As patients with Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) look for remedies, many wonder whether it’s okay to drink decaf coffee while they’re dealing with the issue. Decaffeinated coffee has been widely celebrated because of its’ renowned health benefits, and coffee in general has often been praised for its ability to improve digestion and its’ anti-inflammatory properties. However, with a UTI, the situation is a little different.
Coffee, like other diuretic beverages, has an impact on the way the body absorbs water. When consuming coffee, the body’s need for hydration increases, and it can take in more liquids faster than it can consume them. Additionally, the body can struggle to expel the liquid quickly, which could lead to increased pressure on the bladder and slow down the healing process. On top of the dehydration from coffee, it also contains caffeine, which is a stimulant that can make bladder irritation worse.
Research shows that decaffeinated coffee may still have some of the same inflammatory effects as regular coffee. A review published in Frontiers in Nutrition examined that drinking decaf can still reduce the antioxidant levels in the gut and worsen mild inflammation, as measured by biomarkers like C-reactive protein. As UTIs are caused by pathogens in the urinary tract, the inflammatory effects of decaf coffee is concerning.
For these reasons, while decaf coffee is generally considered safe to drink, it may not be the best choice when you’re dealing with a UTI. It can exacerbate dehydration or worsen bladder irritation. In addition, experts from the Mayo Clinic recommend avoiding caffeine and acidic beverages to help prevent a urinary tract infection as caffeine can irritate the bladder.
When you have a UTI, drinking decaffeinated coffee isn’t completely out of the question, but your best bet would be to avoid it for the time being. There are other options for beverages that won’t aggravate your infection like tea, herbal tea, water and natural juices. Drink a lot of these whilst dealing with your UTI to help you stay hydrated and prevent further irritation.
Nutrition and Diet
In terms of nutrition and diet, what you eat and drink during your UTI can have a big effect on how you manage it and recover. Eating more fruits and vegetables that are high in fibre and antioxidants can help improve your gut health and aid your recovery. Additionally, consuming probiotics and fermented foods like yoghurt, kefir and kimchi can help defend against the bacteria and ease symptoms.
Moreover, making lifestyle changes like reducing stress and working out regularly can help limit the severity of your UTI. By getting enough rest and sleeping for 7 to 8 hours a night, your body can have time to rest and repair itself. Exercise can also help by boosting your immunity, as studies suggest physical activity can reduce your susceptibility for UTIs.
Lastly, it’s important to drink lots of water when dealing with a UTI, as it can clear out the bacteria from your urinary tract and help flush the infection out of your system. Staying hydrated can help reduce the symptoms you’re feeling and keep your body supplied with the liquids it needs to heal.
Recovery
Although dealing with a UTI can be uncomfortable, there’s no need to panic. Many people can experience complete recovery within two to three days without antibiotics, as long as they’re taking the proper measures to treat the symptoms and monitor their health. Just remember to stay alert and act with attention whenever a UTI strikes.
A simple way to support your recovery is to take a cranberry supplement, as it can help to reduce alkalinity and make the environment of your urinary tract unreceptive to the bacteria. Cranberry also has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce suffering.
Furthermore, taking a hot bath or applying a warm compress over the lower abdomen or bladder area can help relieve discomfort and promote recovery. You could try putting a hot water bottle on your stomach and gently massaging the area. This can help to ease the pressure, relieve cramps and increase blood flow to the area.
While antibiotics are an effective treatment for a UTI, consulting a doctor to confirm the diagnosis is the most important step. They can offer more tailored advice which may be best for the individual.
Prevention
It’s often easier to prevent a UTI than it is to treat one, so understanding the risk factors and taking the appropriate steps to limit your exposure is your best defence. Women often experience UTIs because their urethras are shorter, which makes it easier for bacteria to get through. To help protect yourself from this, make sure you go to the washroom regularly and wipe from front to back when going to the toilet. Additionally, be sure to go to the bathroom after having sex, as this too can increase your risk of a UTI.
Drinking more water is an easy method to reduce your risks. It can help keep your bladder healthy and flush any bacteria that may linger in your system. Drinking between two to four litres of water a day will ensure your body gets the hydration it needs to keep infections at bay.
Moreover, experts advise not using scented products when washing the genital area, as scented soaps can disrupt the PH balance in your system and cause irritation to your urethra. Use unscented and mild soaps, or fragrance-free or hypoallergenic detergents and soaps, to reduce the risk of infection.
Conclusion
When dealing with a UTI, it’s important to pay attention to the impact of your beverages and food choices, the lifestyle changes you can make, and preventative measures you can take to reduce your risk for future infections. Drinking decaf coffee isn’t completely out of the question, but it will worsen bladder irritation and can cause dehydration, so it is generally not recommended when you have a UTI. Avoiding it, along with other caffeinated and acidic beverages, will help you manage the symptoms while you’re healing.
