Dr Aarthi Sinha, a general practitioner and wellness specialist, warns that improper hygiene of water bottles can significantly increase the risk of gastrointestinal issues, including diarrhoea and vomiting. As the colder months approach, maintaining hygiene is essential to prevent health-related problems that can arise from common gym practices.
Neglecting to clean water bottles adequately can lead to harmful bacteria building up inside. Dr Sinha explains, “If you don’t wash and air your water bottle often enough, this can lead to these bugs building up on the side of the bottle. When the bottle is filled up, these bacteria can contaminate the water.” Consuming contaminated water poses a serious health risk, particularly for those engaged in regular exercise.
Daily Hygiene Practices for Water Bottles
To mitigate these risks, Dr Sinha recommends giving water bottles a daily scrub, similar to how one would clean tea mugs or coffee cups. In addition to regular washing, she suggests an occasional deep clean using sterilising tablets, such as those typically used for baby’s milk bottles, as long as they are compatible with the water bottle material.
The importance of cleanliness extends beyond just water bottles. Dr Sinha cautions against sitting on exercise mats that may be contaminated with sweat and other bodily fluids. “Any bodily fluid contains dead skin cells and germs from our skin and other secretions,” she said. This exposure can lead to skin infections and respiratory issues, particularly if viruses spread among gym-goers.
Avoiding Common Gym Hygiene Mistakes
Rewearing gym clothing without washing can also pose health risks. Dr Sinha elaborates, “Sweat and dead skin cells that shed during workouts can transfer onto gym clothes. Wearing these again can cause skin infections like impetigo and thrush.” She advises washing gym clothes inside out on a low temperature while avoiding fabric softeners, which can damage the elasticity of workout fabrics.
Moreover, gym equipment itself can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Research conducted by FitRated indicates that gym free weights can harbor up to 362 times more bacteria than a toilet seat, while treadmills contain an average of 74 times more bacteria than a public bathroom tap.
Further studies reveal alarming statistics regarding household washing machines and dryers, noting that 20% of these appliances tested positive for E. coli, a bacterium that can cause diarrhoea, stomach problems, and cystitis. “Bodily fluids like sweat, dead skin cells, and even saliva transfer from our bodies to our swimsuits and subsequently into the dryer,” Dr Sinha cautions.
Maintaining proper hygiene practices in the gym environment is critical for health and well-being. By ensuring that water bottles and gym equipment are regularly cleaned, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of illness and maintain their fitness routines without interruption.
