The University of Maryland Medical Center indicates that nearly 50 percent of women -- urinary tract infections are much less common in males -- will experience a UTI at some point in time. UTIs require medical attention. However, cranberry pills can help reduce some of the unpleasant symptoms associated with a urinary tract infection.
UTI Symptoms
There are a number of symptoms that can indicate a urinary tract infection -- cranberry pills can help reduce the harshness of these symptoms. Symptoms of a urinary tract infection can include pain or burning while urinating, foul smelling urine, pelvic pain, lower back pain, nausea, vomiting, cloudy urine, bloody urine, fever, pain during intercourse and the frequent need to urinate while eliminating little urine from your body. To prevent a UTI from spreading to your kidneys, these symptoms need to be treated.
UTI Treatment
An urinary tract infection will not clear up on its own. To treat a urinary tract infection, you will need to make an appointment with your doctor. UTIs are commonly diagnosed through a physical examination and by means of a urine sample. Once your diagnosis is confirmed, you will likely be given antibiotics to help treat your infections. Antibiotic courses can last from one to seven days, depending on the medication prescribed to you. You may also be given a pain reliever to help reduce burning and pain during urination. Eating a healthy diet can also be beneficial. While a well-balanced diet cannot eliminate an infection, a healthy diet can help to reduce symptoms. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and lean meats. Avoid red meat, sweets, carbonated beverages, alcohol and fried foods.
Cranberry
Cranberry pills -- along with cranberry juice -- are powerful antioxidants. Antioxidants can help to reduce the symptoms of a urinary tract infection and help to prevent further infections. Cranberry pills can help to reduce the interaction between bacteria and your urinary system. Cranberries can help prevent bacteria from sticking to the walls of your bladder. Drinking plenty of clear fluids -- including cranberry juice -- can help to naturally flush bacteria from your body though means of urination.
Dosage
Cranberry pills are most effective when taken regularly. The University of Michigan Health System recommends 400 mg of a cranberry extract pill daily while you are experiencing a urinary tract infection. Should you opt to drink cranberry juice instead, 4 to 10 oz. of cranberry juice is recommended daily during a UTI. If you are susceptible to UTIs, drinking 4 to 6 oz. of cranberry juice daily can help prevent recurring urinary tract infections. The University of Maryland Medical Center indicates you should also drink plenty of clear fluids -- six to eight glasses per day.
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