by Melissa Chichester
There’s no doubt about it: talking about certain parts of the body can be embarrassing or uncomfortable. However, there is certainly no reason to be ashamed. Maintaining your urinary health is essential to the integrity of your overall health and well being. The urinary system, also known as the renal system, is made up of the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and the urethra.
This system works to cleanse waste products from the body and helps keep minerals and water in balance. Women are typically more prone to having urinary tract problems.
According to the Office on Women’s Health, women have urinary tract issues up to 30 times more often than men do.
Furthermore, the National Institute on Aging states that the average adult passes a quart and a half of urine through the bladder and out of the body. All day long, the urinary system is responsible for removing components the body doesn’t need, including extra salt, urea, and water. Occasional imbalances in your body’s system may lead to urinary system issues.
You can help support your urinary system with several healthy habits, including:
There are also some supplements that help support the urinary tract.*
Cranberry is the most well-known supplement for urinary support. Cranberries themselves contain water and carbohydrates, but also some valuable vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C, essential mineral manganese, and magnesium.
Cranberries help cleanse the urinary tract and assist with moving unwanted compounds.*
In turn, this helps support urine flow.* Cranberries also contain proanthocyanidins, a class of polyphenols, which provide antioxidant support.* Many people assume that it is only women who need urinary care; however, cranberry supports urinary health in both men and women.*
Sometimes cranberry is combined with hibiscus extract for dual action urinary tract cleansing and support.* Hibiscus plants are known for their large and colorful flowers and are a popular variety of tea.
>>Get Crazy About Cleansing Cranberry
Saw palmetto is a well-known herbal supplement for men. Modern researchers are currently studying the potential benefits of saw palmetto for women. Saw palmetto comes from a small palm that is native to the southeastern United States and grows very slowly.
There are even some saw palmetto plants in Florida that are 700 years old!
Today, saw palmetto is used for its beneficial phytochemicals that support urinary health and prostate health.*
D-mannose is a simple sugar that comes from plants, meaning it only contains one molecule of sugar. D-mannose is found in cranberry, hibiscus, dandelion extract, and rose hips. After consuming D-mannose through food or supplements, it is eventually excreted by the urinary system. D-mannose is also a source of Vitamin C for immune support and provides antioxidant support.*