Coffee and Urinary Tract Infections
Coffee is the world’s most popular beverage, with millions of people enjoying multiple cups each day. But is too much coffee bad for you? One potential side effect is a UTI, or urinary tract infection. Coffee can increase your risk, as it is a diuretic which increases urination, as well as potentially damaging bladder lining.
Urinary tract infections are serious and should not be taken lightly. The infections are caused by bacteria entering the bladder, multiplying and spreading to the urethra, kidneys, and upper urinary tract. Symptoms include pain when you urinate, frequent and urgent need to urinate, and sometimes fever.
The main culprit is caffeine, the stimulant found in coffee, tea and energy drinks, as it increases the frequency and urgency of urination. Additionally, this increase in urination can damage the bladder lining, the protective shield against bacteria.
According to Dr. Wilhelm von Prondzynski, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Michigan Medical Center, “When you drink large amounts of coffee, you’re pushing out more of the protective layer of secretions in the urinary tract and more bacteria can get in.”
Studies conducted on mice and women have shown a correlation between frequent urination and UTIs, with the biggest risk factor being an increase in urine frequency. In particular, the studies found that women who drank up to two cups of coffee a day were at a higher risk of developing a UTI than women who drank three or more cups.
So, the general consensus is that drinking excessive amounts of coffee can increase your risk of a UTI. To be safe, it is advisable that coffee enthusiasts stick to two or less cups of coffee per day.
UTI Symptoms and Treatment
UTIs are far from pleasant, and so identifying the symptoms and seeking treatment as soon as possible is advised. Common symptoms include a burning sensation when you urinate and cloudy, dark or blood-tinged pee. It is also possible to experience pain in your lower abdomen, a feeling of pressure in your pelvic area, and a strong urge to urinate despite having just done so.
Treatment varies depending on the severity of the infection. In some cases, antibiotics can be prescribed. If antibiotics are not necessary, drinking plenty of fluids and taking over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen may help relieve the symptoms. In any case, it is important that you speak to a doctor to discuss your symptoms and treatment options.
Moreover, cleansing the bladder with a warm water douche can help reduce infection. This is because the warm water helps cleanse and dilute the bacteria in the bladder, thus reducing your risk for infection.
So, it is important to drink plenty of water – even more than usual if you have a UTI – and be mindful of your caffeine intake.
How to Prevent UTIs
The best way to reduce your risk of UTIs is to take preventative measures. These include drinking plenty of fluids, wiping from front to back after using the bathroom, urinating frequently, and avoiding the use of perfumed products near the vaginal area, such as sprays and scented toilet paper.
Good hygiene is extremely important. Be sure to shower regularly and wear clean, comfortable, breathable underwear. Avoid tight-fitting underwear, as it can trap bacteria in moist areas, thus increasing your risk of infection. Change out of wet clothing as soon as possible as this can also help prevent UTIs.
Women may find it beneficial to use a spermicide, as it can help kill bacteria that cause UTIs. Diaphragms and condoms may also protect against UTIs by preventing bacteria from entering the urinary tract.
Coffee and Other Health Concerns
While drinking too much coffee can increase your risk of a UTI, is this the only health concern? Fortunately, the answer is no. Coffee can, however, have other negative side effects. These include dehydration and increased levels of anxiety.
Caffeine is a diuretic, therefore it will increase the amount of fluids leaving your body, which in turn can lead to dehydration. When your body is dehydrated, your ability to concentrate and focus decrease, as well as your physical performance.
Another potential issue is the fact that caffeine is a stimulant. People who drink too much coffee may feel nervous, shaky, and anxious. These feelings are the result of overstimulation, as caffeine causes your nervous system to “rev up”.
Moreover, caffeine can also interfere with your sleep patterns. It not only makes you feel awake, but it also triggers adrenaline and dopamine, two hormones which “excite” your body. Because of this, you may feel wired, restless, and unable to sleep. Additionally, caffeine can raise your heart rate and blood pressure, leading to headaches and difficulty sleeping.
Caffeine Withdrawal
People who drink a lot of coffee or caffeinated beverages may experience caffeine withdrawal when they try to quit. Symptoms can include headaches, fatigue, irritability and feeling sick to your stomach. The withdrawals typically start 6-12 hours after your last cup and can last up to two weeks, depending on your level of tolerance.
The best way to avoid withdrawal symptoms is to reduce your consumption gradually rather than stopping all at once. Also, be sure to drink plenty of fluids and get enough rest. Additionally, support from friends and family can be beneficial as well.
Coffee and UTIs – The Bottom Line
In conclusion, drinking too much coffee can increase your risk of a urinary tract infection. To protect against UTIs, maintain good hygiene, drink plenty of fluids, and avoid excessive caffeine consumption. Additionally, practice safe sex, wear clean, breathable underwear and wipe from front to back after using the bathroom. Be mindful of the other potential side effects, including dehydration and difficulty sleeping. If you want to reduce caffeine intake, do it gradually to avoid withdrawal symptoms. And, as always, speak to a doctor if you experience persistent UTI symptoms.
