Stay Hydrated This Navaratri: Preventing UTIs During Fasting
Stay Hydrated This Navaratri: Preventing UTIs During Fasting
As Navaratri 2024 approaches, many people will engage in fasting as a way to honor the festival.
Fasting has long been recognized for its spiritual, mental, and physical advantages. However, Dr. Tejas Mistry, a Consultant Urologist at Bhailal Amin General Hospital in Vadodara, Gujarat, points out a lesser-known risk associated with extended fasting: urinary tract infections (UTIs). Here’s how prolonged fasting can increase the risk of UTIs:
Dehydration causes several significant changes:
1. Reduced Urine Output: The kidneys attempt to conserve water, leading to a decrease in urine production. This means the urinary tract is not cleared as often, which may allow for infections to develop.
2. Concentrated Urine: When dehydrated, urine becomes more concentrated, which can irritate the bladder and create a better environment for bacteria to thrive.
3. Constipation: Pressure from constipated intestines can block urinary outflow, increasing the likelihood of UTIs.
4. Stone Formation: Dehydration can lead to the formation of stones that may obstruct the urinary tract, trapping bacteria and heightening the risk of infections.
5. Decreased Immunity: Lack of hydration can hinder the circulation of immune cells and nutrients, making one more vulnerable to UTIs.
It’s really important to be aware of the signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI). If you notice symptoms like a frequent and urgent need to urinate, a burning sensation, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, lower abdominal pain, or fever with pain on the sides, it’s essential to consult a urologist right away.
Additionally, the tips you mentioned for minimizing the risk of UTIs while fasting are very practical. Staying hydrated by consuming plenty of water and water-rich foods like cucumbers, watermelons, tomatoes, strawberries, and spinach during non-fasting hours is key. It’s also wise to limit caffeinated and sugary drinks and avoid alcohol. Monitoring the color of your urine is another useful strategy; it should ideally be light yellow to clear, as dark yellow indicates dehydration and the need for more fluids.
