A form of urinary tract infection called cystitis, bladder infections develop when bacteria invade your bladder, the balloon-like organ that collects urine before excreting it from your body. Although the double combination of cranberry juice and water may help prevent bladder infections from developing, they can't replace traditional antibiotic treatment for this potentially serious health condition.
Background
Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, typically take place when bacteria from the anal area infiltrate your urinary tract, particularly the urethra and bladder. As the bacteria multiply in the bladder, they cause inflammation, which may result in a variety of symptoms, such as pain or burning when emptying your bladder, discolored, smelly or pink urine, pain in your lower abdomen, more frequent voiding and decreased urine passed during voiding. Although women are more likely to suffer the effects of a bladder infection, men can get one also, especially those who use catheters or have structural abnormalities of the urinary tract.
Efficacy
There is limited clinical evidence available to indicate the efficacy of cranberry juice and water in curing a potentially serious bladder infection. Water could aid during treatment by diluting the urine, which may help minimize irritation to the already-inflamed tissue; it also helps flush bacteria out of your urinary tract, notes Dr. Laurie Steelsmith, licensed naturopathic physician and the co-author of "Natural Choices for Women's Health." Cranberry juice contains potent substances called proanthocyanidins that seem to lessen the ability of bacteria to stick to the walls of the urinary tract, but this effect seems more limited once an infection has developed. In some individuals, drinking cranberry juice may even cause more severe symptoms; since it increases the urine's acidity, the juice may lead to a more noticeable burning sensation during voiding, says Dr. Marianne Legato, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons professor and coauthor of "What Women Need to Know."
Considerations
Although cranberry juice and water may not be able to cure a bladder infection, they serve as important tools in helping prevent a future infection. Drink six to eight glasses of water each day to flush out your body and talk to your primary care doctor about drinking an 8 oz. cup of cranberry juice daily to aid in warding off potential urinary tract infections. Additional UTI prevention strategies that you can utilize include voiding right after having intercourse, wiping from front to back after urinating, wearing loose-fitting clothing and steering clear of feminine hygiene sprays.
Warnings
Never attempt to use cranberry juice and water as the sole treatment for a bladder infection, since this could allow the bacteria to progress further into your urinary tract, possibly even reaching your kidneys and causing a potentially serious kidney infection. Consult your primary care physician as soon as you notice signs of a urinary tract infection. She'll typically do a physical exam and discuss your symptoms and medical history, as well as have you provide a urine sample for analysis, before providing antibiotic treatment, which generally lasts seven to 10 days. Drink plenty of water throughout the treatment period to keep your body hydrated, but talk to your doctor before drinking cranberry juice, especially if you take aspirin or certain blood-thinning medications, like warfarin.
References
- National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Urinary Traction Infection in Adults
- "Treatment of the Postmenopausal Woman"; Dr. Rogerio Lobo; 2007
- "Natural Choices for Women's Health"; Dr. Laurie Steelsmith, et al.; 2005
- "What Women Need to Know"; Dr. Marianne Legato, et al.; 2005
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Cranberry
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