How to avoid urinary tract infections in cold weather?

The risk of urinary tract infections increases in winter but can be prevented in many simple ways such as drinking enough water, practicing proper hygiene, and supplementing with vitamin C.

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that occurs in any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra, caused by a variety of bacteria, primarily E. coli.

The risk of UTIs increases in the winter because people tend to drink less water, which reduces the frequency of urination, increasing the concentration of bacteria in the urinary tract, leading to infection. During the winter months, people also tend to hold their urine for longer and wear layers of clothing, creating a warm and humid environment that is conducive to bacterial growth. Cold weather can weaken the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight infections, including UTIs.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms of a UTI include frequent urination, painful urination, inability to completely empty the bladder, foul-smelling, cloudy or dark urine, and sometimes fever or chills.

Dr Santosh Palkar, Zen General Hospital, Mumbai, India, says urinary tract infections can be prevented in winter in the following ways.

Drink enough water every day : Keeping your body hydrated helps your urinary system eliminate waste effectively and prevents the risk of UTI. Drink at least 8 glasses of water every day and you can drink warm herbal teas to stay warm.

Avoid holding urine for too long : Urinate as soon as you need to go to the toilet to avoid creating a favorable environment for bacteria to grow and cause infection.

Proper personal hygiene : After going to the toilet, clean the private area thoroughly, wiping from front to back. Showering instead of soaking in a hot tub makes it easier for bacteria to enter the urinary tract.

Wear loose underwear : Choose cotton underwear to keep the crotch area dry, limiting moisture that causes bacteria to grow.

Vitamin Supplements : A well-balanced diet helps maintain overall health and immunity. Prioritize fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins in your diet to provide enough vitamins and minerals needed for your immune system to fight infections.

Increase foods rich in vitamin C because this micronutrient boosts resistance and the acid level in urine can kill bacteria. Vitamin C is abundant in oranges, kiwis, red peppers and grapefruit.

Eating lots of fruit provides essential vitamins, supporting the immune system against infections in winter. Photo: Freepik — Eating lots of fruit provides essential vitamins, supporting the immune system against infections in winter. Photo: *Freepik*

According to Dr. Palkar, cranberries are also rich in proanthocyanidins - chemical compounds that can prevent E. Coli bacteria from sticking to the bladder.

During the winter, people tend to stay indoors more, leading to less exposure to sunlight, which can lead to vitamin D deficiency. This vitamin plays a key role in the immune system. Supplementing foods rich in vitamin D such as fatty fish and dairy products can help strengthen urinary tract health.

Dress warmly: Wearing layers of clothing on colder days not only keeps you warm, but also helps your body maintain a stable temperature. Sudden exposure to cold can stress your immune system, making you more susceptible to infection. By dressing warmly, you also support your body's natural defenses.

Mr. Ngoc (According to Hindustan Times )

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