The urinary tract plays a crucial role in ensuring the body can eliminate excess fluids and toxins.
In some cases, bacteria or other pathogenic micro organisms may attach to a part of the urinary system.
This then causes the development of an infection.
While urinary tract infections are more common among the female population, men can also develop this condition.
Research shows the risk for a UTI increases as a man grows older. The lifetime prevalence is up to 14%.
We decided to take a closer look at whether or not apple cider vinegar for UTI is something that should be considered.
What Is Apple Cider Vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar has become quite popular recently, even though it has been used for many years. This is vinegar that manufacturers produce by fermenting an apple cider.
The apple cider is made from apples. People have been using apple cider vinegar in folk medicine for centuries, and it has been shown to produce many potential health benefits.
Due to the surge in the popularity of apple cider vinegar, many scientific studies have also turned their focus to this natural option for people with various health conditions.
Currently, there is evidence that apple cider vinegar has the potential to assist in the management of diabetes. Some evidence also suggests that using apple cider vinegar may help to speed up the weight loss process.
While some studies have produced positive results and evidence, many areas associated with apple cider vinegar in the treatment of health conditions remain limited. This includes apple cider vinegar for UTI.
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What Is A UTI?
A urinary tract infection is a type of infectious disease that affects part of the urinary system. The urinary tract itself is responsible for carrying urine out of the body. The term “urinary tract infection” refers to any part of the urinary system that becomes infected with a pathogenic microorganism.
Some of the most common parts that are generally infected when a man is diagnosed with a UTI include the bladder, urethra, and kidneys. Among these, infections of the urethra are particularly common compared to the other types of UTIs.
The urethra is a small tube that runs from the bladder and carries urine outside the body. The tube runs through the penis.
A urinary tract infection can originate in one part of the urinary system, then spread to other parts if it is not properly treated. For example, a UTI that starts in the urethra may begin to spread toward the bladder if the patient is not careful and utilizes appropriate treatment options to eliminate the infection.
Can Apple Cider Vinegar Help UTIs?
Several publications claim apple cider vinegar is an effective treatment for urinary tract infections. The idea here is that the chemicals that are part of apple cider vinegar will run through the body and end up in the urinary tract, where it can work on the bacteria or other microorganisms that are present.
The truth, however, is that apple cider vinegar is not considered the best natural treatment for an active urinary tract infection. There is no conclusive evidence that shows apple cider vinegar effectively treats a urinary tract infection and eliminates the pathogens causing the infectious disease.
There is, however, some evidence that shows apple cider vinegar may have a beneficial effect on the presence of bacteria in other parts of the body.
One study suggests that the use of apple cider vinegar could hold potential for Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, and Escherichia coli, also known as E Coli, particularly due to the inclusion of acetic acid in the vinegar. This means ACV helps to eliminate harmful bacteria.
Another study tested the effects of apple cider vinegar and the active chemicals in the liquid solution against five bacterium species responsible for various infectious diseases. These do not, however, show that apple cider vinegar will treat the common bacteria that is associated with a UTI.
With this said, note that the use of apple cider vinegar could hold the potential for reducing the risk of recurring infections. If a man has frequent urinary tract infections, he could consider introducing apple cider vinegar into his life on a daily basis.
Just a small amount of apple cider vinegar can be added to water, green tea, or even unsweetened cranberry juice.
It is important to note that raw and unfiltered apple cider vinegar may also be a source of vitamin C. The vitamin C content also serves as a powerful antioxidant, making it a good home remedy for people with recurrent UTI.
There are some cases where the use of ACV should be limited. The natural remedy is not recommended for people with an existing kidney infection. It is also generally advised not to drink undiluted apple cider vinegar, but rather to add it to lemon juice or perhaps tea.
Other Natural Remedies For UTIs
Other natural remedies have also been suggested for a urinary tract infection. However, it is important to note that the majority of these remedies tend to provide a preventative option for future UTIs, instead of treating a currently active infection.
To facilitate faster elimination of the bacteria and pathogens causing the UTI, consuming a sufficient amount of fluids is highly advisable. Drinking enough water helps to flush out these pathogens at a faster rate.
It is also important for a man to ensure he gets enough vitamin C. It has been shown that vitamin C might also have a protective effect against urinary tract infections.
The most popular remedy, however, remains cranberry juice. This juice also mostly prevents UTI, as it helps prevent bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract walls.
In cases where a person has an active UTI, it is generally advised to visit a doctor to receive appropriate medication to treat the condition. Once the UTI has cleared up, natural remedies, such as apple cider vinegar, may help to prevent a recurrence. Prescribed antibiotics can help with current and recurrent infections.
Conclusion
The development of a urinary tract infection in men can lead to many unpleasant symptoms. Men should be cautious about the symptoms and ensure they take appropriate measures to avoid serious complications.
While apple cider vinegar has many health benefits, it may not be the most ideal natural treatment for an existing urinary tract infection.
Research does show that the use of this vinegar may be useful for preventing future occurrences of UTIs, however. Adding some apple cider vinegar to a diet may also produce additional health benefits.
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