You may have heard that drinking cranberries is good for Urinary Tract Infections (UTI). Often, when someone in the family, especially a woman, gets such an infection, someone will say, "Drink some cranberry juice." So, is this red cranberry juice really good for the health of our urinary system? Can it really prevent infections? Today, we'll talk about what's true and what's not.
In fact, studies have shown mixed results. Some studies suggest that drinking cranberry juice or taking cranberry pills can help prevent UTIs. They say it may be especially beneficial for women who often get them . One study found that drinking cranberries can reduce the risk of UTIs by about 30%.
However, many other studies have not found strong, clear evidence for this. Therefore, many medical experts say that further research is needed on this topic. But in general, some doctors say that there is nothing wrong with using cranberries in an attempt to prevent UTIs, since there are no major side effects.
How can cranberries help prevent a UTI?
Scientists used to think that cranberries increased the acidity of our urine, making it harder for bacteria like *Escherichia coli* (E. coli), a major cause of urinary tract infections, to survive. However, later studies failed to find any significant, permanent change in urine acidity.
Now, researchers have discovered something new. Some of the compounds in cranberries reduce the ability of bacteria that cause infections to stick to the walls of our bladder. Imagine, if E. coli bacteria couldn't stick to the walls of our bladder, they wouldn't be able to settle there and cause an infection. Then, when we urinate, these bacteria would be easily washed away.
This is due to two special compounds in cranberries called fructose and proanthocyanidins (PACs) . Although other fruits also contain PACs, the PACs in cranberries have a special ability to stop bacteria from attaching in this way.
What is the best cranberry juice for a UTI?
It's hard to say exactly what the best cranberry juice is to prevent a UTI, and how much to drink. Some recommendations say to drink about 300 ml (a little more than a regular cup) per day. The most important thing here is the amount of PACs in the juice. It is said that it is good to get at least 36 milligrams of PACs per day.
If you buy juice from the store, be aware of these things:
- Check the label: Some "cranberry cocktails" may contain other fruit juices, such as apple or grape juice, and large amounts of sugar. These may not provide the same benefits.
- Choose 100% juice: If possible, it's best to choose one that says "100% juice" and has only cranberry juice as an ingredient . These are usually a bit sour.
- Drink plenty of water: No matter what juice you drink, it's a must to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Let's also learn about cranberry supplements.
Cranberry pills and capsules are also available from pharmacies. The advantage of these is that they do not contain sugar and calories like the juice. But remember, supplements like these are not as strictly regulated as medicines in our country. Also, the chemical composition of the cranberries may vary depending on how they are processed.
Sometimes, some pills are made by grinding up leftovers from juice production (like peels and seeds). That doesn't give us the PACs we need. It's best to choose a product that contains PACs extracted from cranberry juice. If you're taking a pill, make sure it contains at least 36 milligrams of PACs. Also, don't forget to drink plenty of water while taking the pills. Because when you drink juice, our body also gets fluids, and to get that benefit from the pills, you need to drink water in addition.
Very important: Cranberry is not a cure for an existing urinary tract infection (UTI). It only helps reduce the chance of developing an infection. If you have symptoms of a UTI (urinary tract infection, frequent urination, lower abdominal pain), see a doctor immediately.
Be careful of these things when using cranberries
Although cranberry is generally safe, there are some things to be careful of in some cases.
| Risk / Problem | What to know |
|---|---|
| Stomach discomfort | Due to the natural acidity of cranberries, some people may experience stomach upset, upset stomach, or diarrhea. |
| Sugar and calories | If you drink cranberry juice made with sugar regularly, the extra sugar and calories can be a problem. This is especially important for people with diabetes or those trying to control their weight. |
| Kidney Stones | Cranberries are high in oxalates, a type of salt. If you are prone to kidney stones, consuming too much cranberry can increase your risk. |
| Drug Interactions | If you are taking a blood-thinning medication like Warfarin , you should definitely talk to your doctor before using cranberry, as there is a risk of bleeding if the two interact. |
Take-Home Message
- Taking cranberry juice or pills may help prevent infections to some extent for people who get frequent UTIs, but it is not a 100% guaranteed method.
- Cranberry is not a treatment for an existing UTI. It should only be used for prevention purposes.
- If you have symptoms of a UTI, such as burning or frequent urination, see a doctor immediately rather than trying to treat it at home. You may need antibiotics.
- If you choose cranberry juice, choose one that contains 100% cranberry juice and no added sugar.
- Before using cranberry, be sure to consult your doctor if you have kidney stones or are taking medications like Warfarin.
- One of the best and simplest ways to prevent UTIs is to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
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