Fascinating study reveals cranberries can help with urinary tract infections, but only if you take capsules, not juice
01/23/2021 / By Rose Lidell / Comments
Fascinating study reveals cranberries can help with urinary tract infections, but only if you take capsules, not juice

Pure cranberry juice without added sugar is a nutritious beverage that’s rich in vitamins C and E. And if you’ve ever had a urinary tract infection (UTI), you might have heard that drinking cranberry juice can help relieve your condition.

While cranberries do offer certain health benefits, a recent study suggests that a different cranberry treatment is more effective at preventing UTI.

Cranberry capsules are more effective than cranberry juice

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common type of infection that affects any part of the urinary system like your bladder, urethra, or kidneys. More than three million Americans, mostly women, develop a UTI annually. Every year, eight million to 10 million visits to doctors are for UTIs.

While the condition is more common in women, men, older adults and children can also develop UTIs and one to two percent of children also develop urinary tract infections.

UTIs usually clear up on their own and a lot of people with the condition often self-diagnose. Some people drink a lot of cranberry juice hoping that it will help with their symptoms, but the study findings debunk this home remedy.

Dr. Timothy Boone, vice dean of the Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine in Houston, and his colleagues set out to determine if cranberries benefit those with UTI.

Researchers observed 160 patients for the study. The participants were aged 23 to 88 and they were undergoing elective gynecological surgery between 2011 to 2013. Around 10 to 64 percent of women undergoing elective gynecological surgery will develop a UTI after the catheter is removed.

Findings revealed that the cranberry capsules reduced UTI risk by 50 percent, with 19 percent of the patients in the cranberry treatment group developing UTI. Meanwhile, 38 percent of the placebo group developed urinary tract infections.

UTIs develop when bacteria adhere to and invades the lining of your bladder. The cranberry capsules were effective because they contain A-type proanthocyanidins (PACs) that interfere with the bacteria’s ability to stick to the bladder wall, which then lowers the risk of infection.

Boone advised that one cranberry capsule provides the equivalent of eight ounces of cranberry juice. This means you would need to chug a lot of pure cranberry juice to prevent a urinary tract infection.

He added that this amount of concentration isn’t found in the juices you can buy in stores. Store-bought juice concentrates won’t treat a UTI or bladder infection. While cranberry juice can help you stay hydrated and wash bacteria from your body more effectively, the active ingredient in cranberry will be gone once it reaches your bladder.

A UTI and an overactive bladder may have similar symptoms. Consult a physician if you experience negative symptoms, advised Boone. Early diagnosis will also help prevent UTIs from developing into kidney infections.

The incredible health benefits of cranberries

Cranberries do more than just help prevent UTIs. Below are some of the other health benefits of vitamin C-rich cranberries!

  • Cranberries can boost gut health. Studies suggest that incorporating cranberries into your regular diet can help boost “good” bacteria linked to your immunity, mood and digestive health. Additionally, dietary fiber in whole or dried cranberries can prevent constipation and improve digestive health.
  • Cranberries are anti-inflammatory superfoods rich in antioxidants. Cranberries rank second after blueberries, the “king of antioxidants,” in antioxidant potency. According to research, people who consume cranberries have lower levels of C-reactive protein, a blood marker of inflammation that can trigger premature aging, chronic illness and cognitive decline.
  • Cranberries help boost circulation. Cranberries can help improve artery flexibility or enhance circulation and blood flow. This can relieve pressure on the heart and help lower blood pressure. Having better circulation can also boost your energy and cognitive function.

While drinking cranberry juice can boost your vitamin C intake, it’s best to stay hydrated, maintain proper hygiene and go to the bathroom regularly to prevent UTIs.

Sources:

MedicalNewsToday.com

My.ClevelandClinic.org

Health.com

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