My dear friend,
after a hot hot summer, the cold weather has finally arrived: shorter days, hot chocolate, Christmas … and cystitis!
Yes, because it often happens that many women are affected by this infection, especially in winter.
But why? 😫
In today’s article we will take a look at the main causes of cold cystitis and what the solutions might be!
Remember, you are not alone. ❤️
Many of us love winter for this very reason: when it’s cold outside, we can’t wait to curl up in the house with the heater or fire on and wrap ourselves in the most comfortable clothes or blankets-there’s nothing better! 🔥
Aaaah!
However, these very habits could make your cystitis worse, and do you know why?
Central heating systems are known to dry us out, literally, and this is not good for our skin, eyes and mucous membranes.
Mucous membranes also line the urinary tract, and if they become damaged (which is much more likely if they are drier) infections can easily arise.
In addition, if you wrap up warm and cover yourself in layers, you create conditions that bacteria love and in which they can thrive.
The advice to protect yourself without freezing to death? 🥶
Choose breathable materials rather than synthetics, especially in underwear and pajamas.
The cold is believed to cause increased sensitivity of nerve endings in and around the bladder and kidneys, which can lead to feeling the need to go to the bathroom more often and potentially give rise to increased inflammation in the area.
This means that both the bladder and kidneys can be more vulnerable to infection in cold weather, and UTIs (urinary tract infections) can easily develop into more serious kidney infections if care is not taken.
Read also: How to cure cystitis without antibiotic: nature offers us the solution!
It is commonly recognized that the bacteria that cause cold and flu infections are more prevalent during the winter, and it is these that can put us most at risk of getting a urinary tract infection or cystitis!
In 80 percent of cases, cystitis is caused by a strain of E. coli that naturally resides in our bodies and can be a problem under certain conditions.
So if you feel this is the case for you, find out how to treat cystitis in a natural way and check out the E. coli prevention kit.
With the increase in bacteria at this time of year, your immune system may already be under a little more pressure: immune cells are on high alert and patrolling your system meticulously for potential invaders!
However, there are also some factors that can make their work even more difficult.
I will also tell you about dietary factors shortly, but first let’s address the issue of sedentariness. With the cold and bad weather, many of us are tempted to do less activity and stay indoors, which means:
Here, then, is the onslaught of bacteria!
In addition, during winter, due to less time spent outdoors and lack of warm sunlight, our vitamin D levels are likely to decrease.
Keep in mind that vitamin D is not only important for supporting mood, but it is also a key nutrient for our immune functions.
Here we come to the sore point.
It is inevitable that during winter, especially in the run-up to the holidays, people are more tempted than ever by warm treats of all kinds.
Sugary sweets, baked goods, warming beverages, and a nightcap here and there are common features on menus this time of year, and unfortunately they are often a recipe for disaster: sugar, pro-inflammatory fats, caffeine, or alcohol are common culprits in altering the digestive and urinary tract.
Although the occasional whim is inevitable – and sacrosanct I might add! -, it is important to be more aware and eat a healthy, balanced diet to protect yourself as much as possible during this period.
Unfortunately, with the coming of winter, the focus on hydration often wanes. Although it may not be necessary to drink as much as during the summer months-when you are more active and sweat more-even when conditions are not as hot, it is still essential to keep adequately hydrated.
Ideally, you should drink at least one and a half liters of water, regardless of the time of year.
In this regard, when it comes to managing water intake, did you know that tea and coffee do not count?
You will say, “No kidding?”
It may seem obvious, but consuming caffeinated beverages in an attempt to warm you up could have a negative effect on urinary tract health. Why not try drinking hot water with a slice of lemon instead?
It is a much gentler option and, I assure you, just as comforting!
Read also: Why does cystitis come? Let’s have clarity
With winter, hygiene habits can change considerably, and this can have a negative effect on the likelihood of contracting infections.
As mentioned above, people often get into the habit of drinking less during the winter months (or drinking more of the wrong things), but also due to the cold weather or wearing more layers, there can be a greater reluctance to go to the bathroom!
My dear friend, the cold does not have to stop you; on the contrary. It is always important to take care of one’s intimate hygiene and wear clean underwear with breathable fabric.
As darker nights arrive and temperatures drop, people may be more inclined to get under the covers than during the warmer summer months.
Having more sex can mean more infections, so it is worth keeping in mind some of the main tips on the subject, such as making sure you are lubricated and going to the bathroom after every intercourse.
If you think this may be the case for you, please see the page dedicated to the complete kit for post-coital cystitis, and remember that you can always write to me with any problems. 🥰
Also, I leave here the link to the ‘Find Your Path‘ quiz that will help you better understand the causes of your cystitis and find the right solution!
I give you a big hug,
Lorenza