Urinary tract infections -- also known as UTIs or bladder infections -- affect over 4 million people in the United States a year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While the only effective treatment is antibiotics, you may prevent an infection from taking hold by using apple cider vinegar.
Understanding UTIs
Bladder infections and UTIs occur because bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra and settle into an infection either in the urethra or the bladder. The bacteria attach to the lining of the bladder then reproduce until you notice symptoms such as painful or burning urination, pressure or pain in the abdomen, increased urinary frequency and urgency, cloudy urine and bloody urine, according to the CDC.
Effects of Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is cited as a frequent home remedy for a variety of conditions. Though there are no studies showing vinegar can cure a bladder infection, there is some evidence it can help to keep your urinary tract inhospitable to bacteria, according to Earl Mindell, M.D., author of "Dr. Earl Mindell's Amazing Apple Cider Vinegar." When the bladder becomes more alkaline, you're more likely to develop a bladder infection, so by ingesting vinegar, which is acidic, you can help stave them off. However, drinking vinegar when you already have an infection could make your urine more acidic and inflame the bladder, worsening your symptoms, according to Marianne Legato, M.D., author of "What Women Need to Know."
Preventative Measures
Ingesting apple cider vinegar can be used as a part of a routine to prevent bladder infections, according to Mindell. You can drink a diluted tablespoon of vinegar every day, along with cranberry juice and plenty of water to help keep the bacteria away. You can also prevent infections by urinating as soon as you feel the urge to go, wiping from front to back after bowel movements and avoid douching or using scented feminine products.
Treatment
Though apple cider vinegar may help prevent bladder infections, it's not a suitable treatment option. Only antibiotics can kill the bacteria that cause an infection, so you will need to see your doctor or go to an urgent care center right away for a prescription. If left untreated, bladder infections can spread to the kidneys and cause sepsis in the body, according to the CDC.
References
- "Dr. Earl Mindell's Amazing Apple Cider Vinegar"; Dr. Earl Mindell, R. Ph.; 2002
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Urinary Tract Infections
- "What Women Need to Know"; Dr. Marianne Legato, et al.; 2005
