Bladder infections pose a common health problem, especially for women, many of whom experience at least one of these painful infections at some point in their lives. Considered in the past to be nothing more than an old wives' tale, the idea of consuming cranberry for bladder infections has taken hold in recent years. Being aware of the facts surrounding the sometimes cloudy relationship between cranberries and bladder infections can help you decide whether this antioxidant-rich fruit is for you.
The Facts
A form of urinary tract infection, bladder infections generally develop as a result of bacterial growth on the walls of your bladder. According to Dr. Ted Wilson, co-author of "Beverages in Nutrition and Health," bacteria that enter your bladder must produce a specialized set of fibers that allow them to adhere to the sides of your bladder before they can proliferate and cause an infection; without these fibers to serve as microscopic suction cups, the bacteria float---unattached---in your urine, exiting your bladder when you urinate.
Efficacy
Although scientists admit that the entire process isn't completely clear, consumption of cranberries and cranberry-based products seems to help prevent bladder infections. Lynda Freeman, author of "Mosby's Complementary and Alternative Medicine," notes that urine containing cranberry juice may inhibit bacteria from adhering to the bladder wall. However, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) points out that most studies do not present conclusive results because of limiting factors, such as small test size.
Treatment
The NCCAM cautions that cranberry juice should not be used to treat any type of urinary tract infections, including bladder infections. If you notice symptoms of a bladder infection, such as burning during urination, blood-tinted urine and painful urination, contact your health care provider immediately. Your doctor will conduct testing and provide antibiotic treatment for the infection to minimize potentially serious complications, such as a kidney infection.
Types
Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) is available in a variety of forms, including juice, capsules, extracts, teas and whole berries. More than half of cranberries wind up in the form of juice, according to Wilson, but the cranberry content varies widely, depending upon whether it's pure cranberry, cocktail or a general fruit drink. Freeman points out that doctors recommend both juice and capsules in the prevention of bladder infections. Drink two to three 8-ounce cups of unsweetened cranberry juice daily to obtain the maximum benefit, Freeman recommends.
Warning
Cranberries may increase your chances of developing certain types of kidney stones. Freeman notes that individuals with a history of kidney stones should avoid taking cranberry supplements because the danger of developing serious kidney stones offsets the benefit of better protection against bladder infections. Drinking large amounts of cranberry juice---usually 1 gallon or more---also may lead to digestive upset or diarrhea in certain situations.
References
- "Beverages in Nutrition and Health"; Dr. Ted Wilson & Dr. Norman J. Temple; 2004
- "Mosby's Complementary and Alternative Medicine"; Lynda W. Freeman; 2004
- NIH National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Cranberry
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