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Reusable water bottles are beneficial in so many ways. Helping keep you hydrated, they also cut down on single-use plastic, and save you money every time you refill instead of buying a new bottle of water. Plus, with all the chic stainless steel flasks and glass bottles on the market – not to mention sporty carrying straps – they’ve become something of a fashion accessory. Trying to hit the NHS-recommended eight glasses of water a day for adults is an excellent idea, of course, but did you know there’s one way your refillable bottle could potentially be detrimental to your health? According to a study from waterfilterguru.com, reusable water bottles contain an average of 20.8m colony-forming units (CFUs) of bacteria, which equates to 40,000 times more than the microbes on a toilet seat. So what might be the consequences if you continuously sip and refill without washing your bottle properly between uses? We asked health experts to talk through the risks… Bottling up bacteria “A common misconception when it comes to reusable water bottle hygiene is that as you’re typically filling it with pure water and it’s only coming into contact with your own mouth, there’s little need to clean it often,” says Dr Donald Grant, senior clinician at The Independent Pharmacy. However, every time you drink from the bottle, you’re transferring bacteria from your mouth, which can then multiply in the container. “Anything that is reusable can be prone to accumulating dirt, dust or debris and, as a result, bacteria,” says private GP Dr Suhail Hussain. “This is exacerbated by the fact water bottles are the ideal environment for harbouring bacteria due to being moist.” Hard to reach crevices – for example, inside a screw top or under a flip-up straw – could also develop mould, and then there’s contamination from other sources. “When you store it in a gym bag, for instance, it can pick up bacteria from the interior of the bag or anything else stored in it, while you can also transfer bacteria from your hands to your bottle,” says Grant. “If your bottle has a valve cap, you may need to lift or twist it with your fingers, and this can transfer bacteria you may have picked up from touching other objects or surfaces.” What types of microbes are found in water bottles? “These might be simple commensals such as streptococcus and staphylococcus, which normally live in symbiosis with their host (i.e. us) but can become problematic if they accumulate, or the individual is under the weather,” Hussain says.“Bacteria such as E. coli – a common cause of urine and bowel infections – can often colonise the water bottle following repeated handling, such as taking the cap on and off.” These bacteria can potentially cause a variety of issues. “You may become sick and develop gastric illness, such as diarrhoea or vomiting,” Hussain continues. “Gram negative rods – another common bacterium found in unwashed bottles – can lead to urogenital tract infections and pneumonia.” Grant warns: “If there’s a build-up of mould inside the bottle, this can cause allergy symptoms, such as a runny nose, sneezing, or red and itchy eyes. Symptoms might be more severe for someone with asthma.” How often should you wash your reusable water bottle? “To minimise your risk of getting sick, you should ideally clean your water bottle after each use,” Grant says. “As a minimum, you should aim to wash it thoroughly at least a few times a week.” Hot water and washing up liquid are all you need to banish bacteria on the daily. “Fill the bottle with hot soapy mixture and swill around, or leave to soak in a detergent mixture,” Hussain advises. “Remember to pay special attention to lids/caps and screw top regions – use a clean brush [to scrub them].” If you’ve neglected your bottle for a few days and it needs a deeper clean, Grant suggests: “Soak your bottle overnight in a solution of half vinegar and half water. Rinse the bottle and let it dry fully before using it again.” Storage is also important to help minimise nasty microbes. “Where possible, you should keep your water bottle out of germ-rich environments such as your gym locker or sports bag,” Grant says. “You should also avoid filling your bottle with anything other than water, such as protein shakes, energy drinks, or sugar-rich liquids, as sugar can stimulate the growth of bacteria.” Hussain adds: “Don’t leave water bottle in the sun for long periods of time or siting in the cup holder in the car – the mixture of warmth and moisture is likely to make bacterial overgrowth worse.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Prince George visits Eton with parents Prince William and Kate Middleton King Charles and Queen Camilla ecstatic after getting their first Royal Ascot winner As Elon Musk calls cis ‘a slur’ – what does the term cisgender actually mean?

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Erin O’Connor wowed on the front row at the Roksanda spring/summer catwalk show. The British model, 45, wore an acid yellow and white high-necked maxi dress, topped with a floor-length pink cape and black cat-eye sunglasses. Veteran actor Vanessa Redgrave joined O’Connor at the show, which was held at London’s famous Barbican Centre. The 86-year-old Oscar winner, wearing a mint green gathered blouse and white trousers, was greeted by fashion editor Anna Wintour on arrival. Fashion designer Roksanda Ilincic said she was inspired by 15th-century fresco paintings from the monasteries of her native Serbia, for her SS24 collection. In a departure from her usual rainbow of rich colours, the designer focused on lighter hues such as ivory, pastel pink and lime, as well as some bold royal blue looks and all-black ensembles. There was no shortage of the glamour for which Roksanda is known, with a slew of stunning evening dresses on show. Many were made from silky fabrics with gathered or cape detailing, while others were trimmed with feathers or long tassels that swayed as the models walked the runway. Alongside the slinky column gowns, full-skirted dresses were crafted from structured textiles including latex, and high-heeled satin court shoes came with feathery trims. Tailored ensembles included oversized two-piece suits in black and ivory, sleeveless blazers and deconstructed trench coats. The collection was also influenced by the brutalist design of the Barbican, with round sculptural headpieces – taken from Serbian culture – echoing the circular outdoor show space. Adding to the air of sophistication, the show was soundtracked by an a cappella performance from an opera singer. The beauty look played on the popular ‘quiet luxury’ trend. “It’s not a ‘no make-up make-up’,” Sharryn Hinchliffe, executive director of global artistry at MAC, said backstage. “There’s something very decadent about it. We’re doing a beautiful satin finish skin with a glassy eye and a glossy lip.” She added: “Roksanda is so elegant and very luxe, so we wanted to not take away from any of the clothes, but just to almost have the skin like an adornment.” The show concluded with a stunning final look; a powder pink structured gown with a voluminous train. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Action needed to protect women from birth trauma – MP Imagination and hard work in children trumps obedience – research finds 7 ways you could be damaging your eye health without even realising

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