Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
An infection in any part of the urinary system, most often the bladder. It commonly causes a burning feeling when urinating, a frequent urge to go, and cloudy or strong-smelling urine.
⚠ Seek medical attention if:
Fever, chills, back or side (flank) pain, nausea or vomiting, blood in the urine, or new confusion (especially in older adults) can signal a kidney infection or serious illness. Symptoms during pregnancy, in men, or in young children also need prompt review. Seek urgent care for these.
Lifestyle factors
Not drinking enough fluids, holding urine for long periods, certain contraceptives, sexual activity, and toileting hygiene; UTIs are more common in women
Nutritional factors
Low fluid intake that concentrates the urine; limited evidence suggests cranberry and good hydration may help prevent recurrences in some people
Possible medical causes
Bacteria (most often E. coli) entering the urinary tract, urinary catheters, kidney stones, an enlarged prostate, diabetes, and conditions that block urine flow
Next steps
See a GP or pharmacist if you have UTI symptoms, as many require antibiotic treatment. Seek urgent care for fever, back pain, blood in the urine, or symptoms in pregnancy, children, or men.
Related nutrients (1)
Vitamin C supports immune function; evidence for preventing UTIs is limited and it is not a treatment for an active infection
Food sources: Spinach (cooked) (~18 mg vitamin C per cup cooked), Ginkgo nuts (~15 mg per 30g), Chestnuts (~7 mg per 30g (unusually high for a nut)), Avocado (~10 mg per 100g), Onion (~6 mg per 80g (half an onion)), Garlic (~2.5 mg per 9g), Mint leaf (~3 mg per 10g), Thyme leaf (~4 mg per 3g fresh), Basil leaf (~2 mg per 10g), Potatoes (~20 mg per medium potato (with skin)), Sweet potatoes (~22 mg per medium), Corn (~10 mg per cup), Purple sweet potatoes (~20 mg per medium), Kimchi (~10 mg per 50g), Cassava (~20 mg per 100g cooked), Sauerkraut (~7 mg per 50g), Yam (~12 mg per 100g cooked)
Supplement categories (2)
Some evidence that certain probiotics may help prevent recurrent UTIs in some people; not a treatment for an active infection
Cautions: Caution in severely immunocompromised individuals or critical illness due to rare infection risk
Supports immune function; evidence for UTI prevention is limited and it does not treat an active infection
Cautions: Caution in people prone to kidney stones due to an oxalate metabolite
Related symptoms
Educational information only — not medical advice. This content does not diagnose, treat, or replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Always seek professional medical advice for symptoms, supplement use, or health concerns.