Coffee has a reputation for being high in caffeine and acidic, both of which are known to cause health problems. But is coffee actually bad for urinary tract infections (UTIs)? We put the question to medical experts to find out the true science behind the beverage.
The most definitive answer is yes, coffee can be a factor in getting a UTI. When it comes to how coffee can cause UTIs, there are two possible explanations: its acidity and its diuretic properties.
Caffeine and other components of coffee can make the urine more acidic, which could lead to irritation or an infection of the bladder or urethra. The diuretic action of coffee – stimulating one’s urination – has been known to cause UTIs in some cases.
It’s worth noting that drinking alcohol may have an even more direct role than coffee when it comes to causing UTIs due to its added ability to raise urine acidity levels significantly higher than even a cup of joe. Drinking excessive amounts of drinks containing either alcohol or caffeine can also increase dehydration, exacerbating symptoms such as frequent urination and making it harder for your body to flush out bacteria from your urinary tract (bladder and urethra).
Urinary Tract Infection
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that happens in any part of the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, bladder, and the tubes that transport urine. It’s usually caused by bacteria and can cause intense burning during urination and a frequent urge to urinate.
UTIs are much more common in women than men due to differences in their anatomy. Women also have a shorter urethra, thereby making it easier for bacteria to enter the urinary tract from outside sources. A major risk factor for recurrent UTIs is having recurrent sexual intercourse.
Though not considered a primary mode of spreading UTIs, certain lifestyle habits can increase your risk of developing an infection. For example, drinking beverages with high caffeine levels or artificial sweeteners may irritate your urinary system and increase your chances of developing an infection. Caffeine-containing beverages such as coffee or soda could also contribute to dehydration which could make it easier for bacteria to grow in the bladder or kidney and cause infection.
It’s important to speak with a medical professional if you develop symptoms of a UTI such as strong odor urine accompanied by burning sensation when urinating, as this could indicate a serious medical condition that requires treatment immediately. If you’re concerned about how coffee consumption may be impacting your likelihood of developing or recurring UTIs then it would be wise to discuss this issue with your doctor so they can help you determine if there are lifestyle changes you should make accordingly in order to stay healthy and reduce your risk of developing these infections.
The Link Between Coffee and Urinary Tract Infections
Caffeinated coffee has long been a popular beverage among both adults and children. But could coffee be the source of a certain type of infection? Research has shown that coffee can be linked to urinary tract infections (UTIs).
In this heading, we will explore the connection between coffee and UTIs and discuss the potential risks of consuming coffee for those with a UTI.
Caffeine
Caffeine is a commonly used stimulant found naturally in more than 60 plants, including coffee beans. It has various physiological effects on the body, such as stimulating the nervous system, increasing urine output and dilating blood vessels. It also affects the kidneys by decreasing their obstruction to excretion of substances that can cause urinary tract infections (UTI). The degree of the constriction is strongly correlated with total caffeine amount and there is certain level at which caffeine benefits those prone to UTIs.
Consumption of coffee is generally beneficial for those with a history of UTIs, however it should not be consumed in excess. Coffee typically contains 70-140 milligrams of caffeine per cup, which corresponds to 1-5 cups per day. By following these guidelines, one can harness the positive effects that consuming moderate levels of caffeine has on reducing urinary tract infections.
Acidity
One of the main reasons that coffee may be linked to urinary tract infections (UTIs) is due to its acidity. Studies have shown that higher levels of acidity in the diet can increase your risk for UTIs, as acidity in the urine can make it easier for bacteria to grow and spread. Coffee has been found to contain higher levels of acids than other beverages, including citrus juices and other alcoholic beverages. Additionally, coffee contains compounds like caffeine and tannins which can also aggravate a UTI.
This does not mean that you should eliminate coffee from your diet altogether; there are a few steps you can take if you’d like to continue enjoying your daily cup or two while protecting yourself from UTIs:
- Drink plenty of fluids – especially water – throughout the day to dilute any acidic levels in the urine and help flush out bacteria.
- Limit your intake of highly acidic drinks such as coffee and citrus juices.
- Take regular breaks when drinking coffee and alternate with less acidic beverages such as herbal teas or decaffeinated options.
- Talk with your healthcare provider about medications or supplements that may help reduce symptoms related to UTIs.
Dehydration
Dehydration is one of the primary causes of urinary tract infections, as a lack of fluids can increase the chances of bacteria multiplying in the bladder and leading to an infection. As coffee contains a high level of caffeine, drinking too much in one day can lead to dehydration. Caffeine acts as a diuretic, reducing your body’s water reserves and causing it to produce more urine than normal. This loss of water from our body can cause dehydration, which consequently increases the risk factors that could lead to UTIs. While coffee does not directly cause UTIs, it can contribute to dehydration which may be a contributing factor for one.
It’s important to recognize how much caffeine your body tolerates and ensure that you are drinking enough fluids – water primarily – to counteract this diuretic effect. It’s also important to:
- Take frequent bathroom breaks so bacteria do not have an opportunity to linger and cause an infection.
