Cranberry juice has commonly been touted as the drink to consume when you have a urinary tract infection. According to the National Kidney Foundation, drinking cranberry juice daily may also prevent future UTIs from occurring. Urinary tract infections most commonly occur in the bladder, but may also affect the urethra, ureters and kidneys. Although additional scientific research is needed to firmly recommend drinking cranberry juice when suffering from a UTI, little harm comes from consuming the beverage, advises the Mayo Clinic.
How it Works
Cranberries contain chemicals called tannins. These chemicals may prevent bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract walls. Escherichia coli is the most common bacteria detected when a UTI is present. Research reported on by Medical News Today stated women with UTIs had greater response to drinking 8 oz. of cranberry juice than drinking 4 oz. Cranberry juice will not completely cure a UT, howeverI. If the bacteria travels up the urinary tract to your kidneys you may experience additional, severe complications requiring hospital treatment.
Prevention
Drinking cranberry juice daily may prevent future UTIs from occurring. Once a person is diagnosed with a UTI, she is at greater risk of developing the condition again. A serving of dried cranberries or cranberry sauce contains the same amount of tannins as in a glass of cranberry juice. Remember to drink pure cranberry juice and avoid juice cocktails containing little cranberry juice and more filler juices such as apple and pear juice.
Benefits
Cranberry juice will reduce bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract walls. Drinking cranberry juice and other liquids will also continue to flush out bacteria from your infected urinary tract. It is important to drink liquids during the duration of the infection. When your urine is light or clear color, you are drinking enough fluids. Avoid caffeine and alcoholic beverages, which increase dehydration and further irritate the urinary tract.
Warning
Some people may experience loose stools or an upset stomach when drinking cranberry juice. Do not drink cranberry juice if you are taking blood thinning medication on a regular basis, such as warfarin or aspirin. You may increase the risk of bleeding. It is important to seek medical attention if you have side or groin pain, develop a high-grade fever, chills or severe pain. These are symptoms of a kidney infection -- the bacteria has now traveled up to your kidneys and permanent damage is possible. MedlinePlus warns patients to not drink cranberry juice if you or your family has a history of kidney stones.
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