New Delhi: During winters the chances of women contracting urinary tract infections (UTIs) are high as the temperature tends to drop increasing the growth of UTI bacteria in women’s bodies. The infection is quite common in this season among women but being vigilant on the symptoms so that necessary steps like taking doctors help can be taken at the earliest. If the matter is not attended with seriousness, then it can become severe and could badly impact women’s health.
While discussing UTIs, Dr. Vidya Muralidhar, Consultant Obstetrician and gynecologist at Motherhood Hospitals, Kothanur, Bangalore, explained why people are more prone to them during winter.
Reasons why UTIs are caused:
Low temperatures weaken the immune system and lower the consumption rate of food and water making women’s bodies more vulnerable to infections. UTI bacteria usually attack a weak immune system. Layered winter clothing also causes an increase in bacteria which leads to UTIs by trapping the sweat. Layered winter clothing should be avoided to prevent the UTI bacteria from growing. Women should drink lots of water because cold weather decreases the rate of water intake and women should also not hold back urine into their bodies for a longer time because it allows the growth of UTI bacteria.
Methods of prevention:
Drinking plenty of water even if not thirsty will keep women’s bodies hydrated and would flush out the bacteria. Drinks like warm water, lemon water, and herbal tea will also help to keep bodies hydrated. Including foods rich in Vitamin C like oranges, lemons, strawberries, grapefruits, and green leafy vegetables, and Vitamin D foods like apples, oranges, cranberries, peaches, broccoli, and green beans, and yogurt which contains probiotics can help prevent the growth of UTI bacteria. Spicy foods must be avoided as they affect the bladder badly. To prevent the transfer of bacteria or contracting the disease women need to wipe the toilet seats before using them. Women should also keep their washrooms at home sanitized.
Conclusion:
Every woman should take care of their urinary health throughout the year. Even though the chilly winter breeze decreases the rate of drinking water, adopting good hygiene, staying hydrated and a proper diet can help strengthen and maintain the immune system and prevent the risk of developing UTIs. Women feeling a sense of discomfort or infection should immediately see a doctor to avoid further complications. Urinary health should be taken as a priority by women throughout the year because avoiding can make things severe.
During the cold months of the year, water intake reduces significantly. But is that why winter is the riskiest time for one to contract UTIs? Health News Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
