Cranberry Cure for a UTI

A urinary tract infection is a painful condition that affects 8 million people a year, mostly women and small children. Infections occurring in the urinary tract are the second most common type of infection in the body and result from your urine becoming unsterile and tiny organisms forming in the opening of your urethra, which along with the kidneys, bladder and ureter form the urinary tract system. Most types of infections result from the bacteria E. coli, which comes from the liver. When this bacteria begins to multiply, infection is most likely the next step. Many studies are being done to determine if there are more preventive measures that can be taken to help treat this painful infection.

Cranberry Compounds

Studies completed at Worcester Polytechnic Institute suggest that a group of tannin compounds found in cranberries called proanthocyanidins help in preventing E. coli bacteria from adhering to the walls of cells, which is the first step in any sort of infection. Tests were done that exposed E. coli to the tannins over an extended period of time, and results showed that the rod-like shape of the E. coli bacteria turned spherical. This changing of the bacteria has never before been seen and means that if the shape of the bacteria can be altered, there might also be a way to use the tannin compounds in cranberries to break down the bacteria.

Bacterial Communication

Another positive effect that cranberry juice seemed to have on E. coli bacteria was that after an extended period of exposure, the bacteria lost its capability to secrete indole, a molecule that aids in a certain form of bacteria communication called quorum sensing. Quorum sensing is used by E. coli to determine when the bacteria has multiplied enough at a certain location in the body to achieve infection.

Energy Barrier

Further research completed by the team at Worcester Institute found that chemical changes that cranberry creates in the body create a preventive barrier that the researchers referred to as an energy barrier that helped keep the bacteria from nearing the urinary tract lining in the first place. This research is an important step in linking cranberry compounds and juices as a preventive measure for urinary tract infections.

Juice or Tablet

Cranberry juices and tablets can be purchased over the counter. One study completed over a 12-month period showed that people who used cranberry juice had a 20 percent recurrence of UTIs, while those who used tablets showed an 18 percent recurrence. While both proved to provide some preventive measures, it is always best to consult with your physician before beginning any new diets, supplements or medications. If you think you are getting a UTI or may have one, go to your doctor immediately.