While most cases of urinary tract infection, or UTI, involve the bladder and urethra, any part of your urinary tract can get infected. A case of UTI that is limited to your bladder can be annoying and even painful but one that spreads to your kidneys can have serious consequences. Antibiotics are the usual treatment for UTI, but there is evidence that drinking cranberry juice daily may help prevent the development of UTI, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Cranberry
Vaccinium macrocarpon, or the cranberry as it is more commonly known, is a berry that is native to North America and has been used both as a food and a medicine for centuries, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Native Americans used it to treat bladder and kidney diseases and early settlers from England learned to use the berry both in its raw and cooked form to treat ailments ranging from appetite loss, digestive problems, blood disorders and vitamin C deficiency. Cranberry is best known for its ability to prevent UTI by preventing the cause of the infection, the Escherichia coli bacteria, or E. coli for short, from attaching to the walls of the urinary tract. However, as of 2011 there appears to be no evidence that taking cranberry is an effective treatment for UTI.
Dosage
According to the Mayo Clinic, a 15 ml to 30 ml dose of unsweetened 100 percent cranberry juice per day is recommended for adults 18 years and older who want to prevent urinary tract infection. Alternatively, you can substitute a 90 ml to 480 ml dose of commercially available cranberry cocktail twice a day if you should find pure cranberry juice too sour for your taste. As of 2011, there is not enough scientific evidence to recommend using cranberry juice as a medicinal supplement for children younger than 18 beyond the amounts found in a normal balanced diet.
Prevention Versus Treatment
Cranberries are more effective when used as prophylaxis, or prevention, of UTI, according to a 2004 article in "American Family Physician." Therefore, you should drink cranberry juice if you wish to lower your risk of suffering from a urinary tract infection. If you are prone to UTIs, consistent use of cranberry juice can help reduce the number of UTIs you suffer.
Adverse Effects
Cranberry juice is regarded as a safe herb that can even be used by pregnant or breast-feeding women. However, there is a possible side effect of cranberry juice that can worsen or increase your risk of UTI. Cranberry juice contains a high level of a chemical called oxalate, which can increase your risk of kidney stones, the University of Maryland Medical Center warns. Chronic, untreated kidney stones can predispose you to UTI. If you suffer from kidney stones, talk to your doctor before drinking cranberry juice.
References
- Mayo Clinic; Urinary Tract Infection; June 2010
- Mayo Clinic; Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon); April 2011
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Cranberry; Steven D. Ehrlich; November 2008
- American Family Physician; "Cranberry for Prevention of Urinary Tract Infections"; Darren M. Lynch M.D.; December 1, 2004
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