Kegels are the best way to keep your pelvic floor in tip top condition, but there are supplements that work alongside Kegels to make your pelvic floor even more strong and healthy.
Research
Here at Kegel8 we are always looking at ways to improve the pelvic health for both women and men and during our decades of research we have gained some fantastic knowledge, that we have spread far and wide in the hopes that the taboo of the pelvic floor will be crushed! Our latest research has included looking at supplements that will help to improve the pelvic floor and after many months of searching we have found the ideal ones to go alongside your pelvic floor exercise routine.
Supplements
We are always hearing "make sure you get your five-a-day, eat plenty of fibre for your bowels, red meat for your iron, leafy greens for calcium, get plenty of vitamin D on your skin", but with all the will in the world this is sometimes not manageable, and this is when supplements are needed. Did you know that the only vitamin our body can produce on its own is vitamin D and we can't even store vitamin C!! Read on for more information about the supplements that we now stock:
Oregano Oil
Oregano Oil is a strong anti-fungal, so it helps with the build-up of candida (yeast) which can cause thrush (in women) and balanitis (in men). It is also a powerful antioxidant and due to its antibacterial properties, it is used by herbalists to treat gastro intestinal and respiratory disorders, particularly upper respiratory tract infections.
Power Dophilus
Power Dophilus is a non-dairy, pro-biotic formula providing a natural source of 3 billion live, friendly bacteria. Friendly bacteria help to balance the intestinal flora and encourage healthy bacteria to grow in the gut. Power Dophilus is known to ease symptoms of IBS and candidosis (thrush) and is suitable for those with a lactose intolerance.
Vitamin C (with citrus bioflavonoids)
Vitamin C is one of life's most important nutrients, it is a powerful antioxidant and is one of the bodies best defences against excess free radicals caused by smoking, stress and pollution. Because the body cannot store vitamin C it is vital that you get the recommended daily intake via your diet. Vitamin C plays a primary role in the formation of collagen, which is required to keep organs and other structures in place in the pelvic area. Vitamin C also aids tissue healing, which could help with prolapse.
Vitamin D3 and K2
Vitamin D3 and K2 The combination of Vitamin D3 and K2 (not K3, which is typically a reference to a synthetic compound not used in dietary supplements) is often recommended for supporting bone health and, by extension, a stronger pelvic floor. Here's why taking them together can be beneficial:
D - Mannose
D - Mannose is a simple sugar molecule found in fruits such as cranberries. When D - Mannose is present the bacteria attaches itself to it rather than to the bladder wall and can be used to flush out 90% of urinary tract infections and associated symptoms such as pain and discomfort. It can also be consumed at relatively high levels as a food supplement to actively remove E.coli during an infection.
Magnesium
Magnesium is an essential mineral for the growth and maintenance of the body's organs, nerves and blood. Magnesium is ideal if you suffer with pelvic pain as it will help relax your pelvic floor muscles and reduces bladder spasms. It can also lower blood pressure, balance hormones, help with digestion and lower the risk of constipation. It is also known to alleviate morning sickness and reduce the risk of the child having cerebral palsy and SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) if taken during pregnancy.
Collagen
Collagen is the "glue" that keeps our bodies together! It is found in muscles, bone, skin, cartilage, blood vessels, digestive system and tendons. Collagen production slows down as we age (from just 30 years old!) creating signs of ageing such as joint pains, sagging skin and it affects the pelvic floor muscles. To keep the pelvic floor strong and healthy, collagen is a must as it strengthens the ligaments enabling the pelvic floor musculature to contract.
Epsom Salts
Epsom salt is a natural exfoliant and anti-inflammatory that is most commonly used in the bath to treat muscle and joint, aches and pains. Although it is called a salt it is a lot different from most salts as it is actually a mineral compound of magnesium and sulphate. Although using Epsom Salts doesn't directly benefit the pelvic floor it does address some of the issues that can be causing the muscles problems.
Beta Carotene
Beta Carotene is a carotenoid, widely distributed in fruits and vegetables forming part of their natural yellow and orange pigment. Beta Carotene is also a natural precursor to vitamin A which when digested releases vitamin A into the system. Vitamin A provides numerous benefits for the body and in turn the pelvic floor.
Mega H40
Mega H40 is a fantastic one-a-day multi-vitamin and mineral plus complex with each capsule containing over 40 active ingredients!