Other Factors That Can Increase Your Risk of UTIs
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that affects any part of the urinary tract, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. While drinking coffee is not thought to cause UTIs, there are other factors that can increase your risk of developing a UTI. Let’s take a look at some of these risk factors:
- Frequent sexual intercourse
- Using spermicide or diaphragms for contraception
- Having a suppressed immune system
- Poor hygiene
- Using certain medications
Poor Hygiene
Poor hygiene is a major contributing factor to recurrent UTIs. During urination, bacteria can enter the urethra to cause infection. To reduce the risk of UTI, there a number of preventive measures:
- After urinating, it is important to wipe from front to back so as not to contaminate the genitals with bacteria from the anus that could potentially enter the urethra.
- To further prevent this contamination, it is advisable not to use perfumed bath and toilet products that can irritate the genital area and leave you more open to infection.
- Additionally, wearing loose-fitting fabrics or underwear made of natural fibers such as cotton will help keep moisture away from your genital area and reduce proliferation of organisms in this warm moist environment.
- It is also important to drink plenty of water throughout the day which helps flush out any bacteria that may have entered your urinary tract during urination and sexual activity.
- Furthermore avoiding caffeine found in coffee, energy drinks and some sodas can help decrease incidence of UTI as caffeine has been linked with bladder irritation for some individuals.
Sex
Sexual activity is a risk factor for UTIs due to increased exposure to bacteria near the urethra. Unprotected sex with multiple partners is a significant risk factor for developing UTIs in both women and men. Women, particularly those who are sexually active at a young age, are at an especially higher risk of contracting urinary tract infections since the urethra is shorter in length. This means bacteria has a shorter distance to travel before it reaches the bladder and causes infection.
Using lubricants during sexual intercourse also can increase your risk of developing UTIs. This is because certain lubricants can cause irritation in the urethral tissue, leaving it vulnerable to bacterial infiltration. When engaging in unprotected sex with multiple partners, it’s important to practice safe sexual habits such as:
- Using condoms
- Cleaning up thoroughly after intercourse to lessen your chances of contracting a UTI or other sexually transmitted infection.
Birth Control
One of the common factors that can increase your risk of developing a UTI is using birth control methods. In particular, those containing estrogen have been found to have the highest association with an increased risk of UTIs. This is largely because hormones can affect the balance of bacteria in the vagina and urethra, potentially increasing the rate at which infections occur.
Other methods of contraception such as condoms, diaphragms, and spermicides can also increase your risk. It is important to be aware that any form of contraception and other medical devices (e.g. catheters) used in certain medical procedures or surgeries can also increase your likelihood of developing a UTI due to a potential disruption in normal bacterial flora affected by these methods and devices. Therefore, it is important to discuss any medical history with your doctors prior to making decisions about taking any forms of contraception or undergoing certain medical procedures which may pose an increased risk for UTI development or recurrence.
How to Prevent Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary tract infections are very common and can be quite uncomfortable. Thankfully, there are many ways to prevent and treat these infections. By making small lifestyle changes, you can reduce your chances of getting a UTI. This includes limiting your coffee intake, staying hydrated, and wiping front-to-back after using the restroom.
Let’s discuss the other effective methods for preventing UTIs:
Drink Plenty of Water
Drinking plenty of fluids is a key part of preventing urinary tract infections. Water helps to flush out the bacteria from your body and keep your urinary tract healthy. It’s recommended that you drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day. You can also try other fluids such as herbal teas, or cordial diluted with hot water.
In addition to drinking plenty of water, there are other lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your risk of developing a urinary tract infection:
- Avoid holding urine for prolonged periods of time. When you have the urge to urinate, take the opportunity – don’t wait too long to go!
- Women should wipe front to back after using the bathroom; this helps prevent bacteria from entering the urethra when wiping.
- Keep your genital area clean and dry (no tight underwear or clothing).
- Eat a diet rich in antioxidants which help support urinary tract health and flush out toxins more effectively. Plenty of fruits, vegetables, and other whole foods high in antioxidants are beneficial in this regard.
It’s not recommended that you drink coffee or soda regularly as these can irritate the bladder and make it difficult for your body to fight off bacteria, thus increasing your risk for a urinary tract infection. If you do choose to consume these beverages on occasion, it’s important to balance them with horseradish tea – or plain water – which has anti-inflammatory properties for both your bladder and kidney health.
Avoid Holding Urine
One of the best ways to prevent urinary tract infections is to not hold urine for too long. When you keep postponing your trips to the restroom, the period of time during which bacteria can reproduce and cause infection increases. This puts you at a higher risk of getting a urinary tract infection (UTI).
When urine stays in the bladder for too long, it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. The bladder wall gives them shelter, as well as access to urea as an energy source, both of which help them colonize. The longer urine stays in the bladder before being voided out, the more significant the chance of bacterial overgrowth, increasing your chances for infection. As per medical experts, adults should strive to void their bladders every three to four hours or even more frequently if needed.
