Many suggest that changing your diet—avoiding some foods while optimising your intake of others—can help treat or prevent recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs). However, not all of these claims are backed by solid scientific evidence, leaving people wondering if their diet can really influence UTI risk.Can Your Diet Help Prevent or Treat UTIs?The idea that diet plays a significant role in UTI prevention or treatment is widely circulated online. However, current research does not strongly support the idea that what you eat or drink can independently increase or reduce your risk of UTIs.Some studies have suggested that certain dietary patterns may influence UTI risk, but this area of research is still limited. For instance, there is no strong evidence that specific foods or beverages can directly affect the duration or severity of a UTI.Research connecting diet to UTIs is limited, and dietary changes are not considered independent risk factors. However, certain dietary patterns may offer some protection.Do Certain Foods and Beverages Influence UTI Risk?Some evidence suggests that plant-based diets may reduce UTI risk. A study conducted in 2020 on over 9,000 Buddhists found that vegetarians had a 16% lower risk of developing UTIs, particularly women. Researchers believe this might be because certain animal products like pork and poultry can harbor strains of E. coli, which are responsible for most UTIs. Vegetarians, by avoiding these animal products, may lower their exposure to this bacteria.Additionally, vegetarian diets can make urine less acidic, which helps prevent the growth of bacteria associated with UTIs. Red meat and other animal proteins can increase urine acidity, while fruits and vegetables make it more neutral, possibly contributing to a lower risk of infection.Vegetarian diets may lower UTI risk, possibly due to avoiding foods that harbor harmful bacteria and promoting a less acidic urinary environment.Beverages and UTI RiskSome drinks have been associated with an increased risk of UTIs. Older research links soda, especially cola, with higher UTI risk. Studies also suggest that coffee, alcohol, and carbonated drinks may irritate the bladder, worsening symptoms like frequent urination. Reducing intake of these drinks may relieve symptoms in some people, but more research is needed.Conversely, increasing water intake and consuming beverages like berry juice may lower UTI risk. Some studies found that increased hydration reduced UTI recurrence, especially in older adults.Drinking sodas and coffee may increase UTI risk, while staying hydrated with water or certain juices may help reduce recurrence.Lifestyle Tips to Reduce UTI RiskIn addition to dietary changes, certain lifestyle factors may help prevent UTIs. These include:Maintaining good hydrationAvoiding tight clothingUrinating after intercourseMinimizing the use of spermicidesHowever, lifestyle factors alone won’t always prevent UTIs, and it’s essential to see a healthcare provider for proper treatment if UTIs become frequent.While certain dietary changes, such as adopting a vegetarian diet and increasing water intake, may offer some protection against UTIs, the research is not yet conclusive. Removing bladder irritants like soda and coffee from your diet may help reduce symptoms, but it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider for recurrent infections to avoid complications.