Guide

Does Apple Cider Vinegar help Urinary Tract Infection?

Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, are a common health problem. They can affect your bladder, kidneys, and the tubes that carry urine. It's important to learn what causes UTIs, what the symptoms are, and how serious they can get. This helps you make smart choices about your health. Understanding UTIs: From Bladder to Kidneys A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is when germs infect any part of the urinary system. This includes the bladder, kidneys, and the tubes that carry urine. Where the infection happens matters, it helps doctors know how serious it is and how to treat it. There are two main kinds of UTIs: Lower UTI (Bladder Infection or Cystitis): This is the most common type. It affects the bladder and can be very uncomfortable. You might feel pain when you pee or feel like you need to pee all the time. Luckily, this type is usually easy to treat if caught early. A regular doctor or even a pharmacist can help. Upper UTI (Kidney Infection or Pyelonephritis): This type is more serious. It happens when a bladder infection isn’t treated and spreads up to the kidneys. A kidney infection can cause serious health problems, like permanent kidney damage or even a life-threatening illness called sepsis. The difference between these two types isn’t just about where they happen in the body. A kidney infection is much more dangerous and needs fast medical help. That’s why it’s so important to treat bladder infections quickly and not wait or try home remedies that haven’t been proven to work. Spotting the Symptoms: Knowing When a UTI Is Serious UTIs, or urinary tract infections, show up with signs that can help you figure out how serious they are and where they’re happening in your body. It’s important to know the difference between a simple bladder infection and a more serious kidney infection so you know when to get medical help right away. Signs of a Lower UTI (Bladder Infection): Feeling like you have to pee all the time. Pain or a burning feeling when you pee. Feeling like your bladder doesn’t empty all the way. Pain or pressure in your lower belly. Pee that looks cloudy, smells bad, or has blood in it (can look pink, red, or brown). Signs of an Upper UTI (Kidney Infection):  These are more serious and happen when the infection reaches the kidneys. You may have all the signs of a bladder infection plus: A high fever (38°C or 100.4°F or higher). Shaking or chills. Pain in your lower back or side. Nausea and throwing up. Some people don’t show the usual signs of a UTI. Older adults or people who use catheters might seem confused or act differently instead of having pain or fever. Children may have a fever, be cranky, not eat well, throw up, or start wetting the bed again. If someone has a fever and back pain along with other UTI symptoms, it could mean a kidney infection. This is serious and needs medical help right away. Apple Cider Vinegar and UTIs: What You Should Know Many people today look for natural ways to stay healthy, and apple cider vinegar (ACV) has become a popular home remedy. Some believe it can help with lots of problems, including urinary tract infections (UTIs). But just because a lot of people say something works doesn’t mean science agrees. Why Do People Use ACV for UTIs? Some people think ACV helps with UTIs because it contains acetic acid, which can kill germs in lab tests. The idea is that if you drink ACV, it might help fight off the bacteria—like E. coli, that usually cause UTIs. Others think ACV makes urine more acidic, which might make it harder for bacteria to grow. This theory sounds simple and makes sense to some people. Plus, many people like the idea of using natural remedies instead of antibiotics. That’s why the idea has spread, even though scientists haven’t proven it really works in people. What Does Science Say? UTIs are usually caused by bacteria and most often need antibiotics to get better. Even though ACV has been shown to kill bacteria in lab tests, there is no solid proof from real medical studies in humans that it cures or prevents UTIs. Some lab tests show that ACV can stop the growth of bacteria like E. coli and Klebsiella. But these tests were done in petri dishes, not in people. Experts say that even if ACV shows some promise in the lab, we can't count on it to treat UTIs in real life. ACV might slow down bacteria in the lab, but it is not a reliable treatment for UTIs. If you think you have a UTI, it’s important to see a doctor and get proper treatment, usually antibiotics. Drinking ACV is not a proven cure and should not replace medical care. What Evidence Says About ACV and UTIs? Scientists talk about two types of studies: "in vitro" (in the lab) and "in vivo" (in the body). This is important when we look at whether apple cider vinegar (ACV) can really help with urinary tract infections (UTIs). Lab (In Vitro) Results: Some lab tests show that ACV can slow down or stop the growth of harmful bacteria, like E. coli and Klebsiella, which are known to cause UTIs. These results sound promising, but they’re only from tests in petri dishes, not from actual people. Human (In Vivo) Results: Here’s the proble, no real human studies show that ACV can treat or prevent UTIs. Doctors and scientists agree that just because ACV works in a lab doesn’t mean it will work in the human body. Why Doesn’t It Work the Same in the Body? When you drink ACV, it gets mixed with saliva and stomach acid. Then your liver breaks it down. Your body also keeps your blood and urine at a steady pH, so it’s very hard for anything you eat or drink to change the acidity of your urine enough to kill bacteria. That means very little of the vinegar’s acid actually reaches your bladder. What Do the Experts Say? Health experts, including the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), say that ACV cannot cure UTIs. UTIs usually need antibiotics to go away. Relying on ACV or other home remedies instead of seeing a doctor can be risky. It might delay the right treatment, and a simple bladder infection can turn into a serious kidney infection if not treated properly. Always get medical help if you think you have a UTI. How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) for UTI Support? Some people use apple cider vinegar (ACV) at home to help with mild UTI symptoms or to keep their urinary tract healthy. Even though it doesn’t cure