5 Ways Cranberries Can Help UTIs!
It’s the dreaded acronym…
UTI.
Though everyone can get them, most women (and some men) have had the misfortune of suffering from the pain and discomfort of a urinary tract infection (UTI). Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common clinical bacterial infections in women, accounting for almost 25% of all infections. It’s expected that 50%-60% of all women will experience a UTI in their life.
The burning sensation.
The frequent urge to urinate.
No one likes them, and they can put a damper on plans—day or night. With the percentage being so high for women, there must be a way we can help prevent them, and we think we have some answers for you!
We’ve all heard the age-old tale of how drinking cranberry juice can cure a UTI, but is it true? While there is some truth to the idea, cranberry juice isn’t exactly a cure-all. It does, though, provide some benefits to fight off the infection. Here are five ways cranberries can help with UTIs:
- Cranberries prevent bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract, which helps prevent infection.
- In a 2010 study, researchers discovered that in petri dishes, cranberry metabolites in the juice prevented E. coli from sticking to other bacteria, limiting its ability to grow and multiply.
- A study showed that women with a history of reoccurring UTIs drank an 8-ounce (240-ml) serving of cranberry juice every day for 24 weeks. Those who drank cranberry juice had fewer UTI episodes than the control group
- Another study showed consuming cranberry products may lower the number of UTIs in a year, especially for women who have recurrent UTIs. In 2010, scientists reported that within eight hours of drinking cranberry juice, the juice could help prevent bacteria from developing into an infection in the urinary tract.
- A 2015 study showed that treatment with cranberry juice capsules equivalent to two 8-ounce servings of cranberry juice could cut the risk of urinary tract infections in half.
UTIs are often caused by the bacteria, E. coli. The E. coli bacteria that reside in the gastrointestinal tract can stick to other bacteria in the urinary tract, creating a “biofilm.” This biofilm allows the bacteria to thrive and reproduce, causing an infection. Some studies have shown that the metabolites in cranberries can keep the bacteria from binding together. Try to drink natural and unsweetened, 100% cranberry juice instead of sweetened cranberry cocktails. The less sugar, the better!
Though many have dismissed cranberries as a myth, there is evidence that it can be beneficial! And while cranberry juice can help treat a UTI, you should still seek medical treatment to fight off the infection. Antibiotics are one of the most efficient ways to treat a UTI. Left untreated properly, a UTI can cause some other painful chronic health conditions.
If you suspect you have a UTI, come to HealthCARE Express! Our staff is more than qualified to help you with this and life’s other little urgencies!
