Both women and men commonly experience urinary tract infections (UTI). Though it is relatively easy to treat a UTI, if the infection becomes more serious, it can require hospitalization. Do you know you can use apple cider vinegar for UTI? Apple cider vinegar is actually a common at-home treatment for UTIs and a natural alternative for those who do not want to use prescription antibiotics. So how does apple cider vinegar help treat UTIs and how do you apply it?
Apple Cider Vinegar for UTI
How Does It Help?
UTIs typically occur when E. coli bacteria from your colon enter into a part of your urinary tract, such as your bladder or urethra. The symptoms of a UTI may include odorous or discolored urine, a tingling or burning sensation when you urinate, the frequent need to urinate, rectal pressure or abdominal pain.
Apple cider vinegar is packed with important minerals, nutrients and enzymes. It contains potassium, which prevents the bacteria that causes UTIs from growing or multiplying. Apple cider vinegar also contains acetic acid, which kills "bad" bacteria while simultaneously fostering the growth of good vinegar.
How to Take Apple Cider Vinegar for UTI
To treat your UTI with apple cider vinegar, mix 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with 8 ounces of water. To make the mixture more drinkable, you can also add in a teaspoon of honey. Drink this apple cider vinegar mixture up to three times each day. Make sure to also drink a lot of water, as this will help flush bad bacteria out of your system. If your symptoms get worse or do not improve within a few days, consult your doctor.
Precautions of Using Apple Cider Vinegar for UTI
Apple cider vinegar should only be used to help prevent a UTI. Once your body has succumbed to the infection, do not attempt to use apple cider vinegar. Once the bacteria has entered your urinary tract, it attaches to the tissue that lines your urethra and bladder, leaving the tissue raw and inflamed. The high acetic acid content of apple cider vinegar could increase the acidity of your urine, and more acidic urine could potentially exacerbate the inflamed tissue, resulting in a more severe burning sensation when you urinate.
In some cases, home remedies may relieve your symptoms; however, there is a chance that they will not eliminate your infection. Your infection may very well require antibiotics. If you fail to seek treatment from a doctor, the bacteria may progress to your kidneys. If it does, you risk of developing complications that are potentially life-threatening, such as a kidney infection or sepsis which is a blood infection, usually requires hospitalization and the intravenous administration of antibiotics.
Additional Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar
Besides using apple cider vinegar for uti, there are numerous other benefits to enjoy from:
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Good for |
Why It Helps |
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Diabetes |
Apple cider vinegar is allegedly anti-glycemic, so it has a beneficial effect on blood sugar levels. The acetic acid in vinegar could lower blood sugar levels by preventing complex carbohydrates from completely digesting. |
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Heart Health |
Apple cider vinegar has been shown to lower cholesterol, reduce blood pressure, and decrease both triglyceride and VLDL (“bad” cholesterol) levels, which can be really good for your heart. |
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Weight Loss |
Apple cider vinegar has an anti-obesity effect, as it increases satiety and reduces the total amount of food that you consume at mealtimes. Taking apple cider vinegar can reduce your daily caloric intake by up to 275 calories, helping you lose an additional 1.5 pounds per month. |
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Sore Throat |
Apple cider vinegar has antibiotic properties that are useful for alleviating sore throats. Simply gargle with a mixture of ⅓ cup of apple cider vinegar and warm water as often as you need. |
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Diarrhea |
If you experience tummy troubles, sip apple cider vinegar mixed with water. If your diarrhea is caused by a bacterial infection, apple cider vinegar's antibiotic properties can help keep the infection contained. Its pectin may also help to soothe internal spasms. |
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Indigestion |
If you know that you're going to eat foods that may leave you feeling sorry later, sip on some apple cider vinegar before eating. Mix 1 tsp. honey and 1 tsp. apple cider vinegar into a cup of warm water before you eat and prevent indigestion later. |
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Stuffy Nose |
Next time you find yourself with a stuffed nose, try drinking a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar into a glass of water. The potassium it contains will thin your mucus, and its acetic acid will help to prevent the growth of whatever bacteria may be contributing to your congestion. |
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Dandruff |
The acidity of apple cider vinegar modifies the pH of your scalp, which makes it more difficult for yeast to grow. Mix ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar with water in a spray bottle and spray it onto your scalp. |
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Acne |
Apple cider vinegar's antibiotic properties help to keep acne controlled, while the malic and lactic acids it contains exfoliate and soften skin. |
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Leg Cramps |
Leg cramps often point to a potassium deficiency. Apple cider vinegar is high in potassium—mix 2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar and 1 tsp. honey into a glass of warm water and drink before bedtime. |