Does Dehydration Cause UTI: Unveil the Truth
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) occurs when the infection-causing bacteria affects the urinary tract causing inflammation and discomfort.
There are many causes and risk factors that contribute to the symptoms of UTI, and drinking less water is one of them.
Dehydration is not the primary cause of UTI. However, it may contribute to bacterial growth in the urinary tract and elevate the risk of UTIs.
Therefore, staying hydrated and intaking more fluids can be a preventive measure for UTIs due to dehydration.
In this article, we will understand does dehydration cause UTIs and the need to rehydrate your body to eliminate the bacteria naturally.
Does dehydration cause UTIs
Dehydration is the lack of fluids in the body and may elevate the chances of getting UTIs in people.
According to NCBI, UTIs caused due to dehydration can also cause acute kidney injury and hospital admission.
However, researchers have mixed reactions to whether dehydration can cause UTIs.
How can dehydration cause UTI
Dehydration may result in UTI in the following ways:
Infrequent urination
Dehydration occurs when a person intakes less water than the body’s requirement.
As a result, there is a significant decline in the frequency of urination, and the person may not naturally flush out the infectious bacteria.
It enables bacteria to stay in the bladder for longer and cause UTIs.
Concentrated urine
Dehydration results in concentrated and less urine formation.
Also, concentrated urine is an ideal medium for bacterial growth as the bacteria increase in number and cause infections in the urinary tract.
How hydration can help with UTIs
Drinking adequate water is advised to treat UTIs caused due to dehydration.
According to NCBI, less fluid intake can cause concentrated and infrequent urine. This can encourage bacterial growth in the bladder and cause UTIs.
However, naturally increasing fluid intake in the body (water and fluid riched fruits and vegetables) can create an unsuitable environment for bacterial growth. Hence, it prevents UTIs.
Further, it results in frequent and high-volume urination and naturally flush out the infection-causing bacteria.
How much fluid should you drink daily to prevent dehydration and UTI
There are some recommended amounts of water a person should take. you should take water based on your age and the amount of water recommended.
The recommended amounts are as follows:
- 1-3 years: 4 cups
- 4-8 years: 5 cups
- 9-13 years: 5 to 6 cups
- 14-18 years: 6 to 8 cups
- Women above 19 years: 9 cups
- Men above 19 years: 13 cups
You should consult your doctor to know more about your fluid intake.
Creative ways to re-hydrate and treat UTIs
If you are among the people who want to meet their water requirement from different and tasty sources, here are a few creative ways to re-hydrate your body and treat UTIs naturally:
Coconut water
Coconut water is an abundant source of water (94%) that can hydrate the body and has diuretic properties that increase the frequency of urination.
Therefore, it naturally flushes out bacteria.
Eat more fruits and vegetables
You can increase your water intake by adding fluid-enriched fruits and vegetables, such as watermelon, with 92% water content.
These fruits can keep your body hydrated by meeting fluid intake requirements.
Some others include strawberry (91%), cucumber (96), cabbage, lettuce, and spinach in vegetables having 90-99% water content.
Conclusion
Dehydration is not a primary factor leading to UTI. However, it can result in bacterial growth in the urinary tract and cause UTIs.
When the body is dehydrated, it does not function properly to fight the infection-causing bacteria and flush them out.
Moreover, dehydration can result in less urine formation, infrequent urination, and bladder issues that may elevate the risk factors of UTIs.
On the other hand, drinking adequate water can increase urination frequency and help flush out the bacteria naturally.
An adult man can take 13 cups, and an adult woman can take 9 cups of water daily to prevent dehydration and risks of UTIs.
Moreover, you can meet the water need with some alternate sources, such as coconut water and fluid-enriched fruits and vegetables.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I get a UTI if I don’t drink enough water?
Drinking less water cause dehydration in the body. Dehydration is associated with causing UTIs. Less water intake results in infrequent urination and does not let the body flush out the infection-causing bacteria naturally. It also enables bacteria to stay in the bladder and grow to cause infection.
Why does dehydration affect the urinary tract?
When dehydration occurs, the body may not flush out the infection-causing bacteria due to less urine formation and urination. Also, the concentrated urine act as an ideal medium for the bacteria to grow. It lives in the bladder and increases in number, causing infection in the urinary tract.
Does hydration help UTI?
Yes, according to NCBI, naturally increasing water intake can prevent UTIs. Hydration creates an unsuitable environment for bacterial growth in the bladder, and frequent urination flushes off the bacteria naturally. Not drinking water may lead to concentrated urine and infrequent urination, causing UTIs.
How much water does it take to flush out a UTI?
The recommended water intake depends on the age of the individual with UTI. An adult man can take 13 cups of water, whereas an adult woman can take 9 cups. Moreover, children can take 4 to 5 cups to meet their daily water requirements.
How can I protect myself from UTI?
You can protect yourself from UTIs by drinking adequate water daily. It will make the bladder unsuitable for bacterial growth and stop its multiplication. Further, hydration will increase your frequency of urination, and the infection-causing bacteria will get naturally flushed out.
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