Supplements are a huge part of the "health" industry, and 80% of the adult population in the US takes at least one supplement per day. They're marketed as a great way to get vitamins and minerals you may lack from your diet, but are they really effective? Supplementation sounds like a good idea, but is it safe? Do supplements really make a difference in prostate health, bladder health, incontinence, and other urological conditions? Here, we'll go over everything you need to know about supplements and urological health.
What Supplements Are Best for Overall Urological Health?
The best way to support your urological health is to eat a balanced diet rich in whole, nutrient-dense foods. However, this isn't always possible. The bioavailability of certain foods can be tricky, and you may not be able to obtain all the vitamins you need daily from diet alone. While you should never substitute a healthy diet with ultra-processed foods and multivitamins, some supplements may help you be more proactive and safeguard your overall health. Some of the best options for your urinary system and the associated organs include the following.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is known for its immune-boosting powers and can help prevent various illnesses. When consumed, it's acidic within the body, which helps kill off bad bacteria lingering in the urethra or urinary tract. This can help you flush out anything before it becomes a bladder infection or causes other issues.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D deficiency can increase the risk of several different infections, including urinary tract infections and kidney infections. Although sunlight and certain foods provide some degree of vitamin D, it's not always enough for your body to function at its best. Vitamin D supplements can help boost your immune system and decrease your risk for several urologic conditions.
A 2024 meta-analysis also found a link between vitamin D deficiency and an increased risk of urinary incontinence and overactive bladder symptoms. However, some individuals found success with vitamin D supplements, while others did not. An interesting study found a reduction in OAB symptoms but an increase in urinary incontinence. Therefore, it's important to work with your doctor to determine the proper course of action and monitor your health, whether supplements are involved or not.
Probiotics
Gut health is strongly linked to overall health and can help with all conditions within the field of urology. Your gut's microbiome is filled with good bacteria that can help stop bad bacteria from taking over and causing a variety of issues. Unfortunately, supplemental probiotics are often questioned, as studies have shown that they're not as readily absorbed into the body as natural probiotics. Always talk to your doctor if you're looking for supplements, but try to get probiotics from foods for the biggest benefits. High doses of healthy probiotics can be found in foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir, kombucha, yogurt, tempeh, miso, and more.
Supplements to Support Prostate Health
The prostate is a small walnut-shaped gland located below the bladder in men. It surrounds the urethra, the tube through which urine and semen exit the body, and plays a crucial role in reproductive health as it produces seminal fluid. Unfortunately, several things can happen to the prostate with age, such as an enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, and prostate cancer. Some prostate supplements may help reduce the risk of prostate-related issues. These include:
- Saw Palmetto — This plant-based supplement has been shown to decrease bladder inflammation and can help alleviate urination symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate.
- Selenium — Selenium, abundant in Brazil nuts, may play a role in protecting against prostate cancer. Studies are mixed, however, as some show selenium's role in slowing the progression of prostate cancer, while others show no benefit. This may mean that certain men are more responsive, but this should always be discussed with your doctor.
- Beta-sitosterol — This chemical is naturally occurring in several whole foods and may help reduce prostate enlargement, alleviating symptoms caused by BPH. It will not shrink the prostate but rather affect the swelling caused by inflammation.
- Zinc — A zinc deficiency may be associated with prostate cancer risk and the development of BPH. However, other studies show that high doses of zinc can contribute to developing prostate cancer. Your doctor can help you determine safe supplement levels if you lack it in your diet.
Bladder Supplements to Consider
Some bladder-friendly supplements include the following:
- Pumpkin Seed Extract — Pumpkin seeds are a natural supplement that can help increase blood flow to the bladder. This, in turn, can help reduce the symptoms of urinary frequency, urinary urgency, and nocturia. However, pumpkin seed extract may carry unwanted side effects, and those with high blood pressure need to work carefully with their doctor to determine its safety.
- Magnesium — Magnesium is a great vitamin that can enhance quality sleep and promote overall well-being. It can also reduce bladder spasms, which is crucial in managing urinary frequency and urgency.
- Gosha-jinki-gan — This is a blend of Japanese herbs that helps inhibit bladder activity and control symptoms associated with OAB.
Dietary Supplements for the Urinary Tract
A few different supplements that can help keep the urinary tract system healthy include the following:
- D-Mannose — D-mannose is a specific type of sugar that's been shown to positively benefit urinary health, especially regarding urinary tract infections. Cranberries are rich in D-mannose, but so are green beans, broccoli, peaches, apples, and oranges. This sugar can stop bacteria from attaching to the urinary tract, which has positive effects on those who are prone to UTIs or inflammation.
- Zinc Supplements — Zinc is often used for its immune-boosting properties, but it may also effectively reduce the risk of urinary tract infections. There's a fine line, though, as too much zinc can cause worsened urinary symptoms.
- Buchu — This is an extract native to South Africa that has been used to help treat urinary tract infections and promote an overall healthy urinary tract. However, no official trials have been conducted, so be cautious about adding this to your regimen.
Determining the Safety of Vitamins and Supplements
Although supplements may benefit some people, it's still important to talk to your doctor before taking anything new. Oftentimes, supplements aren't regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before they're actually sold to consumers. They may regulate certain supplements after they've entered the market, but this isn't always the case. Sometimes, the FDA doesn't even know about a product until someone files a complaint or a negative outcome occurs. Whenever possible, the best way to increase your intake of vitamins and minerals is through your diet.
Still, that's not to say all supplements are bad nor do all supplements pose risks. The best way to ensure you're staying safe with over-the-counter supplements is to talk to your doctor, ask for recommendations, and always check manufacturer information.
Are Supplements the Right Choice for Your Urological Health?
Taking care of your urologic health doesn’t mean completely changing your life, but focusing on getting enough vitamins and minerals daily is important. Some people may benefit from supplements, while others get enough from their diet alone. Always work with your healthcare provider and urologist to determine the best supplements for your needs, and never start a new medication without getting clearance first. Some supplements have been shown to reduce the efficacy of certain medications, which can cause issues for ongoing treatment of chronic conditions.
In the meantime, if you have any symptoms of a urologic problem, call your doctor immediately. Byram Healthcare is proud to offer full-service urological care, and we have all the high-quality urological supplies that you need. All of your orders can be discreetly delivered to your home at any time of the day. If you’re looking for personalized, confidential services, our teams of knowledgeable urological customer service specialists are here to help.
