Water is an important component that helps in the removal of waste from the body. Our body releases urine depending upon the consumption of fluids. In short, the more liquids you drink, more frequently you would need to pee. If the urine output is less or more than your fluid consumption, it could be a sign of some underlying medical issue. It requires urgent attention. Besides, your urine output is also linked to weather or environmental temperature. Most people urinate more in winters or when the temperature is too low. We reached out to Dr. Paresh Jain, Director-Urology and Kidney Transplant, Fortis Escorts, Okhla Road, New Delhi to know what role does weather play in urine output.
Why do we tend to urinate more in winters?
Usually, in the summer, the temperature is very high and humid, which leads to more sweating which further results in the kidneys maintaining fluid balance resulting in less urine production. In winter, the temperature drops to very low levels. Also, there is no sweating and thus to maintain the body temperature, excess water and wastes need to be excreted out from the body in the form of urine. This leads to more urine output and the frequent urge to urinate in winter.
The increased urine output problem is being seen in both men and women. On an average, normal urine output is two litres throughout the day. However, this varies from person to person.
On the other hand, decreased urine release or not urinating more than once a day could be problematic. This could be due to dehydration, urine infection and/or obstructed urinary tract.
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Excessive urine output is when you don’t drink too much water but still urinate multiple times a day. According to Dr. Jain, release of more than 2.5 litres of urine a day is a sign of excessive urine output. However, this depends on age, gender and fluid consumption. Excessive urination is okay once in a while but if it continues for a long time, say, a week or more, you must see a doctor. This is a potential sign of something wrong with the body.
Tips to manage more output during winter
Keep hydrated. One can also switch to natural electrolyte drinks and energy drinks. Consume water-rich foods.
Limit the intake of tea, coffee, hot chocolate, etc. Caffeine is a known diuretic that can irritate the bladder and worsen urine output symptoms.
Extreme weather conditions can call for the bladder empty and delay in urine output can be problematic.
The urge to urinate is quite normal in winter unless it does not lead to major health issues.
It is normal to urinate more in winters. But if excessive urination persists even if you consume less fluids, consult a doctor. Different urinary problems may interrupt urine output and so, you must seek medical assistance.
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