When you have a bladder infection (UTI), you should avoid drinks that irritate the bladder, such as caffeinated beverages, alcohol, carbonated drinks, sugary drinks, and acidic fruit juices (like orange or grapefruit), as they can worsen symptoms like urgency and frequency; focus instead on water to help flush out bacteria.
Along with an antibiotic, what you drink and eat during a UTI can help you get better faster. DO drink a lot of water, even if you're not thirsty. This will help flush out the bacteria. DON'T drink coffee, alcohol or caffeine until the infection is gone.
The key is to know which foods are more likely to irritate your bladder and which ones are more likely to soothe. In general, you will want to avoid coffee, alcohol, citrus fruits, tomato-based products, artificial sweeteners and spicy foods.
Antibiotics can be given for 7 or 14 days. Common choices for empiric oral treatment are a second- or third-generation cephalosporin, amoxicillin/clavulanate, or sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (SMZ-TMP).
You should start by eliminating, or at least cutting down, on the top seven irritants: coffee, tea, cola drinks, chocolate, alcohol, artificial sweeteners and cigarettes. You should allow at least two weeks without the food or drink before noticing any change in your bladder control.
caffeine (i.e., coffee, tea, energy drinks and soda) carbonation (beer, soda, seltzer or tonic water) citrus fruit (oranges, grapefruits, lemons) chocolate (especially dark chocolate)
Cranberries. Cranberries have natural compounds that stop bacteria from attaching to the lining of the urinary tract, which helps lower the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Choose unsweetened cranberry products for the best results.
4 Things to Avoid When You Have a UTI
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are usually caused by bacteria from poo entering the urinary tract. The bacteria enter through the tube that carries pee out of the body (urethra). Women have a shorter urethra than men. This means bacteria are more likely to reach the bladder or kidneys and cause an infection.
The fastest way to feel better is by taking an antibiotic to get rid of the bacteria causing your infection. If an in-person visit isn't an option, there are telehealth services available that allow you to set up a virtual appointment. Check out GoodRx Care for treatment of UTIs and many other medical conditions.
Symptoms
Cranberries, blueberries, raspberries and other berries promote urinary tract health and provide protection against infection with an important compound that helps fight bacteria and keeps it from sticking to the lining of the urinary tract. One way to get a large amount of berries into your diet is through smoothies.
Drink plenty of water – your urine should be pale yellow. Choose showers over baths. Stay away from feminine hygiene sprays, douches, and scented or colored bath products — they'll only increase irritation.
Are there any potential risks of daily consumption of cranberry juice? Too much cranberry juice isn't good for your health. It can give you an upset stomach, lead to too much sugar intake, and increase the number of calories you're consuming through drinks per day.
Follow these tips to lower your risk of a UTI with little or no potential negative side effects:
Avoid Foods and Beverages that Can Worsen UTI Symptoms
Caffeinated sodas. Alcohol. Spicy foods. Acidic fruits.
1. What herbal tea should I drink in case of cystitis?
Bananas. This tropical fruit is high in beneficial fiber and the essential mineral potassium. Both are essential in flushing the urinary tract and safeguarding the bladder from infection and disease.
Vitamin C. There is some evidence that vitamin C can decrease a persons risk of developing urinary tract infections. Consider 100 mg daily for prevention. [1] Another regimen used, at first onset of symptoms, is 1,000 mg every 2 hours for 2 days, then 1,000 mg three times a day for 5-10 days.
UTMB's Dr. Samuel Mathis spoke to The Healthy about the connection between stress and UTIs. “Stress does not directly cause UTIs, but it can make you more susceptible to an infection through its effect on our immune system,” Mathis said.
The best foods for overactive bladder include:
See a health care professional if you have symptoms of a bladder problem, such as trouble urinating, a loss of bladder control, waking to use the bathroom, pelvic pain, or leaking urine.
Foods that have been known to amplify overactive bladder symptoms include: