Cranberry Juice To Cure A Bladder Infection

A bitter-tasting berry used by Native Americans for centuries to treat various ailments, the cranberry continues to be associated with a range of health benefits, especially those relating to the urinary tract. The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) notes that evidence indicates cranberry may be useful in preventing bladder infections, but the jury's still out on whether or not this antioxidant-rich juice possesses a punch potent enough to actually cure bladder infections.

The Facts

According to Dr. Anthony Komaroff, advisory committee member for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and author of "Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide," eight out of every 10 bladder infections that develop occur as a result of the E. coli bacterium entering the bladder. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases notes that drinking cranberry juice makes your bladder more slippery; this supposedly keeps these bacteria from attaching to the cells lining the bladder walls, which in turn inhibits bacterial growth.

Efficacy

The UMMC points out that cranberry does not seem to be as effective at fighting these bladder infection-causing bacteria once they secure themselves to the bladder. At that point, the bacteria begin to grow and reproduce quickly, causing inflammation and infection as they take over your bladder. Signs that an invasion of bacteria has escalated to a bladder infection include bloody or strange-smelling urine, pain or a burning sensation during urination and the sudden, urgent need to urinate frequently. Set up an appointment with your doctor for testing as soon as you notice any of these symptoms.

Uses

During the early stages of a mild bladder infection, drinking cranberry juice may help your body fight the infection, but only in combination with antibiotic treatment. If you wish to use cranberry juice to help combat a possible bladder infection, Dr. Komaroff suggests that you begin drinking the juice as soon as you notice symptoms of a bladder infection. Drink guidelines vary, but most alternative medicine practitioners generally recommend between two 8-oz. cups and 1 qt. of pure, unsweetened cranberry juice per day.

Considerations

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) warns that there has not been enough testing done as of May 2010 to determine with any degree of certainty the effects of cranberry products on ongoing urinary tract infections. Failing to promptly treat a bladder infection with antibiotics may lead to serious complications, including a kidney infection. The longer the infection remains in your body, the higher your chances are of developing these other complications.

Warnings

The UMMC notes that cranberry's high levels of oxalate may lead to the formation of kidney stones in susceptible individuals. If you've ever experienced a kidney stone in the past--or have a family member who has--stay away from using cranberry juice as a preventative or supplemental treatment for a bladder infection until after you've talked to your doctor about your possible risk.