It’s a pressing question: Can you drink coffee if you have a urinary tract infection (UTI)? Unexpected and often painful, UTIs are relatively common, and millions of people who live with them every year also find themselves wanting a cup of their favorite brew—with the rise in popularity of specialty coffee drinks, many might be wondering whether their regular habits will take a backseat to their urinary symptoms.
Fortunately, the answer is not a hard no. A UTI can cause bacterial inflammation of the lower urinary tract, but it is possible to safely drink coffee, provided you are mindful of potency and amount.
First, what you drink is just as important as how much. For people with a UTI, experts recommend drinking only decaffeinated coffee to reduce the risk of salty, acidic, and sugary beverages that may worsen their dry mouth and dehydration symptoms.
Second, moderation is key. While everyone’s caffeine sensitivity varies, it’s suggested to limit daily caffeine intake to less than 400 milligrams. This means limiting regular coffee to two 6-ounce cups—8 ounces is one cup—and avoiding any energy drinks and other concentrated caffeinated beverages. An extra shot of espresso may sound tempting, but it could exacerbate the effects of a UTI, especially when it comes to insomnia and weakened immune defenses.
Finally, listen to your body. People with a UTI should be mindful of the symptoms and possible side effects that come with the territory: fatigue, cramping, or the urge to urinate more often. Caffeine can aggravate these side effects, so if you’re feeling especially sick or struggling to find relief, then avoiding caffeine altogether might be the best course of action.
Managing Caffeine Intake in General
When you’re dealing with a UTI, it’s essential to be mindful of other caffeinated items, such as chocolate and certain teas, as these can add up quickly to levels well above the limit. Although an occasional chocolate bar might not seem like much, it can add up quickly to the recommended daily limit. If you’re feeling particularly sick, it’s best to avoid caffeine-packed items altogether and focus on getting the rest and hydration you need.
It’s also a good idea to track your caffeine intake in a diary. Try to log when you have caffeine, how much, and how it makes you feel. This way, you won’t be caught off guard by a potential overdose and can remain mindful of your intake. Also, look for caffeine-free alternatives if you’re looking for a pick-me-up, like juice or herbal teas.
Overall, the key is to be aware of the amount and type of caffeinated beverages you’re drinking while you’re dealing with a UTI. Coffee in moderation won’t affect you too drastically, but it’s important to pay attention to how your body is reacting to the caffeine, and to make smart and informed decisions about what types of drinks you’re consuming.
Treating UTIs with Antibiotics
If you haven’t done so already, make sure to visit a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan for a UTI. Depending on the severity of the infection, antibiotics may be prescribed for up to two weeks to fully clear it.
During the course of the antibiotics, it’s wise to stay away from high-caffeinated beverages in order to prevent additional dehydration (which can also make it harder for the antibiotics to take effect). As an alternative, stick to decaffeinated coffee and other low-caffeinated beverages, such as green tea. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids, as UTIs can cause dehydration, which can slow down recovery time.
Also, it’s essential to follow your doctor’s instructions and take the full course of antibiotics prescribed. Even if symptoms go away quickly, there may still be bacteria present in and around your urinary tract, and discontinuing antibiotics early can lead to a recurring UTI.
Caffeine and UTIs in the Long Term
How can you reduce the risk of UTIs in the long term? While it’s important to continue to monitor your caffeine intake, there are several other proactive measures you can take. For one, you can try to reduce the amount of sugar and artificial sweeteners in your diet, as these can worsen symptoms of UTIs. You can also make sure to stay properly hydrated in order to flush the bacteria from your system, as well as to help your body absorb the nutrients you need. Additionally, you can consider taking regular probiotic and cranberry supplements, which help to counteract the harmful bacteria in the urinary tract.
It’s also important to be mindful of your personal hygiene. As bacteria can enter the urinary tract through unwashed genital tissue, keep the area clean, and change into clean clothes after exercise (particularly sports or anything involving swimming). You should also empty your bladder regularly and practice mindful habits, like avoiding baths and hot tubs.
Letting Go of Guilt
It’s easy to slip into emotional guilt trips over your coffee consumption when you have a UTI. However, it’s important to keep in mind that, while caffeine can worsen UTI symptoms, it’s not always the culprit. It’s best to limit your coffee intake, but don’t beat yourself up with guilt over your choices if you have the occasional cup. Be mindful of your body, remember to take the necessary precautions, and go easy on yourself.
Treatments Without Antibiotics
If you’d like to forgo antibiotics, the gold standard for treatment is the traditional homeopathic approach, which includes various herbal remedies, juices, and supplements. One popular herb for treating UTIs is corn silk, an herb rich in minerals, vitamins, and mucilage. As mucilage helps reduce viscous mucus buildup and increase the flow of bodily secretions, drinking corn silk as a tea can help flush out bacteria from the bladder and urinary tract.
Another common remedy is cranberry juice. Recent studies have found that the juice—specifically the proanthocyanidins (PACs) which are the components in the juice—may help reduce recurrence of UTIs. Cranberry juice can be powerful in the right amount and is a great way to stay isolated and avoid the artificial sweeteners and additives that may come with store-bought cranberry juice.
When it comes to probiotics, they have been found to have a positive impact on the bacteria in your gut. They can help keep unwanted bacteria from attaching to the walls of your bladder and get rid of them. Look for one that’s specifically formulated for bladder health, as these contain the highest concentration of beneficial bacteria.
Lifestyle Changes for UTI Prevention
As many UTIs are triggered by stress, anxiety, or mental pressure, it’s important to find ways to manage stress and to relax. This means turning to yoga, exercise, breathwork, and meditations to relieve stress and maintain a healthy balance. Additionally, you can use stress-relieving tools like aromatherapy or Epsom salt baths to help you relax. Be sure to limit your caffeine intake, as this can also increase stress levels.
When it comes to maintaining urinary tract health, proper hydration is essential. Drink water, herbal teas, and other non-caffeinated beverages throughout the day to keep the bladder flushed and clean. Don’t be afraid to buy yourself a water filter, as drinking water can help reduce the risk of UTIs, as well as benefit overall health and wellbeing.
Finally, maintain a healthy and balanced diet. This means lots of fruits, veggies, probiotic-rich foods, and whole grains. Eating healthy can help reduce UTI symptoms and prevent the recurrence of the infection.
