A new study revealed that vitamin D greatly benefits the bladder and urinary system health, and researchers explained that not getting enough vitamin D is linked to overactive bladder, urinary incontinence, pelvic floor disorders and reduced urinary tract symptoms, according to the website. wellandgood.
The researchers conducted the study, which was published in the journal International Urogynecology JournalIn a review of previous studies – all of which occurred as recently as August 2020 – and collectively analyzed the data, they saw a clear link between vitamin D and bladder health.
Nutrients are associated with aiding bladder health
While recently published research shows a clear relationship between vitamin D and bladder health, Michael Ingber, MD, a urologist and pelvic pathologist, emphasized that the reason behind the link between vitamin D deficiency and bladder health is still not fully understood.
One helpful way, he explained, is that vitamin D helps other nutrients associated with bladder health to be better absorbed into the body.
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a role in the intestinal absorption of many different nutrients in the body.
Calcium, magnesium, and phosphate are all absorbed as a result of vitamin D, and these things also play a role in kidneys and bladder health. Researchers have confirmed that vitamin D deficiency makes a person more likely to develop urinary incontinence. The reason calcium is important for bladder health is that it helps reduce muscle;
This muscle is located in the walls of the bladder and remains relaxed to allow the bladder to store urine, and contracts when urinating to release it.
Magnesium and phosphate play a similar role in muscle and nerve function.
Calcium is also associated with helping prevent kidney stones.
Vitamin D aids in the absorption of these nutrients, which may be a major reason why they are so important for bladder health.
The new International Journal of Urology article also notes the vitamin D receptors found in skeletal and smooth muscle cells. Besides helping with nutrient absorption, this points to another major reason why nutrients are so important for bladder health.
How to make sure you get enough nutrients that support bladder health
The bladder isn’t the only reason it’s important to get enough vitamin D Not getting enough vitamin D is linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancers, muscle weakness, and digestive distress.
“There are several ways to increase vitamin D levels, the first of which is through food, foods rich in vitamin D include fatty fish such as salmon, cod liver oil and canned tuna,” Dr. Ingber said.
