What Not to Drink When You Have a UTI

When you have a urinary tract infection (UTI), finding relief from the discomfort is a top priority. In addition to prescribing you a potential round of antibiotics, your doctor may recommend diet changes that could ease your symptoms, such as avoiding certain foods and drinks, according to Cleveland Clinic.

Drinking water helps flush out bacteria and keeps you hydrated while your body fights the infection, according to Mayo Clinic. But what are your other beverage options? For instance, is Gatorade good for UTIs? Unfortunately, many drinks other than water can further aggravate your bladder.

Orange Juice (and Other Citrus Juices)

Orange juice and other citrus juices may make UTI discomfort worse. Their acidity can irritate your bladder and make you urinate more often, neither of which is helpful when you have an infection, according to Mayo Clinic. Citrus drinks like orange juice can’t cause UTIs, but they may intensify your symptoms.

Instead, opt for plain water. Staying well-hydrated can help dilute your urine and remove infection-causing bacteria from your system, according to Mayo Clinic.

Alcohol

UTIs and alcohol don’t mix well, either. Alcoholic drinks can also further aggravate your bladder and increase urges to urinate, according to Cleveland Clinic. Plus, alcohol raises your risk of dehydration, which can complicate the symptoms of a UTI.

Staying well-hydrated is one of the best ways to help prevent UTIs, according to the American Medical Association.

When in doubt, swap an alcoholic beverage for a glass of water or a cup of unsweetened, caffeine-free herbal tea.

Caffeinated Beverages

Caffeinated drinks like coffee and some teas can add stress to your bladder as well by increasing your need to urinate, according to Mayo Clinic. That can be very uncomfortable when you have a UTI.

It may be hard to forgo your morning cup as you recover. But cutting back on caffeine may do more to support your body while it heals.

If you need a drink beyond water to kick-start your day, try a cup of decaf coffee or an herbal tea instead.

Carbonated Soft Drinks

It’s also best to avoid sipping soft drinks when you have a UTI. The carbonation that gives soda its fizz is a known bladder irritant, according to the National Association for Continence (NAFC). What’s more, its effects may be made worse by the caffeine, sugar, or artificial sweetener content found in many carbonated drink options.

It can be a challenge to push that carbonation craving aside, but experts recommend sticking with plain water until your UTI is healed.

Sugary Drinks

According to the NAFC, a diet high in sugar can contribute to more-frequent UTIs. What’s more, sugar increases the acidity of urine, creating an environment that promotes the growth of UTI-causing bacteria.

Also, artificial sweeteners may act as another potential bladder irritant, according to Cleveland Clinic. So, “diet” versions of your favorite sweet drinks may not be the best choices, either.

Some wonder whether sports drinks like Gatorade are good for UTIs, because they can boost hydration while the body fights the infection. But there isn’t clinical evidence that directly addresses Gatorade’s overall effect on UTIs. With that said, some types of Gatorade do have high levels of sugar.

It may be wise to skip the sports drinks (and other sugary beverages) until your infection has healed. And when in doubt, talk with your healthcare provider to clarify whether a specific type of Gatorade or another beverage could be helpful while you have a UTI.