You may have heard the old wives' tale that cranberry products help ward off bladder infections and other urinary tract problems. But before you rush out to stock up on cranberry juice or supplements, make sure you know the facts about the often-nebulous relationship between bladder infections and cranberries. As with any alternative or complementary medicine practices, always check with your doctor before using cranberry products to prevent bladder infections.
The Facts
A bladder infection is a type of urinary tract infection that develops when inflammation occurs in your bladder, generally as a result of the presence and growth of bacteria. Typically called cystititis, bladder infections affect women more frequently than men, possibly as a result of the proximity of the urinary passages to the rectal area. Signs of a potential bladder infection include a persistent need to urinate, burning during urination, abdominal discomfort, and the passage of bloody, cloudy or foul-smelling urine.
Features
Historically, people have used cranberries and cranberry-based drinks as a home remedy in preventing cystitis and other urinary tract infections. Although the exact manner in which cranberry affects the bladder is still unclear, the fruit contains multiple potentially helpful substances, including proanthocyanidins and polyphenols.These phytochemicals may help limit infection-causing bacterial growth in the bladder by keeping the bacteria from adhering to the walls of the bladder and by limiting the availability of iron -- a substance necessary for bacterial growth.
Considerations
Anecdotal evidence suggests that cranberry products may be useful at preventing bladder infections, but organized studies fail to present conclusive results. A January 2008 Cochrane Database systematic review examined 10 studies that explored the role of cranberry in preventing bladder infections and other urinary tract infections. Six of the studies tested cranberry juice, three tested cranberry tablets and one tested both juice and tablets. The team of reviewers led by Dr. Ruth Jepson, senior research fellow at Scotland's University of Stirling, acknowledged that cranberry products may be helpful in reducing urinary tract infections over a 12-month period, particularly in women who suffer from repeated bouts of these infections. However, the reviewers stressed the need for additional studies to further determine the exact effect of cranberry on urinary tract infections. Potential limiting factors include the dosage rate and the type of cranberry product used.
Warning
Never attempt to use cranberry products or supplements to treat a bladder infection, since cystititis is a potentially serious health condition that could lead to kidney damage if not treated with antibiotics. Talk to your primary care physician if you have a personal history of bladder infections and are interested in using cranberry products to help prevent urinary tract infections. Be sure to let your doctor know about your current health conditions and medications, since cranberry may interfere with certain drugs, including aspiring and blood-thinning medicines such as warfarin. Other helpful strategies for preventing a bladder infection include drinking plenty of liquids, urinating regularly, wearing cotton underwear and practicing proper bathroom hygiene, such as wiping from front to back.
References
- "Encyclopedia of Family Health"; Dr. David Jacoby, et al.; 2004
- "Beverages in Nutrition and Health"; Dr. Ted Wilson, et al.; 2004
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine; The Art and Science of Natural Products: Cranberry Juice
- "Cochran Database of Systematic Reviews"; Cranberries for Preventing Urinary Tract Infections; Ruth Jepson, et al.; January 2008
- The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Cranberry
- "Women's Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine"; Tori Hudson, N.D.; 2007
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