Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a natural remedy for urinary tract infections. This health condition commonly affects both young and adults. Urinary tract infection (UTI) can be caused by several factors including fungus, bacteria, and other microorganisms. But the primary cause is E. coli bacteria, which is present in the bowel, affecting the bladder, urethra, and other parts of the urinary tract. Women are more prone to UTI because the vagina is closer to the anus. Luckily, apple cider vinegar can greatly help prevent UTI.
Why Use Apple Cider Vinegar For A UTI?
For many centuries, vinegar has been used not only to preserve food but also to fight infections and heal wounds. It’s because vinegar has an anti-microbial property or an ability to fight and treat infections caused by bacteria.
UTI develops when the acidity level as well as the alkalinity level of the body is high. The natural acids present in ACV balances the pH level in your body, preventing the growth of bacteria that cause UTI. It also contains acetic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, and malic acid that have antibacterial quality. The most potent is acetic acid – the reason why even 0.1% of it can kill food-borne pathogenic bacteria like E. coli. The acetic acid content of ACV is 5–6 percent. This is why it reduces the risk of getting UTI.
ACV also contains polyphenols that act as antioxidants found in plant sources. The polyphenols present in apples have an anti-inflammatory effect.
How Does ACV Work For A Urinary Tract Infection?
1. Fights The Organisms That Cause A UTI
The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar fights the organisms that cause a UTI. The acid makes the body more acidic, making it an unfriendly habitat for the bacteria. ACV is not only an effective remedy for UTI but also prevents its reoccurrence.1
2. Prevents Inflammation
Urinary tract infection manifests inflammation due to the compounds that make your body painful and irritated. ACV relieves the inflammation, thanks to the strong anti-inflammatory properties of chlorogenic acid present in it. The substance causing inflammation is reduced, making your body less likely to get an infection.
3. Reduces Oxidative Stress
High level of oxidative stress can weaken the immune system, making your body vulnerable to infections. Research shows that taking apple cider vinegar reduces the level of oxidative stress because of its chlorogenic acid content.2
4. Encourages The Growth Of Good Bacteria
Overgrowth of bad bacteria in your body can result in a urinary tract infection. ACV promotes the growth of good bacteria because it’s rich in pectin, a plant-based fiber, which is food for good bacteria.
How To Use ACV To Prevent A Urinary Tract Infection?
Urinary tract infection is a medical condition that should be addressed in the soonest possible time. As much as possible, you should seek medical intervention from your physician.
Apple cider vinegar generally is not a treatment for UTI, but it can be used to prevent the infection and as part of post-treatment. If you’re taking medications for UTI, be extra careful of using ACV as it has serious interactions with certain drugs.
Here’s how you can use apple cider vinegar in preventing urinary tract infections:
Make Salad Dressing: All you have to do is to add ¼ cup of ACV to other ingredients of your salad dressing. Drizzle it over any salad of your choice.
Drink Tea: You can drink ACV by making tea. Mix a tablespoon of ACV with a cup of hot water, one tablespoon of lemon juice, and a green tea bag. Sip it through the day but limit your intake to only one cup a day.
Make Tonic Water: Add a teaspoon of ACV, three teaspoons of honey, and one teaspoon of cayenne pepper in a glass of warm water. Mix and stir all the ingredients until everything dissolves. Drink this tonic drink once a day, preferably in the morning.
Final Thought
Apple cider vinegar reduces the risk factors of urinary tract infection. But, before using it for UTI, make sure to consult with your doctor to avoid any further risk of kidney infection. Always choose raw and unfiltered apple cider vinegar because it is rich in natural enzymes and substances that fight the infection and other diseases as well.
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