Is Taking Vitamin C For UTI Helpful?

Urinary Tract Infection or UTI generally affects the urethra, kidneys, bladder, and ureter. The main cause behind UTI is bacteria but at times, it can be fungi as well. UTI can infect anyone but women are more prone to it. There are antibiotics to treat Urinary Tract Infections. However, studies show that intake of certain minerals and vitamins for UTI prevention and cure is also an effective line of treatment. Did you know that Vitamin C for UTI, in particular, works wonders? Read on to find out how. 

How Vitamin C for UTI Works?

Vitamin C is known to be quite effective when suffering from UTI or even when you feel you are at risk of UTI. This is because Vitamin C prevents the onset of bacterial growth by making urine more acidic. A daily supplement of Vitamin C for UTI treatment between 500 mg and 1000mg may prove to be beneficial in warding off Urinary Tract Infections.

You can also consume food sources rich in Vitamin C. Some of these are: 

1. Strawberries
2. Blackberries
3. Oranges
4. Kiwis
5. Lemon
6. Green Leafy Vegetables
7. Grapefruit

Vitamin C for UTI During Pregnancy

UTI  is the second most common disease during pregnancy. Its symptoms start from mild discomfort or mild pain to a state that it becomes an annoyance. The frequency of UTI is higher in pregnant females due to many changes that occur during pregnancy. It is suggested that pregnant women suffering from UTI require immediate medical attention.

Daily intake of 100mg of Vitamin C for UTI is required in the treatment of pregnant women. For childbearing women, additional vitamin C is required in case they come from regions where people are highly prone to urinary infections.

Vitamin C has shown powerful possibilities in the treatment of UTI in expecting mothers. Many doctors prescribe antibiotics but due to the likelihood of developing resistance, other safer alternatives should be looked into.

Vitamin C has shown promising benefits in both mother and baby. When Vitamin C is taken in the form of fruits, vegetables, and supplements, it results in increasing the acidity in the urine, which in turn, wards off urinary infections.

Other Vitamins for UTI Prevention

Here are some other vitamins for UTI that play a significant role in preventing this problem: 

1. Vitamin D 

There have been studies that link pregnant women with Vitamin D deficiency to be more prone to Urinary Tract Infection. This is because Vitamin D has a powerful role in governing the immune system. It, therefore, plays an important role in preventing infection related to Urinary Tract Infections. It plays a regulatory role in the severe and repeated occurrence of Urinary Tract Infections in women of childbearing age. Hence, vitamin D is the recommended Vitamin for UTI prevention.

Sources of Vitamin D:

1. Sunshine
2. Egg Yolks
3. Oily fish such as sardines, mackerel, salmon and herring.
4. Fortified cereals such as breakfast cereals and fat spreads.
5. Liver
6. Red Meat

2. Vitamin E 

Vitamin E aids UTI treatment and is one of the most effective supporting vitamins for UTI healing. Studies have shown that when Vitamin E is prescribed along with antibiotics to treat UTI, the recovery is much faster as compared to when antibiotics alone are prescribed. 

Sources of Vitamin E:

1. Nuts and Seeds
2. Plant oils such as sunflower oil, corn oil, soy oil, and olive oil
3. Wheatgerm

Diet for UTI Prevention and Cure

Here are some food items that you can try as an effective treatment apart from vitamins for UTI prevention and cure. 

1. Cranberries

There have been findings suggesting that cranberries stop the adherence of bacteria to the inner surface of the urinary bladder. Cranberries have ingredients (A-type proanthocyanidins) that can prevent E.coli bacteria from sticking to the bladder and dwell in the region. 

Cranberry also contains high amounts of Vitamin C for UTI prevention. You can add cranberries to your meals or consume unsweetened cranberry juice. However, it is best to avoid cranberry cocktails with added sugars and other juices as they are not beneficial for the prevention of UTI. Also, cranberry juice interferes with blood thinners, therefore, if you are on any medication for your heart health, it is best to consult your doctor before consuming this juice. 

A daily dose of 240-300 ml of cranberry juice can help reduce UTI symptoms by almost 50%.

2. Probiotics

Probiotics comprise good bacteria and inhibit the growth of bad bacteria (that can contribute to UTI). You can find probiotics in cheese, Greek yogurt, etc. You can also take probiotic supplements.

A group of probiotics called lactobacillus may help to cure UTI by giving rise to hydrogen peroxide in urine which is extremely antibacterial. They also help ward off unhealthy bacteria by not sticking to the walls of the urinary tract. Probiotics help minimise the PH of urine, thus, making adverse conditions for harmful bacteria to stay.

3. Blueberries

Blueberries share a similar composition to cranberries. Just like cranberries, blueberries also create a layer on the urinary tract, making it unsuitable for bacterial growth. You can add blueberries to your yogurt, smoothies, and salads.

4. D-Mannose

D-Mannose is a simple sugar similar to glucose and is a monosaccharide. D-Mannose helps break the periodic cycle of UTI and helps cure it faster. However, since D-Mannose is a type of sugar, diabetics should consult their doctors before consuming it. 

Conclusion

Urinary Tract Infection must never be ignored. It is common in women and if it does not go away on its own by increasing your water intake, make sure to consult your doctor immediately. Along with prescribed medication, try including Vitamin C for UTI healing as well as the other effective vitamins for UTI prevention. You can also make dietary additions to prevent and cure UTI. But never make the mistake of taking this ailment lightly.