The Greek philosopher, Socrates, wrote, "The beginning of wisdom is the definition of terms." To understand the relationship between kidneys and cranberry juice, you first have to know how they function. Subjected to controversial press, the issue of whether or not cranberry juice has beneficial effects on the kidneys has had only partial resolution.
The Kidneys
This pair of organs acts as the filtering system for the body's fluids. They have a complicated network of minuscule tubules, which separate nutrients from waste, keeping the first for the nourishment of the body and discarding the latter. The discarded fluid, urine, flows from the kidneys to the bladder, a storage organ. The bladder opens its sphincter outlet and allows urine to flow through two ureters or tubes to the urethra. The urethra opens to the outside and releases urine. A urinary tract infection can take place in any or all of these parts of the urinary system.
Cranberry Juice
Cranberries have a long history of therapeutic uses which trace back to the 1600s, according to YourKidneys.com. These tiny tart berries once treated fever, mumps, swollen glands, digestive tract ailments and liver conditions. Some early Americans used them as dressings for wounds and to prevent scurvy, a disease resulting from lack of vitamin C. Cranberries, one of the few fruits native to North America, have no fat or sodium, but plenty of fiber and vitamins A, C and B-complex as well as folic acid and minerals. Cranberries also have bioflavonoids, plant anti-oxidants that help fight disease.
Cranberries' Benefits
Results of studies conflict about the role cranberries play in kidney health. YourKidneys.com states that people who drink cranberry juice have fewer urinary tract infections. The mechanism responsible for this finding involves the high acidic nature of the cranberry, which neutralizes the alkaline environment of the urinary system. Bacteria, known to cause infections, grow best in alkaline surroundings. Cranberries change the balance between acid and alkalinity, depriving bacteria of what it needs to thrive. Further, cranberries seem to have the ability to keep bacteria from adhering to the bladder wall.
Controversy
While the benefits of drinking cranberry juice itself are not in dispute, the question exists of whether to use it for treatment of urinary infections or to simply use it to prevent infections. The American Academy of Family Physicians reports that a recent study found that cranberry juice had no effect in the treatment of urinary tract infections. However, the study did propose its use preventatively against infection.
Recommendations
The nutritive value of cranberry juice, in itself, is a good reason to drink it. It should not replace antibiotics to treat urine infections. If prone to infections of the urinary system, you should make cranberries a part of your diet to safeguard against frequent infections. Cranberry juice has a very tart flavor and is usually mixed with other juices. For the best nutritive effects, drink pure cranberry juice instead and sweeten with stevia or agave nectar natural sweeteners. You may opt to take it in pill form. You will find cranberry extract tablets in most health food stores for around $10 to $15 per 30-day supply. Take one tablet twice a day. If you prefer the juice, drink 24 oz. per day, divided into two to three servings.
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