Urinary tract infections are ten times more common in women than men and affect more than 50 percent of women over the course of their lifetimes, causing irritation, discomfort and in severe cases, lasting damage, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. To avoid UTIs, many people turn to cranberry juice and cranberry capsules as a way to suppress symptoms and fight recurrent infections. Not everyone benefits equally from cranberry for UTIs, and exploring the facts can help determine whether or not it is a suitable treatment for your personal case.
Historical Treatments
Native American tribes have traditionally used cranberries and cranberry juice to treat urinary ailments, according to Medline Plus. Modern science adopted the treatments, and as a result the use of cranberry in juice and capsule form is broadly accepted in folk medicine as a valid treatment and preventative measure for UTIs, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Scientific Merits
Cranberry is useful in preventing the recurrence of UTIs, notes Medline Plus, but research has yet to prove that it effectively treats existing UTIs, states the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. If you suspect you have a UTI, do not rely on cranberry capsules as a cure for your UTI. Prompt medical attention is needed to prevent lasting damage, notes Medline Plus.
Dosages
There is no formal dosage of cranberry capsules for UTIs, notes Medline Plus. Instead, broader guidelines are used for both the juice and capsule equivalents. Just 1 to 10 oz. of unsweetened pure cranberry juice or the capsule equivalent daily are recommended as a preventative measure for UTIs, states Medline Plus.
Safety Issues
One issue with the use of cranberry capsules for UTIs is a lack of disclosure to medical professionals, notes the Wake Forest Baptist University Medical Center. Since cranberry capsules may reduce symptoms without informing doctors, children and those with recurrent UTIs may not receive the right standard medical care for their UTIs. People taking blood thinners should also disclose cranberry capsule use as cranberry is believed to have an additional thinning effect on the blood when used with the medicines, notes the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
