Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common medical condition that often begin with a burning sensation during urination and progress into a frequent urge to use the bathroom.
Generally, UTIs are not considered dangerous if they are not neglected and are treated early with appropriate medical care. In addition to treatment, certain fluids can help speed up recovery and support healing. Discover them with Sayidaty.
Fluids That Help Treat Urinary Tract Infections
Doctors advise patients with urinary tract infections to consume simple, natural fluids that support the healing process. The most important include:
Water
According to the Mayo Clinic, water is the best fluid for treating UTIs. Drinking plenty of water helps dilute urine and flush bacteria out of the body.
Increasing water intake helps cleanse the urinary tract and is the first recommendation when experiencing a burning sensation during urination—even before a formal diagnosis.
Herbal Teas
Bladder infections are recurrent — Source: Freepik
Herbal teas help increase overall fluid intake, which makes urine less concentrated and may reduce the burning sensation for some people. Doctors commonly recommend the following:
Chamomile: Gentle and soothing to the body, chamomile helps reduce cramps and abdominal discomfort associated with UTIs. A warm cup is also an easy way to stay hydrated.
Ginger: Often used to relieve nausea and general discomfort, ginger may provide a sense of relief, although it is not a direct treatment for urinary tract infections.
Mint: Similar to chamomile, mint helps ease pain associated with bladder inflammation. It is calming and increases hydration, making it a suitable alternative to plain water.
Fennel: Commonly used to reduce bloating and cramps, fennel tea can be considered a warm, hydrating beverage during the day, as long as it does not worsen symptoms.
Unsweetened Cranberry Juice
Cranberries are rich in antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation, including inflammation affecting the bladder. Cranberry juice also reduces the ability of certain bacteria to adhere to the bladder wall. For this reason, doctors consider it helpful in reducing the recurrence of UTIs, though it should not be regarded as a definitive cure.
Fluids to Avoid During Urinary Tract Infections
On the other hand, some beverages can worsen symptoms and increase bladder irritation, including:
Coffee
According to the Mayo Clinic, certain fluids can aggravate bladder inflammation, with coffee specifically recommended to be avoided until the infection resolves. Coffee increases bladder irritation and the urge to urinate, so it is best eliminated during active infection.
Carbonated Beverages
Doctors explain that carbonated drinks, especially sodas, often contain caffeine, which irritates the bladder. In this case, the issue is not the carbonation itself, but the caffeine content. If calming the bladder is the goal, caffeinated fizzy drinks should be avoided.
Citrus Juices
Citrus juices are also not recommended during active UTIs. This may surprise some, as juices are generally considered healthy. However, doctors interviewed by Johns Hopkins explain that the issue is not nutritional value, but that an inflamed bladder requires soothing nutrients rather than acidic ones during this phase.
Why Is Fluid Intake So Important During a UTI?
Doctors emphasize that fluids are a supportive part of treatment, not a substitute for medication. Medical treatment for UTIs may include antibiotics and pain-relief medications, alongside simple lifestyle changes such as increasing water intake and avoiding coffee during symptomatic periods.
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