How Much Cranberry Juice Should You Drink To Prevent Infections?

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the cranberry was originally used as both a food and medicine by Native Americans to treat bladder and kidney infections, digestive problems, blood disorders, scurvy and a loss of appetite. Recent research suggests that cranberry juice has the potential to prevent, but not treat certain infections, especially those caused by bacteria. As with any herbal supplement, it is important to consult your health care provider before using cranberry for medicinal purposes.

The Cranberry

Cranberries grow in bogs, primarily in North America. They are closely related to the blueberry, huckleberry and bilberry. The cranberry shrub has leaves and pink flowers that blossom during the summer months. The cranberry is a tart, red berry, rich in phenolic phytochemicals, flavonoids and antioxidants. It is approximately 80 percent water and is also a good source of vitamins A, C and E, selenium, potassium and fiber. Commercial preparations use the ripe fruit of the cranberry bush. Cranberries are available fresh, frozen, dried, as a juice or in tablet form. Because cranberries are sour, most juices contain a blend of cranberries, sweeteners and vitamin C. Look for brands with limited added sugar.

Antioxidants

Drinking cranberry juices helps protect the body in a numerous ways. As an antioxidant, it protects the body by neutralizing free radicals which can weaken cell membranes, interfere with DNA, cause oxidative damage and cell death. Cranberries contain vitamins A, C, E and selenium which are potent antioxidants in addition to phytochemicals and phenolic compounds.

Anti-Infectious Agent

As a bacterial mediator, cranberry juice creates a barrier to prevent disease-causing microorganisms from starting an infection. Thus, cranberry prevents bacteria from attaching to your body's cells. Cranberry juice is unique in that it targets disease-causing bacteria, but it has no effect on non-pathogenic organisms. This suggests that cranberry juice will not disrupt the bacteria that are a normal presence in your gut flora. Most studies have observed the effects of cranberry juice in the prevention of urinary tract and bladder infections. However, researchers are currently looking into the beneficial effects of cranberries in the prevention of heart disease and cancer. Previous studies have determined that drinking cranberry juice regularly can lower bad cholesterol and reduce the risk of stomach ulcers and gum disease.

Recommended Dosage

The exact dosage to help prevent problems, such as bladder or urinary infections, is still under review. Additionally, there are no conclusive guidelines for children. The current recommendation is to drink 3 oz or more pure cranberry juice or 10 oz cranberry juice cocktail three times daily to prevent infection. According to Natural News, researchers at the Worcester Polytechnic Institute found that even low concentrations of cranberry juice make it difficult for infectious bacteria to attach to your body's cell walls. However, to take advantage of the antibacterial effects of cranberry, it is a good idea to drink it every day. Recent research has found that the use of cranberry juice for up to 12 months is safe and effective in preventing infection. Because cranberry juice has a tart, strong flavor, you may wish to dilute it with water.

Considerations

Cranberry juice is typically considered safe, however, like other herbal supplements; it has the potential to interact with medications and cause side effects. Cranberry contains high levels of oxalate, a chemical that can increase your risk of developing kidney stones. Drinking cranberry juice may interfere with the effects of Warfarin, a blood thinning medication. If you take Warfarin, do not take supplemental cranberry and limit your intake of cranberry juice. Potential side effects of consuming large amounts of cranberry juice include gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea.