urolithiasis.
In 2010, scientists discovered cranberry berries contain phytonutrients that block the adhesion of bacterial and fungal agents to the mucous membrane of the bladder and kidney tubules. This circumstance significantly reduces the risk of developing cystitis.
5. Fermented red rice
At Gifu University conducted an experimental study on male mice. It was found that fermented red rice has a chemoprophylactic effect against chemically induced carcinogenesis, reduces the proliferation of immature epithelial cells of the mucous membrane of the bladder.
Simply put, eating rice helps prevent cancer.
Japanese scientists have also proved that the risk of developing oncological diseases associated with chronic inflammation (for example, cystitis or prostatitis) decreases by 20-35% with regular consumption of red rice.
6. Blueberries
Blueberries help to remove small stones (mainly oxalates) from the bladder, which reduces the risk of developing clinically pronounced urolithiasis.
Proven that blueberries, due to the high content of anthocyanins with antioxidant properties, prevent the formation of atrophic changes in the mucous membrane of the urinary tract.
In addition, blueberries are one of the 9 Most Beneficial Kidney Products .
7. Coca Leaf Tea
A drink made on the basis of Coca leaves has a general ionizing effect and contains a lot of antioxidants that protect the bladder wall from any damage (atrophy during stagnation of urine, the introduction of infectious agents, etc.).
In addition, Coca tea reduces the risk of malignant neoplasms.
The protective effect of Coca leaves on the mucous membrane of the bladder has been proven in American experiments on rabbits who had signs of bladder obstruction.
Scientists also recommend taking the following drinks that have a similar effect and do not harm the urinary system:
- Clean water;
- Soy milk;
- Apple or pear juices.
8. Reishi Mushroom
The extract obtained from the Reishi mushroom (varnished tinder), which is widely distributed in tropical, subtropical and temperate latitudes, helps to improve the general condition of hypertension, viral hepatitis and oncological diseases.
Japanese works demonstrate that Reishi mushroom normalizes the contractile activity of the bladder in benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis and cystitis.
6 products that irritate the bladder
In order to maintain the health of the bladder, it is necessary to limit the consumption of irritating and simply harmful products as much as possible:
- Animal fats and offal. According to research data , these products contribute to increased urinary excretion of oxalates, which increase the risk of developing urolithiasis.
- Sugar, sweets. Any substances with a high sugar content and artificial sweeteners contribute to irritation of the inner lining of the bladder and urethra. This reduces resistance to any harmful factors, including infectious agents. As an alternative, it is recommended to use stevia.
- Citrus juices. They cause irritation of smooth muscles and an increase in the tone of the bladder wall.
- Carbonated and energy drinks, alcohol. Contribute to the destruction of bladder cells and disruption of local immune factors.
- Salt. Induces an increase in blood pressure and fluid retention in the body. As a result, the uniform excretion of urine is disrupted, which can lead to functional failures in the work of the organ.
- Hot sauces, seasonings, spices. Irritate the mucous membrane (except chili pepper).
See also 10 Most Harmful Kidney Products .
Conclusion
Thus, in order to maintain the functional and anatomical integrity of the bladder, to ensure the prevention of urolithiasis and malignant neoplasms, it is necessary to consume more products that have a protective effect against the bladder. A major role is also given to the restriction of substances that cause irritation of the mucous membrane of the organ and discoordination of its muscular activity.