Does coke work against bladder infections?

There is no scientific evidence that cola helps against bladder infections.

Bladder infections are usually caused by bacteria, and treatment usually involves taking antibiotics, not drinking soft drinks such as cola. In fact, drinking cola, which contains sugar and caffeine, can worsen the symptoms of a bladder infection. For example, sugars can promote bacterial growth, while caffeine can irritate the bladder.

For relief from a bladder infection, it is often recommended to drink plenty of water to help flush out the bladder. In addition, there are specific products, such as cranberry juice or D-mannose, which some studies suggest may have a preventative effect, although the evidence for this is inconclusive.

The belief that cola, which is highly acidic, would help with bladder infections probably stems from the belief that acidic cranberry juice would help.

If you are suffering from a bladder infection, it is wise to seek medical advice rather than relying on home remedies such as cola.

Source: https://bjui-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bju.15756

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2024-08-15 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2025