The kidneys, ureters, urethra and bladder all make up the urinary system. If any part of the urinary system gets an infection, it is referred to and a urinary tract infection, or UTI. According to MayoClinic.com, though this type of infection can affect any part of the urinary system, a UTI most commonly affects the bladder and urethra. In addition, women are at a greater risk of developing UTIs than men are. Cranberries, when used as an alternative treatment may help reduce your risk of developing a UTI. Speak with your doctor before using alternative treatments for this or any health condition.
Symptoms
UTIs may go unnoticed as they do not always cause symptoms, according to MayoClinic.com. However, common symptoms can include a burning sensation while passing urine, strong or foul smelling urine, and women may experience pelvic pain while men may experience rectal pain, cloudy or pink colored urine and a more frequent urge to urinate. If the UTI is located in the kidneys, it can lead to chills, high fever, nausea and vomiting.
Cranberry
The cranberry is related to the blueberry, bilberry, huckleberry and buckberry and grows on an evergreen shrub that can be found primarily in North America, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC. The cranberry shrub produces pink flowers, and the reddish-black cranberry fruit appear in the months of June and July. Cranberries are rich in vitamin C and powerful antioxidants that aid in protecting cells against free radicals.
Efficacy
Studies show that cranberry helps prevent UTIs of the bladder and urethra in women who have frequent and recurring UTIs, according to the UMMC. Additionally, the university states that the amount of bladder bacteria in older women was significantly reduce in those using cranberry juice than those using the placebo. It is believed that cranberry works by preventing bacteria to attach itself to cells in the urinary tract; however, studies show mixed results on the fruit's effectiveness.
Dosage
Cranberries are available in the form of juice, dried and fresh fruit, and tablets. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests that adults drink 3 or more fluid ounces of pure cranberry juice per day, or 10 ounces of cranberry juice cocktail. If you choose to take cranberry in the form of tablets, the university recommends taking six 300 to 400 mg capsules per day in divided doses. Fresh or frozen cranberries may be consumed at 1.5 ounces per day.
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