Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, are commonly treated with antibiotics and plenty of fluids. Still, it is important to distinguish cranberry juice's role involving the infection. The juice does not necessarily cure an infection, but still plays an important role in fighting UTIs. It is important to seek medical attention when you have a UTI. An untreated infection may cause serious side effects that could lead to hospitalization.
Treatment
Cranberry juice may prevent a UTI but does directly treat the infection. Proanthocyanidins found in cranberries prevent bacteria, often E.coli, from attaching to the walls of the urinary tract. However, once the bacteria has adhered itself to the urinary tract, cranberry juice is not as effective. Antibiotic treatment is required, which lasts from three to five days. Still, drinking cranberry juice during this phase may flush out high concentrations of bacteria-ridden urine during the infection phase. Cranberry juice will not flush out natural flora in the urinary tract.
Benefits
As a preventive treatment, cranberry juice is considerably less expensive in comparison to prescription medications. Drinking cranberry juice and stopping an infection before it starts also decreases your reliance on antibiotics. Overusing antibiotics may lead to bacterial resistance. According to "Newsweek" magazine, cranberry is also high in antioxidants and may prevent heart disease.
Amount and Type
The exact amount of cranberry juice to drink to prevent a UTI has not been determined. If you are actively suffering from a UTI, it is critical to flush your urinary tract with any type of fluids, including cranberry juice. "Newsweek" suggests drinking 10 oz. per day, the same amount women drank in a study published in the "Journal of the American Medical Association." If you are counting calories and attempting to avoid large amounts of sugar, choose sugar-free cranberry juice. Do not choose cranberry cocktails that are a mixture of cranberry and other mixtures.
Warning
Do not drink cranberry juice, or take cranberry tablets, if you or anyone in your family suffers from regular kidney stones. If you feel chills along your back or side pain, as well as fever and vomiting, you may be suffering from a kidney infection. It is important to seek medical attention. Severe and permanent damage may occur if you have a kidney infection. Cranberry juice will not clear the infection.
References
- MedlinePlus: Urinary Tract Infection
- University of Pittsburgh at Bradford: Why Cranberry Juice Works for UTI Prevention
- "Newsweek"; Can Cranberry Juice Cure Urinary Tract Infections?; Karen Springen; February 1, 2008
- ScienceDaily; How Cranberry Juice Can Prevent Urinary Tract Infections; July 25, 2008
- MayoClinic.com: Urinary Tract Infection
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