The human body requires certain nutrients, like carbohydrates, fats, minerals, proteins, and vitamins, to function at its optimum level and for one to remain healthy. If any of these nutrients is not present in sufficient quantity, it might lead to health issues. Some of the common nutrient deficiencies are Vitamin B12 deficiency, Calcium deficiency, and Vitamin D deficiency. Just like Diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, prostate surgery, childbirth, and obesity, Vitamin D deficiency can also lead to bowel or urinary incontinence.
There are many sources of Vitamin D that you might find in your meals every now and then, such as dairy products, orange juice, soy milk, beef liver, cereals, cheese, cod liver oil, mushrooms, egg yolk, shrimps, and fatty fish, like tuna, mackerel, and salmon. One more effective way of getting Vitamin D is by going out and spending enough time in the sun, which a lot of people do not get to do these days due to their busy schedules. Plus, unhealthy eating habits and poor food choices have also contributed to the problem of Vitamin D deficiency.
Vitamin D is actually a fat soluble, so it is absorbed and stored in the fat cells of one’s body. It facilitates calcium absorption and affects heart health, blood sugar levels, and immunity. Besides, it also plays a vital role in strengthening your muscles; its deficiency can significantly weaken your muscles, including pelvic floor muscles. So, if your body does not have enough Vitamin D, it might weaken and damage your pelvic floor muscles to such an extent that you might suffer from pelvic floor disorders, such as urinary incontinence and bowel incontinence. According to a study conducted at the State University of New York, its been reported that Vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of having pelvic floor disorders and poor bladder control.
Certain symptoms that indicate insufficient Vitamin D in our body, include:
● Feeling feverish, fatigued, depressed, and tired
● Getting infected frequently
● Feeling back pain and muscle pain
● Having impaired wound healing
● Losing hair
So, if you or any friend or family member is going through any of the symptoms listed above, consult your doctor and determine the root cause behind it. Mostly, urinary incontinence can be treated simply, by treating the underlying cause. However, if it is not treatable, it is essential to manage it with highly absorbent adult diapers, underpads, void training, bladder training, kegel exercises, and other incontinence management techniques.
