Foods to Avoid With a UTI
Medically reviewed by Steffini Stalos, DOMedically reviewed by Steffini Stalos, DOWhen you have a urinary tract infection (UTI), it's important to be mindful of your diet. Certain foods and drinks, including acidic, caffeinated, and spicy items, can trigger a UTI and make it worse.Diet alone is not considered to be a risk factor for getting UTIs. Although more research is needed, some studies suggest that certain dietary patterns likely help prevent these infections.Instead, experts recommend a urinary tract-friendly diet that may help lower acidity in your body and urine while supporting antibiotic UTI treatment.
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UTI Trigger Foods to AvoidCertain foods are known as bladder irritants. They can cause irritation or discomfort of your bladder and urinary tract, potentially worsening UTI pain and infection time. You should avoid these items when you have a UTI.Acidic FoodsAlthough some acidic foods are high in vitamin C and contribute to a healthy diet, they should not be eaten in large quantities while you have a UTI. These foods include citrus fruits, like:GrapefruitLemonsOrangesThe high acidity levels in these foods can interfere with your body's ability to maintain a balance of "good" or healthy bacteria in the urinary tract, potentially worsening UTI symptoms.Spicy FoodsSimilar to acidic foods, spicy foods are also considered to be a UTI irritant. Peppers, jalapeños, and other spices are prone to causing bladder irritation, which is not ideal while you're battling a UTI. You'll want to avoid tomato-based foods and broths, too.ChocolateChocolate contains sugar and some caffeine, increasing urine frequency and urgency while your bladder is already sensitive from a UTI. Experts suggest selecting dark chocolate if you need a chocolate fix. This antioxidant-rich version may support lower acidity and higher metabolite levels in the urine, potentially making it more difficult for UTI-causing bacteria to thrive.Trigger Drinks to AvoidWhile drinking plenty of water can help relieve, and, in some cases, potentially prevent, UTIs, there are some liquids you should avoid drinking while being treated for this infection.Sweetened BeveragesSugary drinks can contribute to UTIs due to the way that sugar increases the acidity of your urine and encourages UTI-causing bacteria to grow. Limit artificially or naturally sweetened beverages, including orange juice, lemonade, and other store-bought drinks.Cranberry juice is often touted to help prevent and treat UTIs. However, to avoid sugar, select an unsweetened version.CaffeineCaffeine beverages, including coffee and soft drinks, are not best if you have a UTI. A study found a link between caffeinated beverages and lower urinary tract symptoms. Caffeine is also a known diuretic, increasing the amount of urine that your body produces and further triggering urination urgency symptoms.AlcoholAlcoholic beverages can be irritating to the bladder, especially mixed drinks or other varieties that are loaded with sugar. Alcohol can lead to dehydration and increase the acidity level of your urine, making UTI symptoms worse.
UTI vs. Interstitial CystitisA UTI is an infection of your urinary tract system involving the bladder, ureter, or kidneys. Interstitial cystitis (or painful bladder syndrome) is a type of UTI, but it's a chronic infection that only involves the bladder.Both cause similar symptoms, like pain with urination and urgency. However, UTI symptoms tend to be more mild, whereas interstitial cystitis often comes along with long-lasting abdominal, pelvic, and genital pain.
Alcohol While on UTI AntibioticsAlcohol can interfere with the way that certain antibiotics work, including some that are prescribed to treat a UTI. In addition to causing side effects like nausea, upset stomach, vomiting, and diarrhea, alcohol can interact with antibiotics by not making them as effective.Drinking alcohol while on certain antibiotics like amoxicillin may slow down the medication's absorption in your body, taking longer to clear the infection. Technically, it should not be harmful to drink socially or in moderation if taking other antibiotics used for UTIs, like nitrofurantoin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. However, mixing alcohol and antibiotics could still cause side effects and risks.Check with a healthcare provider or pharmacist about alcohol use while taking antibiotics. The packaging label and instructions may also have specific alcohol-related information.
TakeawayLimiting alcohol use while receiving treatment for an infection like a UTI may be the safest route to go, helping your body heal quicker and lowering the risk of side effects.
Caffeine and Carbonated AlternativesWhile you have a UTI, it's generally recommended that you avoid caffeinated and carbonated beverages because they can cause bladder irritation and contribute to lower urinary tract infections.As alternatives, you might consider:Decaffeinated tea or coffeeFresh berry juices to possibly decrease UTI riskPlain bottled or alkaline water to help reduce UTI occurrences in some peopleSmoothies for a filling energy boostSparkling water in place of soft drinksHow to Reduce Acid in FoodToo much acid in your diet can lead to acidity in your urine, causing bladder-related symptoms, uric acid stones, and other complications. This is especially problematic when dealing with a UTI since your urine pH levels (measure of how acidic or alkaline a substance is) may be higher than usual and more acidic.While treating a UTI, aim to avoid acidic foods like soft drinks, processed meats, cheese, and condiments, and try selecting more alkalizing (or neutralizing) options, such as:Beans and lentilsFermented dairy products with probiotics, like yogurtFresh vegetables and leafy greensHealthy fats like olive oil and avocadosMost types of fruits, including those high in vitamin CDietary supplements like Prelief help neutralize stomach acid and prevent the acidic effects in certain foods and drinks.A probiotic supplement may also help by supporting the beneficial bacteria in the digestive system. Probiotics change the pH balance of urine and potentially reduce harmful urinary tract bacteria, which could help prevent recurring UTIs.SummaryCertain foods and drinks can irritate the bladder, exacerbating UTI symptoms and potentially making treatment more complicated. Experts recommend limiting acidic, spicy, and caffeinated foods and beverages and avoiding alcohol until a UTI infection is cleared.To support UTI treatment, focus on drinking plenty of plain water and incorporating fresh vegetables, most fruits, and fermented dairy products like yogurt. Check with a healthcare provider if you have specific questions about your diet or drinking alcohol while treating a UTI. Read the original article on Verywell Health.
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