https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/xsdmcv/LKfinal_-_6_1_21_931_AM6fm0c.mp3

EPISODE SUMMARY:

Bladder issues are something that many midlife women struggle with. Unfortunately, many are also hesitant to seek help due to embarrassment or lack of information provided by doctors. Lisa King, a pharmacist and expert in bladder health, is using her knowledge and personal experience with bladder issues to help makes the lives of those who struggle easier. In today’s episode, we spoke with Lisa about her own journey with bladder health, the treatments she most recommends, and the connections between aging and bladder health. First, we asked Lisa about her experience with bladder health. She told us that in her twenties, she was diagnosed with a condition known as painful bladder syndrome. It is a painful condition that can cause those affected to have to urinate up to once every fifteen minutes and it influences many aspects of life including work, sleep patterns and the ability to travel. It took Lisa around ten years to figure out a treatment plan that worked best for her, and after being asked on numerous podcasts to share her journey, she now uses her story to help clients.

We then asked about the discussion of bladder health in doctors’ offices and Lisa told us that is common for bladder issues to get diagnosed. One of the biggest deterrents keeping people from getting diagnosed is their initial hesitancy to go to the doctor due to shame or embarrassment. Once they go to the doctor, however, there are many forms of treatment that can be used to help with bladder issues. Some of the treatments include medication, dietary changes and pelvic floor exercises. Lisa also mentioned a study conducted by Aeroflow Urology that discusses bladder health amongst midlife women. According to the study, almost 75% of women over the age of forty will experience one bladder leakage episode per month. When asked why bladder issues get worse as you age, Lisa explained that bladder health can be affected by issues with the pelvis. For midlife women, UTIs can become more common due to hormonal changes in the body. UTIs and other bladder issues can even present differently in midlife than they do when we’re younger. We then talked to Lisa about what exactly a UTI is, and she explained to us that a UTI, or urinary tract infection, is an infection in the urinary tract that can affect the bladder or kidneys. According to Lisa, 50% of women will have at least one UTI in their lifetime, and some of the causes of these UTIs can be travel, heightened sexual activity and diet. When asked what dietary habits or changes are best to help treat and prevent UTIs, Lisa said that the diet change she recommends the most is reducing sugar intake to 25 grams a day as well as taking a probiotic.

The top foods Lisa believes are best to avoid when trying to prevent UTIs are chocolate, alcohol, acidic foods, spicy foods, caffeine, and coffee. For natural remedies for bladder issues, Lisa recommended vitamin D, collagen supplements, hydrating by sipping water slowly throughout the day, trying to urinate every four hours when dealing with a UTI, and proper wiping and personal hygiene habits. For other remedies for bladder issues, Lisa said that antibiotics and a supplement called D-Mannose are great for helping soothe and keep bladders healthy. When asked about the idea that cranberry juice is best for treating UTIs, Lisa spoke about how while cranberries can be helpful there are also some issues. For example, cranberries can actually irritate bladders and are high in sugar. We then talked about her book, Tiny Life Changes, and Lisa told us that the inspiration she and her sister had for writing it was to encourage people to achieve their goals one step at a time. She also wanted to give those who also struggle with their own personal bladder issues hope that there are treatment options available, and they can get through it. When asked for herb recommendations for bladder help, Lisa suggested turmeric, ashwagandha, marshmallow root, and milk thistle. Finally, we asked Lisa what her message would be to those struggling with their bladder health, and she said that the best advice she would give is that there is help out there and to definitely see a doctor to seek treatment.

Lisa King

From Her Website:

Lisa King is a pharmacist of 31 years. She is passionate about helping others live a healthy lifestyle through tiny shifts in their daily routine that lead to big results in better health.

Lisa is also a life coach and is equally as passionate about helping others lead a fulfilled and happier life.

She is a wife, mom, and grandmother. She loves to spend time with her family and loves to write as well.

She is an Amazon Bestselling author and has a book that is called Tiny Life Changes.