Cranberry is also known by the scientific name ‘Vaccinium macrocarpon’ and is native to the US. Cranberries contain a rich amount of water and nutrients such as ascorbic acid, triterpenoids, anthocyanins, flavonoids and catechin.
The urinary tract infection (UTI) affects the bladder, kidneys, uterus, and the urethra. UTI is characterized by frequent urination or constant need to urinate even when the bladder is not completely full. While urinating there is a burning sensation and a feeling of pain. Various causes of UTI are the E. Coli bacteria and Chlamydia (an organism that can be transmitted sexually). Women are more prone to UTI because the urethra located in the female body is smaller in size as compared to a male’s. Moreover, the female urethra is location in such a way that it offers a better entry way for the bacteria. Diet plays a very important role for the patient and can speed up the healing process.
Consumption of berry juices such as Cranberry, Strawberry and Raspberry offers relief to people suffering from UTI as these fruits help eliminate the bacteria. These do not let the bacteria stick to the walls of the bladder.
Research Study:
A study was conducted by Finnish Scientists on 150 women who had Urinary Tract Infection. These women took cranberry juice for 6 months every day. At the end of six months, it was noticed that the recurrences of UTI was considerably reduced.
One another study was conducted by the ‘American Journal of Clinical Nutrition’ in March 2003. During this study one set of women were given different berry juices 1-3 times a week while another set were given less than 1 time a week. The women who took juices 1-3 times a week saw decreased risk of recurrence of UTI and saw 34% less risk of getting a Urinary Tract Infection.
“There is an active ingredient in cranberries that can prevent adherence of bacteria to the bladder wall, particularly E. coli,” says urologist Courtenay Moore, MD. “But most of the studies have shown that juice and supplements don’t have enough of this active ingredient, A-type proanthocyanidins (PACs), to prevent bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract.” “The bottom line? Cranberry can’t hurt, and it may help,” Dr. Moore says.
Results have shown that cranberry juice is an effective home remedy for people suffering from UTI. Plus this does not come with any side-effect so one can try without being at any kind of risk.
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