Apple Cider Vinegar Remedy For Urinary Tract Infections

Apple Cider Vinegar Remedy for Urinary Tract Infections

Jul 6, 2011 | By Sadie Bell

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 4 million people see a doctor in the U.S. each year because of a urinary tract infection, or UTI. Apple cider vinegar is often cited as a potential remedy for UTIs, and though no scientific evidence supports this use, it may aid in preventing infections of the urinary tract from forming.

Onset

Urinary tract infections typically get their start when E. coli from the digestive tract enter the urethra and attach to the urinary tract at some point. These bacteria grow and spread and could lead to an infection of the kidneys or even sepsis if not treated promptly, says the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse.

Symptoms

Urinary tract infections cause numerous symptoms in the body, including pelvic pain, burning urination, bad-smelling urine, blood in the urine, cloudy urine, urinary frequency, and urinary urgency, says Medline Plus.

Apple Cider Vinegar

No studies have been done on the effects of apple cider vinegar on UTIs. However, it may help prevent you from getting one in the first place. According to Dr. Earl Mindell, author of "Dr. Earl Mindell's Amazing Apple Cider Vinegar" and a pharmacist, drinking apple cider vinegar can maintain a more acidic bladder, which can prevent alkaline-favoring bacteria from taking hold.

Remedy Use

To prevent urinary tract infections, you may find it beneficial to drink apple cider vinegar mixed with water each day. Doing this and following other preventative measures like drinking plenty of water, drinking cranberry juice, and maintaining proper hygiene can stave off an infection. However, if you already have an infection, don't drink vinegar, as it can irritate the already inflamed tissue. Only antibiotics can treat the infection, which can be obtained by prescription from your doctor.