Doctor issues advice to anyone who uses water bottles

Most people understand the need to stay hydrated – and carrying a water bottle is a simple solution to ensure you’re drinking enough water throughout the day.

However, Dr Myro Figura has issued a warning about using reusable water bottles. Despite many people using them exclusively for water, they can quickly become a haven for bacteria if not cleaned properly.

Dr Myro took to social media to re-post a video advising viewers to wash their reusable bottles daily to stave off bacteria.

“If you’re refilling the same water bottle every day, you might want to stop,” the video said. “Your bottle is a bacteria breeding ground. Every time you take a sip, germs from your mouth, hands, and air get trapped inside.”

Echoing this sentiment, Dr Myro further illustrated the risk of not keeping your bottle clean by stating that even if it’s just water, it’s important to wash the bottles on a daily basis.

“Not gonna lie, it’s probably as dirty as a toilet seat,” Dr Myro told his viewers. “There’s literally an independent study showing that your water bottle has 40,000 times more bacteria than a toilet seat.”

He especially pointed out the problem with the tops of bottles, where bacteria are particularly fond of multiplying.

A shocking study by WaterFilterGuru has revealed that spout lid water bottles are a breeding ground for bacteria, harboring an average of 30 million colony-forming units (CFUs) per bottle. In stark contrast, squeeze-top bottles proved much safer with a three million CFUs.

These figures not only indicate the quantity of microbes present but also their capability to multiply.

The majority of bacteria detected in the study were the problematic gram-negative variety, notorious for infections that increasingly defy antibiotic treatment. Particularly concerning was the discovery of bacillus bacteria in straw-lidded bottles, known for causing gut disturbances.

How to clean reusable water bottle

Dr Myro has advised viewers on the importance of regular cleaning of water bottles, saying: “You really wanna wash these daily and deep clean them weekly. Not only can it make you acutely ill, but chronic exposure to mould and biofilms can cause chronic illness.”

In a guide on his social media account, Dr Myro highlighted the essential steps for maintaining a clean water bottle.

He said: “Wash daily: Scrub with warm, soapy water after each use. Don’t forget to scrub the threads, spouts, and rubber seals where germs hide.”

Moreover, he mentioned allowing the bottle to fully air dry before recapping to prevent bacteria growth, which thrives in moist conditions.

“Deep clean weekly,” he continued, suggesting methods such as using vinegar or baking soda, or simply running it through a dishwasher if possible.

He pointed out that these measures should be increased if one is getting over an illness, consumed food while drinking, or used the bottle for sugary drinks.

The expert additionally warned against leaving water stagnant in the bottle for extended periods.

“Don’t leave water sitting: Empty your bottle when you’re not using it,” he urged his followers. “Keep your water bottle as fresh and clean as the water you drink!”