Holiday Habits That Could Be Harming Your Urological Health

If you’re wondering whether holiday indulgences can really affect your urological health, the answer is yes — especially if you have a history of kidney stones, prostate issues, or urinary tract infections. 

At Family Urology Associates in Frederick, Maryland, board-certified urologist Mohammed Haseebuddin, MD, aka Dr. Haseeb, and our dedicated team want you to enjoy the holidays while keeping your urological health on track. Here are a few holiday habits that might be putting your urinary system under more stress than you realize.

Overindulging in salty or sugary foods

Holiday favorites like ham, gravy, cookies, and pies may be delicious, but they’re also packed with sodium and added sugars.

Too much salt causes your kidneys to excrete more calcium into the urine, which can lead to the formation of calcium oxalate stones, the most common type of kidney stone.

While purines don’t directly cause kidney stones, a diet high in purines — which are found in red meats, organ meats, shellfish, and foods sweetened with high fructose corn syrup — can raise uric acid levels. This, in turn, increases the risk of uric acid stones and may also contribute to mixed calcium-oxalate stones.

High-sugar diets have also been linked to more frequent urinary tract infections and an elevated risk of urinary incontinence.

To protect your urinary health, balance indulgent foods with fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. 

Skipping hydration for festive drinks

Between the coffee, eggnog, and holiday cocktails, it’s easy to forget plain water. Dehydration concentrates your urine, allowing minerals to crystallize and form kidney stones. Alcohol and caffeine also act as diuretics, leading to increased urine output and further dehydration.

Make it a goal to alternate every alcoholic or caffeinated drink with a glass of water. Carrying a reusable water bottle can remind you to stay hydrated throughout your celebrations.

Ignoring bathroom breaks

During busy holiday gatherings, you might be tempted to hold your bladder. However, the longer urine remains in your bladder, the higher the risk of harmful bacteria multiplying to cause UTIs. Holding your bladder can even lead to bladder muscle weakening over time, which could lead to incontinence issues long term.

Make sure to take regular bathroom breaks, even if you’re in the middle of festivities. It only takes a few minutes, and it’s a smart move for your urological health.

Sitting for long periods

Extended periods of sitting, whether during travel, family gatherings, or long meals, can affect circulation to the pelvic area and lead to urinary retention or discomfort.

Gentle movement after meals or a short walk around the neighborhood can support urinary flow and prevent stagnation. This is particularly important for men with an enlarged prostate, as sitting too long can increase pelvic pressure and worsen urinary symptoms.

Forgetting your regular medications

Travel and busy schedules can easily disrupt your usual medication routine. Missing doses of prescriptions for prostate conditions, kidney stones, or blood pressure can trigger flare-ups or complications.

If you’re traveling, pack your medications in a labeled container and set reminders on your phone. Before leaving town, it’s also wise to call our office and confirm that your urology appointments or follow-ups are scheduled for the new year.

Taking a proactive approach to urological health

The holidays are a time to celebrate, but they’re also an opportunity to take charge of your health. If you’ve experienced urinary issues, kidney stones, or prostate problems, preventive care is more crucial than ever. 

If you’re ready to protect your urinary health and start the new year strong, contact Dr. Haseeb at Family Urology Associates. Call 301-606-0551 to schedule your consultation today.