The underrated bladder deserves some attention! Learn about this important watery organ, how its health can affect our emotions, and what we can do to show it some love.
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Check out these recipes, classes, and lectures to learn how to better support the bladder:
Energize
All About Water
The Epic Travel Salad
Millet and Adzuki Bean Crepes
Butternut Squash Garlic Dip
Belonging to the water element and governed by the winter season, the bladder is a strong, muscular organ within the pelvis that acts as a reservoir for storing and eliminating fluids received from the kidneys. As liquid fills the bladder, it begins to expand, triggering nearby nerves to tell the brain – “hey, it’s time to go!”
There are many delicious whole foods that strengthen the bladder. Root vegetables such as carrots, parsnip, turnips, squash, and beets are plentiful in the colder months, making them great choices for this winter-belonging organ. Grains like millet, barley, buckwheat, quinoa, and brown rice are particularly beneficial as well.
As it belongs to the water element, look to the sea for more bladder-supporting foods. Seaweeds such as kelp, nori, dulse are excellent choices as they’re rich in vitamin E, potassium, iodine, iron, and other trace minerals. Fermented soy like tempeh and miso are wonderful options as well given their high amounts of B vitamins, potassium, calcium, and phosphorus.
Although it may seem obvious, drinking enough water and staying hydrated throughout your day supports bladder health as well. Limit your consumption of caffeine and alcoholic beverages as much as possible, as these have a diuretic effect on the body, meaning they increase the amount of urine you produce. If you’re having trouble controlling your bladder, consuming caffeinated beverages may be contributing to the problem.
But my number one tip for supporting the bladder? If you have to go, GO! Don’t hold it in. Use the bathroom as often as you need to, as retaining waste fluids weakens the bladder over time, leading to incontience, or not being able to fully empty your bladder. It also exposes your body to potentially harmful bacteria that can back up into the kidneys, causing UTIs or kidney infections. Yikes!
Show your bladder some love today with plenty of fluids, nourishing foods, some gentle stretching, and honouring its signals. It’s working so hard for you! Thanks bladder!