Drinking cranberry juice can help prevent urinary tract infections, according to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Women and girls are more vulnerable to urinary tract infections, or UTIs, than are men and boys. As a result, many women and girls drink cranberry juice as a preventive measure.
Cranberry Juice UTI Prevention
A study conducted by the Journal of the American Medical Association found cranberry juice to be effective at preventing UTIs in women who consumed at least 10 ounces of the juice per day,according to a 2008 Newsweek article, "Can Cranberry Juice Cure Urinary Tract Infections?" Cranberry juice assists in the removal of bacteria from your system, helping to prevent infections. Fructose and proanthocyanidins, substances found in cranberry juice, bind to bacteria in the bladder and prevent them from sticking to cells lining the bladder walls, according to Tufts University scientist Jeffrey Blumberg. The vitamin C in cranberry juice may also help prevent UTIs by increasing the amount of acid in urine, which inhibits bacteria growth, according to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. However, cranberry juice may not be as effective in treating urinary tract infections once they have developed.
Other Preventive Measures
Certain habits can help prevent UTIs. Wipe from front to back after urination to avoid spreading bacteria to your urinary tract. Urinate soon after sex to flush out bacteria. Drink plenty of water, at least six to eight glasses daily, to flush your system out regularly. Avoid postponing urination; leaving your bladder full for too long can enable bacteria growth. Avoid tight-fitting clothes and nylon underwear, which inhibit airflow and may lead to moisture and bacteria growth.
UTI Symptoms and Treatment
Symptoms of urinary tract infection include frequent urges to urinate, a burning feeling during urination, lower back pain, cloudy or bloody urine and fever or chills. If you suspect that you have a UTI, visit your doctor for a urine test. If your doctor determines that you have an infection, you will receive a prescription for antibiotics to kill the responsible bacteria.
Considerations
Cranberry juice contains high amounts of antioxidants, which may help reduce your risk of heart disease, according to Newsweek. Choose sugar-free cranberry juice to avoid consuming too many added sugars, however. The American Heart Association recommends that added sugar intake not exceed 100 calories per day for women and 150 calories per day for men.
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