Navratri 2024: Fasting has been an age-old practice celebrated for its spiritual, mental, and physical benefits. According to Dr. Tejas Mistry, Consultant Urologist, Andrologist, and Kidney Transplant Surgeon, Bhailal Amin General Hospital, Vadodara, Gujarat, one often overlooked risk of prolonged fasting is urinary tract infections (UTIs). Let’s understand how prolonged fasting can make one more susceptible to UTIs.
Dehydration leads to several key changes:
- Reduced Urine Output: Kidneys try to conserve water inside the body and hence they reduce the amount of urine. So, the urinary tract is not flushed out as frequently, potentially causing infection.
- Concentrated Urine: Dehydration produces more concentrated urine, which can irritate the bladder and create a more favourable environment for bacterial growth.
- Constipation: Constipated intestines can exert pressure on the urinary tract and cause urinary outflow blockage, and increase chances of UTIs.
- Formation of stones, which can obstruct the urinary tract, trapping bacteria and making infections more likely.
- Decreased Immunity: Dehydration also hampers circulation of immune cells and nutrients and makes one susceptible to UTI.
According to Dr. Mistry, it’s important to recognize signs of a UTI:
- A frequent and urgent need to urinate
- A burning sensation
- Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
- Lower abdominal pain
- Fever and pain on the sides: are serious symptoms prompting urgent consultation with a Urologist.
Here are some practical tips one can use to reduce the risk of UTIs during fasting:
- Hydrate During Non-Fasting Hours: Drink plenty of water and take water rich foods such as cucumber, watermelon, tomatoes, strawberries, spinach, before and after the fasting period.
- Limit Caffeinated, Sugary Drinks and Avoid Alcohol
- Monitor Your Urine Colour: It should remain light yellow to clear. Dark yellow urine is a sign of dehydration and need for hydration.
“If you experience symptoms of a UTI, a prompt consultation with a Urologist is prudent. Stay mindful and stay hydrated,” Dr. Mistry told Financial Express.com.