A leading GP and wellness specialist has issued a stark health warning over a common daily habit that could be putting people at risk of unpleasant stomach bugs. Dr Aarthi Sinha cautions that neglecting to properly clean a reusable water bottle can significantly increase the likelihood of suffering from diarrhoea and vomiting.
The Hidden Danger in Your Water Bottle
Dr Sinha explains that a failure to regularly wash and air out your bottle allows harmful bacteria to build up on its interior surfaces. "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 and then getting into the water when the bottle is filled up," she stated. Consuming this contaminated water is what leads to the onset of gastrointestinal symptoms.
Her straightforward advice is to treat your water bottle with the same care as your daily coffee mug. She recommends giving it a thorough daily scrub. For an occasional deep clean, she suggests considering the use of sterilising tablets, similar to those used for baby's milk bottles, provided they are compatible with your bottle's material.
Other Critical Gym Hygiene Mistakes to Avoid
Dr Sinha highlighted several other common gym practices that pose a risk to health, especially during the colder months when people are more susceptible to illness.
Sharing Sweaty Gym Mats: Plonking yourself down on a mat soaked with another person's sweat without wiping it first exposes you to a host of germs. Dr Sinha points out that bodily fluids contain dead skin cells and bacteria. "You may be carrying viruses you are unaware of and if this spreads to another person it can cause skin infections (including spots), coughs and colds," she warned.
Rewearing Unwashed Workout Gear: The sweat and dead skin cells shed during exercise transfer onto clothing. Re-wearing this gear can lead to skin infections like impetigo and thrush. Dr Sinha advises washing kit after every session, turning it inside out, and washing on a low temperature while avoiding fabric softener, which can damage elasticity.
Skipping Equipment Cleaning: Wiping down gym equipment before and after use is crucial. Research cited by Dr Sinha from FitRated is alarming: gym free weights harbour 362 times more bacteria than a toilet seat, while treadmills average 74 times more bacteria than a public bathroom tap.
Relying on Gym Swimsuit Dryers: Studies of similar household appliances show that 20% can contain E. coli in the drum. "Bodily fluids like sweat, dead skin cells and even saliva transfer from our bodies to our swimsuits and therefore into the dryer. This can then be transmitted on to our swimwear," Dr Sinha cautioned. E. coli is a bacterium known to trigger diarrhoea, stomach cramps, and cystitis.
Prioritise Prevention for Your Health
While regular exercise is vital for long-term health, helping to combat the progression of numerous conditions, these findings underscore that poor hygiene practices can undermine those benefits. The core message from Dr Sinha is one of simple, proactive prevention. Integrating these cleaning habits into your routine is a small step that can prevent significant discomfort and illness, ensuring your fitness efforts support, rather than compromise, your overall wellbeing.
