
MAILBAG: Conquer Urinary Incontinence
“My wife struggles with urinary incontinence. She’s too embarrassed to wear an adult diaper, but it’s started to keep her from going places. What can we do?”
-Luke from Madison, Wisconsin
Hi Luke,
An overactive bladder is often the culprit behind urinary incontinence. It can cause urine to leak whenever the bladder fills, even a little bit.
The question is: what makes a bladder “overactive”?
Various health issues can contribute to urinary incontinence, including diabetes, kidney disease, nerve damage, weak pelvic floor muscles (especially in women with children), multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease.
Some medications can make the problem worse. These include diuretics (water pills), muscle relaxants, narcotics, antihistamines, and some blood pressure medications (alpha-adrenergic antagonists).
Anyone experiencing urinary leaking or incontinence should see their doctor to rule out hidden health issues or medication side effects. As a doctor, I can ASSURE you there’s NO reason to be embarrassed.
Incontinence is a common problem. It affects up to 50 percent of women. And it becomes more common as you age. Up to 75 percent of women over 65 experience leakage.
Your doctor may be able to help. But in the meantime, there are some simple things you can try to remain dry:
Kegel Exercises: This exercise can help strengthen your pelvic floor. The key is to do them regularly. Kegels only takes a few minutes and it, in some cases, can dramatically reduce urinary incontinence.
You can locate your pelvic floor muscles by trying to stop urinating midstream. Once you’ve identified them, you’re ready to start Kegel training.
Imagine you’re sitting on a small straw. Then tighten your pelvic floor muscles as if using them to suck air through that straw.
Avoid tensing muscles in your abdomen, thighs, or buttocks. You want to engage the pelvic floor muscles alone.
Try it for three seconds, then relax for three more. Do three sets of 10, maintaining your focus the whole time.
Avoid Triggers: Many foods can irritate your bladder wall. Some of the most common include those high in caffeine (like coffee, chocolate, and soda), alcohol, citrus foods or juices, spicy foods, artificial sweeteners, and sugar.
Try eliminating them from your diet (or use them sparingly) to see if it helps reduce leaks.
Double–Voiding: This is just what it sounds like. To double-void, you urinate, wait just a few minutes, and then go again. This technique is great to try before getting into the car or going to bed.
Acupuncture: For some folks, acupuncture relieves incontinence symptoms. It doesn’t work for everyone, but it’s certainly worth trying.
Don’t let urinary incontinence turn you into a hermit. Take back control and live your life on your OWN terms again.
P.S. Older adults are particularly vulnerable to urinary tract infections. But recent research has called into question the most common mainstream treatment. It turns out your doctor’s solution could make your situation MUCH worse. Here’s what you NEED TO KNOW.

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
The BEST Time to Drink Coffee for Your Heart [STUDY]
That first cup of coffee in the morning isn’t just about waking up anymore… New research suggests that the TIMING of your daily brew could also make a big difference in protecting your heart health. And if you’re sipping coffee throughout the day, you might want to rethink that habit. Here’s why… A groundbreaking study...
A HOT Secret to Better Health (No Gym Needed!)
Looking for a way to boost your health without hitting the gym? Well, there’s an ancient practice that might offer the perfect solution—giving you similar benefits to exercise while sitting back and relaxing. And while not everyone has access to this therapy, it can be a life changer if you do. Swedish scientists, collaborating with...
Could Your Dinner Be Harming Your Brain? (Serious Risk!)
Most of us think about food in terms of flavor, satisfaction, and, occasionally, our waistlines. But new research suggests what’s on your plate could have serious long-term consequences—especially for your brain. A study from Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston found that eating processed meats, like hot dogs, bacon, and sausages, is linked to an...
Early Heart Disease Warning Signs Most Folks Miss
When most folks think of “heart problems,” they picture someone clutching their chest in sudden, severe pain. But the reality is that heart disease often announces its presence in far more subtle ways. Recognizing these early warning signs could be the key to early intervention and life-saving treatments… There isn’t just one “first sign” of...
Why Does Scratching Feel So Good… If It’s So Bad?
You know that feeling—you get an itch, and no matter how much you try to ignore it, it takes over your brain until you finally give in. You scratch… and for a blissful moment, relief washes over you. But then, BAM! The itch comes back, angrier than ever. Sound familiar? Turns out, there’s a scientific...
Break Free from Back Pain NATURALLY
“I’m having lower back pain on both my left and right side. They have tried steroid injections, physical therapy, and dry needle injections and nothing seems to work. Any ideas that you might suggest?” —Still Aching Dear Aching, It’s incredibly frustrating when conventional pain treatments don’t provide the relief you’re seeking. When my patients struggle...
This Afternoon Beverage Break SLASHES Diabetes Risk
If you’re like most folks (and certain newsletter-writing doctors), you probably reach for another cup of coffee when the afternoon slump hits. Well, new research suggests switching your afternoon beverage choice could do more than keep you alert… it could shield you from type 2 diabetes. In fact, this simple drink swap could slash your...
Nightly "Brainwashing" Protects Your Memory
Think skipping sleep is no big deal? Think again. Groundbreaking research reveals that deep sleep does more than just help you feel refreshed. Another CRITICAL memory-preserving process is taking place behind the scenes. But here’s the concerning part… If you’re taking a sleeping pill, you might be blocking this crucial step. Here’s what you need...
The “Harmless” Additive DESTROYS Your Brain
Ever wonder why ice cream stays creamy in the freezer? Or why peanut butter doesn’t separate? The answer is emulsifiers—common food additives that manufacturers love. However, new research suggests these “harmless” ingredients could be causing serious brain damage. And they’re hiding in more foods than you can imagine… A disturbing new study published in Brain,...
One Move Adds 5 YEARS to Your Life
Believe it or not, the fountain of youth might be closer than you think… A groundbreaking study reveals that a simple activity you’ve been doing since you were a toddler could add YEARS to your life. And the best part? It won’t cost you a dime… New research published in the British Journal of Sports...