You loved reading about the recent study that found vitamin D might actually lessen your need to pee. Now, a Cleveland Clinic-trained urologist has helped to break down this mysterious connection. (When you understand it this way, it makes so much sense!)
A refresher: In early September, a team of obstetrics/gynecology and public health researchers published their analysis of past studies in the International Urogynecology Journal. From their review, the team concluded that there may be a link between low levels of vitamin D and urinary incontinence.
A possible interpretation, as we reported it, is that the bladder detrusor muscle contracts to allow urine out of the bladder. This muscle also contains vitamin D receptors—so, in effect, vitamin D may help strengthen some muscles in and around the pelvic floor, including the bladder, which could lessen symptoms related to incontinence.
To further shed light, Well + Good recently spoke with Michael Ingber, MD, a New Jersey physician specializing in urology and urogynecology. As a specialist in issues related to the pelvic floor, Ingber observed a possible explanation. Based on Ingber's insights about the vitamin D/bladder study, the outlet reported that "one way [vitamin D] is beneficial is because it helps other nutrients linked to bladder health be better absorbed in the body."
They quoted Ingber as explaining: "Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, which plays a role in intestinal absorption of several different nutrients in the body. Calcium, magnesium, phosphate are all absorbed as a result of vitamin D, and these things also play a role in kidney and bladder health." So, a possible effect vitamin D has on the urinary system is that it simply helps the digestive system more optimally absorb other minerals that support good overall health in that region of the body.
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