Urinary tract infections, also referred to as UTIs, can affect men, women and children and cause mild to moderate pain. According to MayoClinic.com, UTI's can affect any part of the urinary system; however, most infections occur in the lower urinary tract. Though UTI's can affect both men and women, women are at an increased risk for developing this type of infection. Antibiotics are usually prescribed to treat UTIs once the urinary tract has become infected. However, drinking cranberry juice may help prevent a UTI from developing.
Symptoms
UTIs may not always be accompanied by symptoms, according to MayoClinic.com. However, the part of the urinary tract infected generally determines the type of symptoms that may occur. Some common symptoms may include a burning sensation while urinating, strong smelling urine, strong and frequent urges to go to the bathroom, and cloudy or discolored urine. In addition, more severe UTIs may lead to fever, pelvic pain and blood in your urine.
Cranberry
The cranberry fruit is native to North America and has been used for many years medicinally and as a food. Cranberry juice is commonly used to treat an array of bladder and kidney diseases and conditions. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, cranberry is well known as a preventative measure for UTIs. Cranberry juice keeps bacteria from attaching itself to the walls of the urinary tract; such bacteria may lead to UTIs, according to the site.
Uses
Cranberries are available in various forms, including dried and fresh fruit, juice and capsule or tablet form. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center's website, most cranberry juices contain added sweeteners and artificial flavors, as pure cranberry juice is very tart. However, the additional ingredients take away from the fruit's effectiveness in preventing UTIs. The website recommends that adults drink 3 or more fluid ounces of cranberry juice per day. If you chose to use the tablet or capsule form, the site suggests taking six capsules or tablets per day, each of 300 to 400 mg each, divided into several doses.
Prevention
Certain steps can be taken to reduce your risk or frequency of developing UTIs. Drinking plenty of water every day will help keep your urinary tract flushed, as well as keep your urine diluted, flushing out bacteria before it attaches to the urinary walls. When using the toilet, women should always wipe from front to back to keep fecal bacteria from entering the urethra and spreading to other parts of the urinary tract. If you are experiencing any symptoms associated with a UTI, speak with your physician before attempting to self-treat.
Member Comments