Incontinence (the loss of bladder control) is a common complaint among many people.

Many factors can play a role in the cause of this condition, which creates much discomfort for those affected. Incontinence can be both chronic or acute. Most times, acute incontinence is caused by an infection where as chronic incontinence develops over a period of time and tends to last longer.

Urinary incontinence occurs when a person is unable to control the release of urine from the bladder. This condition can vary in the degree of severity. While some people experience only occasional, minor leaks of urine, others wet their clothes frequently.

The five main types of urinary incontinence are:

Stress Incontinence - This is the most common bladder control problem and occurs as a result of exerted pressure on the bladder from things such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, exercising or lifting something heavy. Psychological stress is not related in any way to this type of incontinence.

Urge Incontinence - This is the result of an overactive bladder and is characterized by a sudden, intense urge to urinate, followed by an involuntary loss of urine. The muscle surrounding the bladder, which is known as the detrusor may contract involuntarily and initiate the flow of urine. This type of incontinence usually involves frequent urination especially during the night in men. Urge incontinence may be caused by anything that irritates the bladder. Damage to the nervous system associated with multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, stroke or injury can also be key causes.

Overflow Incontinence - People with this type of incontinence usually experience urine dribble. This results from the inability for the bladder to empty itself so it overflows uncontrollably and urine is leaked. Many people with overflow incontinence feel as if their bladder is never completely empty. They also have a weak stream of urine when they go to the bathroom. This occurs in men when there is a blockage of the bladder, which causes urine to accumulate up in the bladder. The blockage is caused by a narrowing of the urethra as well as an enlarged prostate gland. Overflow incontinence can also be caused by nerve damage from diabetes and prescription medications.

Mixed Incontinence - This is the term used to describe having more than one type of incontinence. In most cases, people have stress incontinence and urge incontinence.

Functional Incontinence - This type is experienced by many older adults and people who have physical or mental impairment keeps them from making it to the toilet in time.

Other types of incontinence include:

Reflex Incontinence - This type of incontinence is most often due to an injury to the nervous system or spinal chord.

Total Incontinence - This term is sometimes used to describe non-stop leaking of urine at all times or periodic large volumes of urine and uncontrollable leaking. This type of incontinence can be due to an anatomical defect that a person was born with. A spinal cord injury or injury to the urinary system from surgery can both also be key causes.

There are a number of possible causes of urinary incontinence including:

- Alcohol

- Drinking Excess Liquids

- Lack of Liquids

- Carbonated & Caffeinated Drinks

- Certain Prescription Medications (Always a no-no in my book)

- Urinary Tract Infection

- Constipation

- Pregnancy and Childbirth

- Hormonal Changes preceding Menopause

- Hysterectomy

- Prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate gland)

- Enlarged Prostate
.
- Bladder Cancer

- Neurological Disorders like Multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease, Stroke or a Brain Tumor

An alternative approach to treating urinary incontinence includes the following supplements:

Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids (take as directed on label) - Help with the formation of collagen, which is important for those suffering from incontinence.

Vitamin A (take as directed on label) - Aids the body in producing collagen and can also encourage the strength of cartilage.

Free-Form Amino Acids (take as directed on label) - Help strengthen the bladder muscle.

Multivitamin and Mineral Supplement (take as directed on label) - Supply all necessary nutrients and relieves stress.

Calcium (1,500 mg daily) & Magnesium (350 mg daily) - Aid in controlling spasms in the bladder.

Potassium (99 mg daily) - Aids in balancing sodium & potassium I nthe body.

Kava Kava (take as directed on label) - An anti-spasmodic traditionally used by Hawaiians for urinary difficulties. It can help ease bladder contractions and acts as a sedative.

Cranberry (take as directed on label) - An acidic known to benefit the bladder.

Saw Palmetto (take as directed on label) - Has shown exceptional results for bladder control problems in both males and females.

Zinc (80 mg daily) - Effective in improving bladder function.

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