Moreover, it’s also important to note that drinking enough fluids on a daily basis can play an imperative role in preventing UTIs. Adequate hydration helps flush any left-behind bacteria from your body and keeps them from entering your urinary tract and infecting it further.
This is especially true with regards to coffee – it has been observed that caffeine present in coffee can work as a diuretic and reduces hydration levels; however this does not necessarily mean that coffee is bad for urine infections – in fact, research suggests that regular consumption of caffeinated drinks (which includes coffee) might be beneficial for preventing UTI’s over time rather than having no effect or causing harm as previously believed.
Practice Good Hygiene
Practicing good hygiene is an important part of preventing a urinary tract infection. Women should always wipe from front to back after using the bathroom and avoid harsh cleansing chemicals when cleaning the genital area. It is important to empty your bladder as soon as you feel the urge and drink plenty of fluids daily to prevent bacteria from growing in your bladder. Women should also urinate before and after sexual intercourse.
It is also beneficial to avoid tight-fitting clothing or underwear made from synthetic materials, including thong underwear, as they can trap moisture in the genital area, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. Cotton is a better option and provides more ventilation, which helps reduce your risk of infection.
There are certain factors associated with UTIs that are difficult to change, such as recurrent infections, suppressed immune system, diabetes, or certain neurological disorders such as spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis. However, taking steps to practice good hygiene can help reduce your risk of developing UTIs:
- Wipe from front to back after using the bathroom.
- Avoid harsh cleansing chemicals when cleaning the genital area.
- Empty your bladder as soon as you feel the urge.
- Drink plenty of fluids daily.
- Urinate before and after sexual intercourse.
- Avoid tight-fitting clothing or underwear made from synthetic materials.
- Wear cotton underwear for better ventilation.
Avoid Certain Foods and Drinks
Certain foods and drinks are known to increase the risk of developing a urinary tract infection (UTI). It is important to be aware of these foods and drinks in order to reduce the chance of getting a UTI.
Caffeinated beverages such as coffee, energy drinks, and soda should be avoided because they can irritate the bladder and make it harder for the body to rid itself of infection-causing bacteria. Alcohol also has similar effects and can interfere with urine production, which can make it more difficult for your body to fight infections.
Eating foods high in sugar or artificial sweeteners should also be avoided as these tend to increase bacterial growth in the body. Food items such as ice cream, processed snacks, pastries, cakes, and other sweets should not be consumed if you have a UTI.
Additionally, some people are sensitive to certain fruits with especially acidic properties such as citrus fruits like oranges or lemons. These acidic fruits may irritate your bladder when consumed too regularly or in large quantities. Spicy foods can also cause inflammation which may worsen symptoms of a possible UTI.
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is recommended over sugary drinks or caffeine-containing beverages which may dehydrate your body. Eating plenty of vegetables and healthy fats while avoiding added sugars can help keep harmful bacteria under control while providing necessary nutrients that can aid healing processes in the body. Getting regular exercise plays an important role in aiding against UTIs since it helps increase circulation among other beneficial effects on overall health.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there is no definitive answer as to whether coffee consumption contributes to urinary tract infections. While certain components of coffee have the potential to aggravate certain bacteria, the research on the topic has yet to produce clear evidence that suggests a concrete link between coffee and UTIs.
To play it safe, it is probably best to avoid drinking coffee if you already suffer from frequent UTIs or other bladder problems. Additionally, if you do choose to drink coffee, be sure to look for brands that are free of mycotoxins and other additives that could potentially aggravate your condition.
Caffeine is known to irritate the bladder and worsen bladder infection symptoms. Additionally, a number of common foods and drinks — artificial sweeteners, spicy foods, alcohol, coffee, acidic fruits, citrus, or caffeinated drinks — can irritate your bladder, and may worsen UTI symptoms.
It is therefore advisable to avoid coffee, tea, alcohol, and carbonated drinks if you are suffering from a urinary tract infection. Instead, drink plenty of water to flush out the bacteria. You should also consume cranberry juice as it helps fight infection. If your symptoms persist despite following these measures, please consult a doctor. Ultimately, it is up to you and your doctor to decide whether or not it is safe for you personally.
Citations :
- https://www.eehealth.org/blog/2019/05/what-to-eat-during-a-uti/
- https://www.normanurology.com/blog/caffeine-and-your-bladder-a-delicate-dance
- https://www.stjoes.ca/patients-visitors/patient-education/a-e/PD%204466%20caffeine%20brochure%20October%202012.pdf
- https://www.everydayhealth.com/urinary-tract-infections-pictures/foods-and-drinks-that-may-irritate-your-bladder-1028.aspx
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4799659/
- https://www.jacksonuro.com/blog/2022/1/31/how-does-caffeine-affect-the-urinary-tract
