When you’re suffering from a urinary tract infection (UTI), finding relief from pain and irritation is a top priority. Your diet can help or harm this process, including drinks. But what drinks should you avoid to avoid making your symptoms worse — for example, is Gatorade good or bad for UTIs? First of all, a UTI is a bacterial infection that affects your urinary system (which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra), according to the Office of Women’s Health. People assigned male at birth and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) can get UTIs, but they are more common in AFAB people because they have shorter urethras. Some of the most common symptoms to be aware of include: Pain or burning when urinating. A desire to urinate often. Pressure in the lower abdomen. Urine that smells bad or appears cloudy. Blood in the urine. Fever, if the urinary infection is not treated. Don’t wait for UTI symptoms to go away on their own, according to the Office of Women’s Health. If you experience one or more of these problems, call your doctor to get tested and treat the infection. They will test your urine for bacteria, and if the test is positive, a round of antibiotics is often the first line of defense. Your doctor may also recommend lifestyle changes that might ease your symptoms while the antibiotics take effect, such as avoiding certain foods and drinks. To help you specifically optimize your beverage choices, here’s what not to drink if you have a UTI. What drinks help with a urinary tract infection? It is also important to know what to drink if you have a urinary tract infection. Water is best, according to the Mayo Clinic. It helps kill bacteria and keeps you hydrated while your body fights infection. 1. Orange juice (and other citrus juices) If you prefer fruity drinks, you may wonder if orange juice is good for UTIs (along with other citrus drinks like grapefruit or lemon juice). Unfortunately, no: drinking orange juice for a UTI can make your discomfort worse. In fact, according to the Mayo Clinic, citrus drinks can irritate your bladder and make you urinate more, neither of which is good for your infection. That said, citrus drinks like orange juice cannot cause a UTI on their own, although they may intensify your symptoms. Instead, opt for clear water. Staying well hydrated can help dilute your urine and flush infection-causing bacteria from your system, according to the Mayo Clinic. Is mango good for urinary tract infections? Acidic fruits (including oranges, grapefruit, lemons, and limes) can irritate your bladder and are best avoided if you have a UTI, according to the Mayo Clinic. But mango is less acidic than citrus fruits and should be safe for most people to eat when they have an infection. If you are unsure, consult your doctor. 2. Alcohol You may also be wondering if you can drink if you have a UTI. But UTIs and alcohol don’t mix, because alcoholic beverages can also worsen bladder discomfort and increase your urge to pee, according to the Mayo Clinic. Beer and UTIs can be a particularly bad combination, because brewer’s yeast (the type of yeast used to make beer) can be particularly irritating to your bladder, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Additionally, alcohol increases the risk of dehydration, which can complicate the symptoms of a UTI. Repeated bouts of dehydration can even trigger a urinary tract infection, according to the Mayo Clinic. Bottom line: Drinking alcohol makes a urinary tract infection worse in some cases. Your best bet? Avoid alcohol and drink plenty of water instead. 3. Caffeinated Beverages Caffeinated beverages (like coffee and tea) can also upset your bladder and increase your need to urinate, according to the Mayo Clinic. Although it might hurt to skip your morning cup of coffee, it’s best to wait while your infection persists so your body has time to heal properly. Instead, opt for caffeine-free tea or plain water. 4. Carbonated Drinks It is also best to avoid sipping carbonated drinks when you have a UTI. Carbonated drinks like soda can upset your bladder and cause symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic. This is especially true for carbonated drinks that also contain caffeine (like energy drinks). Instead, you guessed it, stick to water. 5. Sugary Drinks Likewise, drinks that contain lots of artificial sweeteners, sugar, or other preservatives may contribute to your symptoms, according to a June 2013 study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology. What about sports drinks? For example, is Gatorade good for UTIs because it can help you stay hydrated while your body fights the infection? Although there is no evidence that directly addresses Gatorade’s effect on UTIs, some types of Gatorade contain high levels of sugar. Therefore, it may be wise to avoid it (and other sugary drinks) until your infection has passed. And as always, talk to your doctor to find out if a specific type of Gatorade is good for your UTI.
