Bladder infections are the most common type of urinary tract infection, or UTI. Women suffer from the condition more often than men do because a woman's urethra is closer to the anus, causing bacteria and germs to enter into the urinary tract. Cranberry is a widely known remedy that has been used for bladder infections for years, and recent studies reveal the positive effects cranberry juice has on preventing bladder infections.
Prevention
Cranberries contain compounds known as proanthocyanidins, often referred to as tannins. These compounds do not allow bacteria to stick to the walls of the urinary tract. Instead, the germs stick to the tannins and are flushed out of the body. Thus, cranberry juice may prevent a UTI, but it does not cure the infection. Women who frequently suffer from UTIs are recommended to drink about 10 oz. of cranberry juice daily, according to "Newsweek" magazine.
Benefits
More than ever, Americans are using antibiotics to treat UTIs. Drinking cranberry juice can help prevent the infection from occurring as well as you having to take oral antibiotics, which can lead to insulin resistance over time. Cranberry juice is less expensive than medication and has fewer side effects.
Cleansing the Urinary Tract
You must drink a variety of beverages during the infection, which can include cranberry juice, as well as other liquids, to aid in flushing concentrated urine from the infected urinary tract. Still, some beverages should be avoided. Do not drink alcoholic or caffeinated beverages when suffering from a UTI. Both drinks increase dehydration and cause further irritation to the urinary tract.
Additional Preventives
Besides cranberry juice, a variety of other lifestyle changes may also decrease the occurrence of UTIs, reports MedlinePlus. Taking showers instead of baths and avoiding fragrant bath items is encouraged. Women should urinate before and after sex to decrease bacteria from entering the urethra. Avoid wearing tight clothing, especially tights and jeans.
References
- MedlinePlus: Urinary Tract Infection
- University of Pittsburgh at Bradford: Why Cranberry Juice Works for UTI Prevention; Carol J. Mulvihill
- "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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