Frequent Urination & Vinegar
Dealing with frequent urination can inhibit your lifestyle, since needing to be near a bathroom all the time is inconvenient.
Dealing with frequent urination can inhibit your lifestyle, since needing to be near a bathroom all the time is inconvenient. Though vinegar is a home remedy for many conditions, including bladder infections and urinary incontinence, drinking vinegar may cause more harm than good when it comes to treating frequent urination.
Causes of Frequent Urination
Frequent urination is caused by a myriad of conditions, including urinary incontinence, bladder infection or cystitis, according to Medline Plus. Likewise, taking certain medications such as diuretics can cause frequent urination, as well.
Antibacterial Effects of Vinegar
Vinegar tastes highly acidic but it becomes alkaline once it enters the body. According to Earl Mindell, M.D., author of "Dr. Earl Mindell's Amazing Apple Cider Vinegar," vinegar can kill bacteria because of its alkalinity. Bacteria typically thrive in acidic environments. Mindell suggests drinking vinegar and water to treat bladder infections -- a prime cause of frequent urination -- to create an environment that is inhospitable to bacteria.
Vinegar as Diuretic
Unfortunately, vinegar may actually cause frequent urination in some cases. According to Health Services at Columbia, vinegar can act as a diuretic in the body, meaning it flushes out accumulated water and makes you need to urinate more often. If you currently take diuretics, it is best not to drink vinegar as you may experience an increase in this symptom.
Bladder Irritation
If you have an overactive bladder, a condition that causes chronic bladder irritation and an increased need to urinate, drinking vinegar could worsen your condition. According to the Cleveland Clinic, vinegar may irritate the bladder, causing you to feel like you need to urinate more often. If you have an overactive bladder, eliminate vinegar from your diet, Cleveland Clinic advises.