Cranberry Juice and Bladder Infections. Is there a Connection?
Bladder infections or commonly referred to as urinary tract infections are infections caused by bacteria which move upward from the urethra into the bladder. Urinary tract infections affect women more than men and children. The reason for this is that women have shorter urethra which lies closer to anus. There are many conditions which may also increase the risk of urinary tract infections including diabetes, aging, urinary retention, bowel incontinence, enlarged prostate, pregnancy, surgery or kidney stones.
You can identify your bladder infection through cloudy or bloody urine with a strong odor, low-grade fever, pain or burning sensation while urinating, cramping in the lower abdomen and an urge to urinate even after the bladder is empty. An infection of the bladder may spread to the kidneys and hence requires immediate attention. The treatment involves use of antibiotics and plenty of fluid intake to eliminate the infection.
But for those who believe in natural treatments, let us find out if cranberry juice can provide a solution.
Research’s take on the cranberry juice
Research has come up stating that drinking cranberry juice can cure bladder infections. Researchers also suggest that cranberry fruit extracts can also be used in keeping bacterial infection away from the medical devices such as catheters, or thin tubes. Studies have also reported that consumption of cranberry juice can prevent the chronic infections. Some review studies have established that cranberry juice is more effective than tablets in reducing the risk of infection. Traditional medicine system it has been proven that those who drink cranberry juice regularly do not contract the bladder infection and case of urinary tract infection can be prevented in them. The use of cranberry juice is a popular folk remedy in adult women.
How does cranberry juice work?
Studies also claim that cranberry has chemicals can change the bacterial behavior and hence claim to a potential role in warding off bacterial infections. These chemicals are known as PACs or proanthocyanidins and inhibit the bacteria from sticking to the walls of the urinary tract. Research studies have clearly shown that the bacteria Proteus mirabilis involved in bladder infection is inhibited from colonizing and swimming together by the use of cranberry powder. If the concentrated powder is used then it can also lead to a reduction in the extreme hostility of the bacterial infection. The motility of the bacteria plays a significant role in helping the bacteria in bypassing the body’s immunity and spreading the infection. Hence, the cranberry juice is helpful by inhibiting the bacterial movement in bladder infections. Studies have also reported that with the use of cranberry juice the chances of bacteria adhering to the cells of the urinary tract become highly unlikely.
Cranberry juice and children
Cranberry juice is mostly considered to be safe to be used in the children for bladder infections. But the acidity of the cranberry juice reduces the palatability of cranberry juice in children. The dose at which cranberry juice is considered to be effective in children is also not yet determined. Certain studies have been conducted which suggest that the cranberry juice may be helpful in preventing the recurrence of urinary tract infections.
Is cranberry juice safe?
Cranberry is a widely eaten fruit and hence it is known to have a general good safety profile. The problem which has been detected with the regular use of cranberry juice in healthy individuals is that it may increase the risk of the formation of the kidney stones.
Category: HEALTH, HERBAL REMEDIES
