Urinary tract infection is one of the most common urinary infections faced by women. While maintaining optimal hygiene is essential, it is equally important to understand how to balance urine pH to keep infections at bay. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Deepti Sureka, consultant female urologist, Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology, Hyderabad, said, “Maintaining a balanced urine pH is essential for optimal health of the urinary tract. An imbalanced pH can make the body more susceptible to infection, especially in the urinary tract. A healthy urine pH is usually between 4.5 and 8.0, depending on individual diet and health factors. Read this also Urinary Tract Infection: Symptoms, Lifestyle Changes That Can Help Prevent UTIs
What is urine pH?
Dr. Deepti Sureka explains, “Urine pH refers to the level of acidity or alkalinity in urine. A balanced pH helps maintain healthy kidney and bladder function, reduces the risk of stone formation, and creates an environment that prevents bacterial growth. Fluctuations in urine pH can be caused by factors such as diet, hydration levels, stress or existing medical conditions.
Tips to Balance Urine pH Naturally:
The urologist further shared tips on how we can maintain a healthy urine pH:
stay hydrated:Drinking enough water is one of the simplest and most effective ways to control urine pH. Adequate hydration flushes out toxins and prevents accumulation of acidic waste in the body. Aim to drink 8-10 glasses of water daily.
Include alkaline foods in your diet: Include citrus fruits and green leafy vegetables in your diet. These foods help neutralize acidity and support healthy urine pH. Read this also Urinary Tract Infection: Common Causes of UTI and Ways to Avoid Infection
avoid acidic beverages: Reduce your intake of coffee, tea, carbonated drinks and alcohol, as these can increase urine acidity. Replace these with herbal teas or infused waters for a better balance.
Use Natural Detoxifiers: Lemon water and apple cider vinegar are excellent natural detoxifiers. While they are acidic in nature, they have an alkaline effect on the body when metabolized.
Opt for probiotics: Probiotics found in yogurt, kefir or supplements promote a healthy balance of good bacteria in the urinary tract, reducing the risk of infection and balancing pH levels.
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Tips to Follow for Prevention:
“UTIs are a common condition that can be painful and disruptive. They often occur when harmful bacteria multiply in the urinary tract. By adopting preventive measures, the risk of developing UTI can be significantly reduced,” said Dr Deepti Sureka, as she listed some precautionary steps we can take. Read this also Do’s and Don’ts for UTI Prevention
- Practice good hydration habits
- maintain personal hygiene
- wear breathable underwear
- reduce sugar intake
- Include Cranberry Juice
- Avoid harsh products
“Although natural remedies and preventive measures are effective, persistent symptoms such as frequent urination, lower abdominal pain, blood in the urine, burning and painful urination, or cloudy urine should not be ignored. If this happens, immediately consult a urologist for diagnosis and treatment,” the expert said. Read this also UTI in Women: Effective Tips to Deal with Urinary Tract Infection
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you may have about a medical condition.
