Cranberry juice may reduce the amount of bacteria present in a urinary tract infection. The most severe type of UTI is a kidney infection, but UTIs also affect the urethra and bladder. Though self-care measures do help, medical attention is required when a kidney infection is present. The condition is serious, and hospitalization and severe complications may occur.
Function
Cranberries contain chemicals that prevent bacteria from sticking to the lining of the urinary tract. The juice will also keep your body hydrated and continually flush the inflamed kidneys and urinary tract. Drink 100 percent cranberry juice, and avoid juices with high amounts of sugars. Some juices are labeled as cranberry cocktails and rarely contain large amounts of cranberry juice; theses juices often contain apple and other juices.
Dosage
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, adults suffering from frequent UTIs should drink 3 oz. or more of pure cranberry juice daily. The chemical found in cranberries can also be taken in pill form. Take 400 mg of powdered cranberry concentrate twice a day. Fresh or frozen cranberries may also help fight the bacteria present in your kidneys; eat 1.5 oz. daily. Mix cranberries in smoothies or use as a side dish during meals.
Considerations
Remember, taking cranberry juice when suffering from kidney infection may speed up recovery, but you will still need to visit a medical professional. Kidney infections are serious conditions. The pain can be extremely severe. Kidney scarring, damage and even blood infections may occur. If these conditions occur in patients with compromised immune systems, the results may be extremely debilitating. Additional treatment methods include prescription pain medications and oral or intravenous antibiotic therapy.
Prevention
Preventing additional kidney and UTI infections is critical after suffering from your first kidney infection. If you have suffered from a kidney infection, the likelihood of suffering from the condition increases greatly. Drink cranberry juice daily to prevent the condition from occurring again. Cranberry juice is more effective as a preventive measure than as a treatment. Once the bacteria adheres to the kidney walls, it is more difficult to remove.
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