Health

Why you need to wee more in winter – and doctor says it can be 'fatal' for some


A doctor has explained why it is you might be finding yourself nipping to the loo a little more often during the winter months.

According to experts, it’s common to need a wee more frequently during periods of cold weather.

This is due to a biological process called cold diuresis, which occurs when the body’s temperature lowers.

Dr Diana Gall, from online medical service, Doctor 4 U has explained why it happens and what you need to do about it.

She said: “The biological response is to redirect blood to the core to create warmth, while the kidneys release extra fluid to stabilize the pressure.

“And it’s this process which boosts urine production, giving you the urge to wee more in the cold, winter months.”

It’s very common (stock photo)

She continued: “There’s currently a lack of scientific research into the phenomena, which means we don’t know just how low the temperature needs to get before it takes effect.

“But we do know you’re likely to feel the effects if you’re standing around outside this winter – and it means you might need to know where the toilets are if you’re visiting the winter market.”

Dr Gall advises people to wrap up warm and try to avoid standing outside for long periods of time.

She also explains how frequent urination can be “damaging” to your body’s natural balance – and in some cases can even prove “fatal”.

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She adds: “Frequent urination due to diuresis can actually be really damaging to your body’s natural salt, water and mineral balance.

“It can lead to conditions like hyponatremia, when there’s not enough sodium in the body, or hyperkalemia, too much potassium, and hypokalemia, not enough potassium.

“All three of these conditions can prove fatal in extreme circumstances.

“And if you are weeing too much, you need to replenish fluids to avoid dehydration.”

But it’s not just your body that could be impacted by an overactive bladder this winter – your energy bills could also take a hit as well.

By continuously flushing the chain after every toilet stop, the costs for your water usage will start to stack up.

According to the Money Advice Service, the average Brit spends £415 a year or £34.58 a month on their water bill.

In 2012, This Is Money revealed that it cost 2p every time you flush the toilet.

And Phil Foster, from energy-saving comparison site Love Energy Savings, says businesses that employ lots of staff are likely to experience a higher water bill in the winter months because of the effects of cold diuresis.

He adds: “If you’re one of the people who experience cold diuresis, you’re unlikely to notice a higher water bill just because you’re flushing the loo more regularly.

“But if you employ a hundred people, it could be the reason you’re seeing a spike in your energy bill.

“If you’ve got concerns about the phenomena, do your research and make sure you’re on the best possible tariff.”





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