In this episode we're diving into a topic that's crucial for many, especially as we navigate mid-life: bladder health. We'll be exploring the top five challenges women often face with their bladder health during this stage of life and offering practical advice on how nutrition can play a pivotal role in managing these issues.

From urinary incontinence to overactive bladder, pelvic floor weakness, hormonal changes and lifestyle factors we'll cover the key concerns that can impact your daily life. But don't worry, we're not just here to talk about the problems. We'll also provide you with actionable tips on how to support your bladder health through mindful nutrition choices.

 

Guests

My guests are Registered Public Health nutritionist Lynn Burns, author of Eating Well for Menopause and Catriona Bannon, Medical Device Business Consultant, middle aged, menopausal and living the life! ( Menopause is not all negative!). Lynn suffered 12 years of bladder issues as a result of an underactive thyroid and Catriona experienced latch-key incontinence during her menopause and used her professional experience in the urology sector to find a solution. Both Lynn Catriona Bannon share personal experiences and practical advice on managing these challenges through nutrition and lifestyle adjustments.

 

Summary

We emphasise the importance of seeking medical help and understanding the underlying causes of bladder issues throughout the conversation. Lynn delves into the intricate connections between bladder health, neurotransmitters, hydration, lifestyle factors, and dietary considerations, particularly in the context of menopause. The speakers discuss how stress and hormonal changes can impact bladder function, the importance of proper hydration, and how lifestyle choices can exacerbate bladder issues. They emphasise the need for symptom tracking and personalised approaches to managing bladder health, highlighting that solutions are available and that individuals should not suffer in silence.

 

NB: this information does not replace personalised advice from a Health Care Professional

Keywords

 

bladder health, women's health, menopause, urinary incontinence, pelvic floor, nutrition, hydration, hormonal changes, bladder issues, health challenges, bladder health, menopause, hydration, lifestyle factors, dietary considerations, neurotransmitters, sleep, bladder issues, women's health, symptom tracking

 

 

Chapters

 

 

00:00 Introduction to Bladder Health in Midlife

02:05 Common Bladder Health Challenges for Women

10:13 Personal Experiences with Bladder Issues

14:05 The Impact of Hormonal Changes on Bladder Health

20:06 Lifestyle Factors Affecting Bladder Health

27:09 Solutions and Management Strategies for Bladder Health

 

Notes:

 

Lynn Burns RNutr 

Lynn Burns has been a Registered Nutritionist for more than 20 years and is co-author of Eating Well for Menopause. Her experience of living with Interstitial Cystitis followed by learning how many women experience some of the same issues around the time of menopause and beyond listening to a talk by a woman’s physiotherapists led to a chapter on bladder health in the book.  

Lynn began her career with the UK Government, which gave her a solid grounding in public health nutrition and sparked her interest in adapting nutrition messages to different groups for the most impact on health. Writing, developing on-line nutrition courses and running workshops on a range of nutrition topics is her passion and when not doing that she loves working with young people in the outdoors as a Scout Leader. 

Follow Lynn on Instagram @lynnburnsnutrition, or lynnburnsnutrition.com 

Let’s Talk Food Newsletters: 

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Links & Resources 

https://letstalkfood.thinkific.com/pages/free-bladder-health-download 

https://letstalkfood.thinkific.com/pages/free-lesson-offer 

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/foods-to-avoid-with-interstitial-cystitis#certain-beverages 

Eating Well for Menopause 

Eat More Plants Journal 

 

For giggles

Judi Dench Made Lesley Manville Laugh So Hard She Wet Herself | The Graham Norton Show

https://youtu.be/-9Bc_lzxVeI?si=bMTzu7ami6th40q2

 

 

Elaine Millar, specialist pelvic health physiotherapist and comedian https://youtu.be/J9ZNINhdhN0?si=YjIlOsGl-lL2KNbK

 

 

Tip

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