Urinary tract infections are due to bacteria getting into your urethra and other parts of your urinary tract. One way of preventing urinary tract infections is to increase the pH of your urine. Consuming magnesium citrate supplements can have this effect, although these supplements are more typically used to treat constipation.
Magnesium Citrate
Magnesium citrate is an over-the-counter medication that is used as a treatment for constipation. Magnesium citrate is known as a hyperosmotic laxative, which means that it pulls more water out of the small intestine tissue, thus increasing the amount of water that gets to the large intestine. This helps add more water to the stool, which softens it and makes bowel movements easier.
Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary tract infections can occur in the urethra, the bladder, the ureter and the kidneys. Most urinary tract infections are caused by E. coli bacteria, which typically live in the large intestine. Women are more likely to develop urinary tract infections because they have a shorter urethra and because their urethras are closer to the anus, which is a common source of E. coli colonization.
Preventing Urinary Tract Infections
If you have frequent urinary tract infections, there are steps that you can take to try to prevent bacteria from colonizing your urethra and the other parts of your urinary tract. Increasing the pH of your urine, also known as urine alkalization, can make it harder for the bacteria to latch onto your urinary tract and grow. Citrate increases the pH of your urinary tract, so taking magnesium citrate supplements will alkalize your urine and help prevent recurring urinary tract infections.
Considerations
If you have frequent urinary tract infections, it may be due to improper wiping technique after a bowel movement or spending too much time in tight-fitting clothing. Frequent and severe urinary tract infections can also be caused by anatomical abnormalities in your urinary tract. If a urinary tract infection spreads to your kidneys, it can cause permanent renal damage. Talk to your doctor if you develop pain in your side, blood in your urine or a fever, as these are indications that you may need to be treated with antibiotics immediately.
