Apple Cider Vinegar for UTIs

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has been a staple in many household remedies for a variety of ailments. While there’s no definitive scientific proof that it can prevent or cure a urinary tract infection (UTI), it might offer certain supportive effects.

Apple cider vinegar is produced by fermenting apple cider into an acidic liquid.

Lately, ACV has been promoted as a panacea. Many of these assertions, however, are overstated and lack solid scientific backing.

Research on ACV has yielded encouraging findings in areas like blood sugar control. Animal studies also indicate potential benefits for weight loss. Evidence for other claimed uses, such as treating UTIs, is sparse.

Although vinegar demonstrates antimicrobial activity in some studies, most of that work has focused on its role in preserving food rather than treating infections in humans.

Symptoms of a UTI

A urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when microbes infect any part of the urinary tract — the kidneys, bladder, urethra, or ureters. Most infections involve the lower urinary tract: the bladder and urethra.

UTIs can cause discomfort and bothersome urinary changes. Because bacteria most often cause them, antibiotics are commonly used for treatment. UTIs are more frequent in people with a vagina.

Typical symptoms of a UTI include:

• a stinging or burning feeling during urination
• pain associated with urination or the urge to urinate
• urinating more often than usual
• the need to urinate despite an apparently empty bladder
• blood appearing in the urine
• urine that smells unpleasant
• pressure or cramping in the lower abdomen or groin

If untreated, a UTI can ascend to the kidneys and cause:

• fever
• shivering
• pain in the lower back
• flank pain
• nausea
• vomiting

Older adults with complex UTIs may present with confusion or delirium.

Does apple cider vinegar have benefits for UTIs?

It’s possible ACV could play a role in reducing the risk of future UTIs, but do not rely on it to treat an active infection.

Although ACV exhibits antibacterial and antifungal traits in some studies, there’s no conclusive evidence that consuming it can successfully cure or prevent UTIs. In fact, many experts don’t believe dietary changes alone can prevent or resolve a UTI.

Don’t let a UTI progress to the kidneys — that can be dangerous. Seek evaluation from a healthcare provider.

A clinician can analyze your urine to determine whether bacteria, a virus, or a fungus is responsible for the infection. Once the cause is identified, appropriate therapy can be prescribed.

Antibiotics are typically required when bacteria cause a UTI. Follow your prescriber’s directions and complete the full course.

Inappropriate or excessive use of antibiotics contributes to global antibiotic resistance and can disrupt your gut microbiome.

While ACV won’t treat your UTI, it may offer other health advantages, and including it in your diet in moderation is usually safe. Below are some ways people commonly use ACV.

Possible remedies and uses for apple cider vinegar

1. Mix ACV into cranberry juice

Stir 1 to 2 tablespoons of raw, unfiltered ACV into a glass of unsweetened cranberry juice. Cranberry juice is a popular natural approach to UTI prevention.

Although trials indicate cranberries aren’t a cure for UTIs, they might help reduce recurrence in people with vaginas who experience frequent infections.

2. Dilute ACV in water

Add 1 teaspoon of ACV to an 8-ounce glass of water and sip several times a day. Increasing fluid intake promotes urination, which can help flush out bacteria.

3. Use ACV as a salad dressing

Combine raw, unfiltered ACV with olive oil for a tangy dressing. Add a teaspoon of honey if you prefer a sweeter note. This won’t directly treat a UTI, but it pairs well with hearty salads featuring root vegetables and winter squash.

4. Add ACV to herbal tea

Try adding 1 tablespoon of ACV to a cinnamon-spiced herbal tea. The spices can make ACV easier to tolerate; a little honey helps, too.

Swap this drink for morning coffee or sugary sodas, since caffeine can irritate the bladder and worsen UTI symptoms.

5. Portable ACV shots

You can buy to-go ACV shots, like those from Ethan’s, to sip while you’re out. Remember that most UTIs require antibiotics — schedule a visit with your primary care provider or a reproductive health clinic for testing and treatment.

Pros and cons of apple cider vinegar

ACV has been used for generations, and potential benefits may include:

• Blood sugar management: A review of small trials found reductions in blood glucose for people consuming ACV for 8–12 weeks.
• Weight reduction: One small study suggested ACV taken with a low-calorie diet enhanced weight loss versus diet alone.
• Lipid improvements: The same weight-loss study observed lower triglycerides and total cholesterol in the ACV group.
• Antifungal effects: A case report described topical ACV use in the mouth clearing a stubborn fungal infection in someone with type 2 diabetes.

However, ACV has downsides. Its acidity can erode tooth enamel and irritate or damage the throat if consumed undiluted. Applying ACV directly to skin can cause severe burns and irritation, according to the National Capital Poison Center (NCPC). It can also harm the eyes, so take extreme care if you use ACV topically.