infections, ACV is sometimes added to drinks or foods as a natural way to feel better. Here are a few popular ways people use ACV: Mixed with water: Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of raw ACV to a glass (about 8 ounces) of water. You can drink this once or twice a day. With cranberry juice: Stir 1 to 2 tablespoons of ACV into unsweetened cranberry juice. Both are thought to help keep bacteria from growing. Quick ACV shot: Mix 1 tablespoon of ACV with 1 tablespoon of water or apple juice and drink it fast like a shot. In tea or salad: Add ACV to a warm herbal or green tea, maybe with a little honey. You can also use it in a simple salad dressing (like ¼ cup ACV and ⅓ cup olive oil). ACV bath: Add about 2 cups of ACV to warm bathwater. Soak in it for 15 to 20 minutes. This may help with itching or irritation on the outside, but it won't treat an internal infection. No matter which method you try, always drink lots of water during the day. It helps flush your system and may support healing. Most importantly, if you have symptoms like burning when you pee, needing to pee all the time, fever, or blood in your urine, you should see a doctor. UTIs usually need antibiotics to fully go away. ACV might help a little, but it’s not a real treatment by itself. Liquid vs. Gummy: Which Apple Cider Vinegar Is Better for You? When it comes to using apple cider vinegar (ACV), people usually choose between the liquid form and gummies. Each has its own pros and cons. Liquid ACV: This is the classic form. It has more of the active ingredient called acetic acid, which means it's stronger and works faster in your body. It’s also cheaper per serving. But it tastes very sour and strong, and you need to mix it with water so it doesn’t hurt your teeth or throat. Because of the taste, some people stop using it. ACV Gummies: Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies taste good and are easy to take every day. They’re also gentler on your teeth and stomach. The downside? Each gummy has much less ACV than the liquid. You might need to eat 3 to 6 gummies to get the same amount as 1 tablespoon of liquid ACV. Plus, they often have extra sugar and flavoring to taste like candy. So, which is better? If you can handle the taste, liquid ACV gives you more power in one serving. But if taste is a problem, gummies might help you stick with it longer, even though you’re getting less ACV and more sugar. What’s in the Gummies Besides ACV? To make gummies more appealing, companies often add vitamins or tiny amounts of "superfoods." For example, some have vitamins like B9 and B12, which help with energy and the immune system. Others may include small amounts of fruits and veggies like pomegranate, beetroot, or turmeric. These extras might sound exciting, but the amounts are usually very small. For instance, a gummy may have just 40 micrograms of pomegranate powder, while studies showing benefits use hundreds of milligrams. That means you'd have to eat a huge number of gummies to get any real effect. Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies (An Easy Option) If you don’t like the strong taste of liquid apple cider vinegar, gummies might be a better choice. These chewy supplements usually give you 500 mg of ACV in a tasty, easy-to-eat form. Many also include helpful vitamins. Here are a few popular brands: Goli Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies - Each serving has 500 mg of ACV plus vitamin B12. Goli says B12 helps turn food into energy and supports your immune system and heart. They also say these gummies help with energy and protect the body with antioxidants. LIVS Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies - These are vegan and gluten-free. Each serving gives you 500 mg of ACV plus ginger and herbal extracts. LIVS claims their gummies help with digestion and metabolism and may reduce inflammation. They also add fiber and prebiotics for gut health and nutrients like vitamin C and zinc to boost your immune system. Zahler Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies - These are kosher and vegan and made with raw ACV that includes the “mother” (a natural part of ACV). Zahler says their gummies help with digestion and overall health. They don’t have common allergens and offer a tasty way to get ACV benefits. Zaytun Halal Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies - These gummies are halal-certified and come with 500 mg of raw ACV per 2-gummy serving. They also contain B6, B12, and folic acid. Zaytun says their gummies help with digestion, blood sugar control, and energy, without the strong vinegar smell or taste. These ACV gummies make it easier to enjoy the benefits of apple cider vinegar without having to drink it. Just remember to follow the label directions (usually 1-2 gummies a day). While these supplements might support your health, they can’t cure infections like UTIs. Gummies are just a simpler, tastier way to take ACV every day, and you can find them at Med Paid, your go-to shop for HSA/FSA-eligible wellness products. Feature Goli Nutrition LIVS Zahler (Chapter Six) Zaytun Vitamins ACV per Serving 1000 mg in 2 gummies Between 500 mg to 1500 mg in 2 gummies 250 mg in 1 gummy 500 mg in 2 gummies Extra Nutrients Vitamins B9 & B12, plus pomegranate and beetroot Vitamin B12; some kinds also have ginger, turmeric, and probiotics Some versions include ginger extract Vitamins B6, B12, and folate Sweeteners Cane sugar and tapioca syrup (4g of sugar in 2 gummies) Sugar and tapioca-based syrup Cane sugar and tapioca syrup (2g sugar per gummy) Natural sweeteners and flavors Certifications Vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free, kosher Vegan, organic, gluten-free, halal, kosher Kosher, non-GMO, gluten-free, some vegan options Halal, vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free Main Message "Taste the Apple. Not the Vinegar." Good for energy, immunity, and heart health. Helps your stomach and digestion. May help with weight too. "Gummies for GrownUps." Good for digestion and health. Kosher-friendly. "With the Mother." Focuses on digestion and fits a halal diet. What People Say Tastes good and can help you feel less hungry. Some people say they melt or upset their stomach. Tastes good and helps with bloating. Not as well-known as Goli. People like the taste and say it helps with digestion, even though it has less ACV. People like it, especially because it follows halal rules.