Natural remedies are often the best, and they usually have the fewest side effects, which is why many people turn to cranberry juice and cranberry pills when they have a urinary tract infection – or to prevent one. But is there real science behind using cranberry juice for UTI symptoms? Does it really work?
Cranberry Juice for UTI: Does Cranberry Juice Help UTI Symptoms?
A new study casts doubt on the idea that cranberry juice prevents urinary tract infections. Previous studies have shown promise, but these studies were mostly small, observation studies. A new double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 319 college-age women questions the idea that cranberries can ward off urinary tract infections.
The women in this study had all been diagnosed with urinary tract infections at a laboratory in Michigan over a 2 ½ year period. They were instructed to drink a cranberry juice mixture consisting of 27% cranberry juice or a placebo twice a day for six months. During this time, researchers collected urine specimens along with vaginal and rectal specimens every three months to look for bacteria that cause urinary tract infections.
The results? In these women, who had previously had a urinary tract infection, the recurrence rate was about 17% over the six month period. Surprisingly, the risk of recurrence was slightly higher among the women who drank the cranberry juice. (20%).
Does this mean cranberry juice is worthless for preventing urinary tract infections? Not necessarily, although this well-conducted study casts doubts. Researchers previously believed that cranberry juice preventing UTIs by blocking bacteria from attaching to cells in the bladder. Cranberry juice contains natural compounds called proanthocyanidins, which have bacteria-blocking power. Unfortunately, it may not be enough to ward off an infection.
Does Cranberry Juice Help UTI Symptoms or Prevent Them: The Bottom Line?
Cranberry juice may not be as powerful in the UTI prevention department as originally thought. On the other hand, drinking lots of fluid to flush out the bacteria that cause urinary tract infections is one of the most effective ways to prevent them. If you enjoy the taste of cranberry juice, drink it. It has other health benefits as well – but remember it can be high in sugar. If you don’t like cranberry juice, drink water to prevent urinary tract infections instead – and lots of it.
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Does drinking Cranberry Juice help you?
Monday, 3 January 2011