From the Guidelines
Apple cider vinegar is not effective for treating bacterial urinary tract infections (UTIs) and should not be used as a substitute for proper antibiotic treatment. UTIs require antibiotic treatment prescribed by a healthcare provider, such as nitrofurantoin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, or fosfomycin, typically for 3-7 days depending on the specific infection 1. While some people claim apple cider vinegar can help due to its acidic properties, there is no scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness against the bacteria that cause UTIs. The acidity of apple cider vinegar is not strong enough to kill bacteria in the urinary tract, and it may actually irritate the bladder further.
Some key points to consider when treating UTIs include:
- The use of first-line therapy, such as nitrofurantoin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, or fosfomycin, dependent on the local antibiogram 1
- The importance of considering antimicrobial resistance patterns when selecting empirical therapy 1
- The need for timely use of an agent with in vitro activity to treat pyelonephritis and minimize progression 1
If you suspect you have a UTI (symptoms include burning during urination, frequent urination, cloudy urine, or lower abdominal pain), you should seek medical attention promptly. Untreated UTIs can lead to serious kidney infections. While waiting for treatment, drinking plenty of water may help flush bacteria, but this is not a substitute for antibiotics. Proper antibiotic treatment is essential to effectively treat UTIs and prevent complications, and should be guided by a healthcare provider based on the most recent and highest quality evidence available 1.
From the Research
Effectiveness of Apple Cider Vinegar in Treating Bacterial UTIs
- There is no direct evidence from the provided studies that supports the use of apple cider vinegar in treating bacterial urinary tract infections (UTIs) 2, 3, 4, 5.
- The studies focus on antibiotic treatments and guidelines for UTIs, highlighting the importance of adequate antibiotic therapy based on the stratification of UTIs into complicated and uncomplicated, as well as upper and lower infections 2, 3, 4.
- Alternative therapeutic options to antibiotics, such as vaccines, small compounds, nutraceuticals, immunomodulating agents, probiotics, and bacteriophages, have been explored, but none of these studies mention apple cider vinegar as a potential treatment for UTIs 6.
- Some studies suggest that certain non-antibiotic therapies, like Lactobacillus-containing products and cranberry products in conjunction with propolis, may have promising results in preventing or treating UTIs, but more research is needed to confirm their efficacy 6.