Topical application may lead to skin burns and irritation.

Risks and potential complications of apple cider vinegar

Because ACV is highly acidic, avoid applying it to skin undiluted. Never use it on the skin without diluting first.

Is it safe to drink?

Consuming small amounts of ACV is generally safe, but drinking it straight can damage your throat and contribute to tooth enamel erosion. Reports of throat burns are rare but possible.

If you choose to drink ACV, use a straw and rinse your mouth afterward to reduce the risk of enamel damage.

Diluting ACV in water makes it gentler on teeth and throat. Mix 1–2 tablespoons (15–30 ml) of ACV into 8 ounces (237 ml) of water for a milder solution. Note that the acidity contributes to many of ACV’s effects, so avoid mixing it with substances that neutralize acid and diminish its potential benefits.

Other tips for preventing UTIs

No method guarantees UTI prevention, but the following habits may help reduce risk:

• Drink ample fluids, including water, tea, and juice. Also eat water-rich foods like watermelon, salads, and broth-based soups.
• Don’t delay urination; holding urine allows bacteria to multiply.
• Avoid bladder irritants such as caffeine, alcohol, artificial sweeteners, and very spicy foods.
• Wipe front to back after using the toilet to minimize bacterial spread.
• Wash the genital area before intercourse to lower the chance of bacteria entering the urethra.
• Urinate soon after sex to help flush out any introduced bacteria.
• Consider a daily probiotic supplement to support a healthy microbial balance.
• Steer clear of douches, perfumed soaps, or scented feminine products that can irritate the urethra and bladder.
• Discuss birth control options with your clinician, as some methods may alter bacterial balance unfavorably.

For related guidance, you might also read about apple cider vinegar for hemorrhoids.

When to see your doctor

Contact your healthcare provider as soon as you notice UTI signs or symptoms. These commonly include:

• a strong, persistent urge to urinate
• a burning sensation during urination
• frequent, small-volume urination
• cloudy or foul-smelling urine
• urine that is pink, red, or brownish
• pelvic pain in people with vaginas

Lower UTIs are typically straightforward to treat with prescribed medications. Your clinician may also provide a medication to ease burning while urinating.

If left untreated, UTIs can cause serious problems, including:

• recurrent infections
• kidney injury
• sepsis

Frequently asked questions about apple cider vinegar

What is the fastest way to cure a UTI naturally?

There is no surefire quick natural cure for a UTI; antibiotics are often necessary. However, some home measures may relieve symptoms, such as:

• Drinking large amounts of fluids to help flush bacteria — aim for about an extra liter above your usual intake.
• Consuming cranberries or unsweetened cranberry juice. While evidence is mixed, some small studies suggest cranberries may help reduce UTI risk.
• Wearing loose, breathable clothing made from natural fibers to avoid trapping moisture.
• Taking a probiotic supplement and considering ongoing use to prevent future infections.

Can you flush a UTI?

Increasing fluid intake can help flush bacteria from the urinary tract or lower the chance of getting an infection. A study showed that adding 1.5 liters of water daily reduced the likelihood of developing UTIs.

If you suspect a UTI, drink more water, tea, fruit juice, and soup, and avoid diuretics like coffee and alcohol. Still, see your doctor to confirm the diagnosis and begin antibiotics if needed.

How long does a UTI last?

With appropriate antibiotics, most people see symptom improvement within 2 to 4 days. Unfortunately, up to about one in three will have a recurrence, especially older adults or people with kidney stones.

Is apple cider vinegar really effective in helping a UTI?

Some research indicates ACV has antibacterial and antifungal qualities, but there’s no solid evidence that drinking it will reliably treat or prevent UTIs. Most experts do not believe diet alone can prevent or cure a UTI.

Do not use ACV as your sole therapy. If you try ACV for symptom relief, also seek medical care — especially for severe signs like difficulty urinating, fever, or bloody urine, which could signal a kidney infection requiring urgent treatment.

Can I use apple cider vinegar while pregnant?

There’s no conclusive research proving ACV safe or unsafe during pregnancy, but evidence advises caution with unpasteurized products. Contamination with bacteria such as Listeria, Salmonella, or Toxoplasma can cause serious infections.

If pregnant, choose pasteurized ACV or consume unpasteurized ACV only when it’s been cooked into a dish. Keep in mind pasteurization reduces some probiotic benefits, so you might opt for safer probiotic supplements instead.

The takeaway

Apple cider vinegar may offer several health benefits, but it is not a reliable cure for UTIs.

If you suspect a UTI, see your healthcare provider. A short course of appropriate medication usually eases symptoms within a few days.