The bladder is a balloon-like organ responsible for accumulating and holding urine until the fluid is expelled from the body through the urethra. A healthy bladder gently fills with urine, and bladder muscles do not contract until the act of urination begins. When a person has bladder spasms, the muscle responsible for squeezing urine out of the bladder randomly contracts, which causes a sudden and intense urge to urinate. Occasionally, the bladder spasms force urine out of the body, which is known as urge incontinence. While many supplements and medications are available to reduce the severity of bladder spasms, the use of cranberry is popular among alternative health practitioners. Consult your doctor before trying to prevent, treat or cure any condition with cranberry.
Cranberry Active Compounds
The University of Maryland Medical Center reports the use of cranberry to treat and prevent bladder and kidney ailments dates back centuries. The primary active compounds found in cranberry are proanthocyanidins, which is known to be a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants are important for the body as they fight off free radicals, and help repair and protect body cells from damage. Cranberry also contains a high concentration of vitamin C, which also contains antioxidant properties.
Cranberry and Bladder Spasms
Traditionally, cranberry is used to treat urinary tract infections by inhibiting UTI-causing bacteria from binding urinary tract walls; however, modern research has determined cranberry is more suitable for UTI prevention and not UTI treatment. While cranberry may prevent urinary tract infections, there is no scientific research available to support the claim of bladder spasm prevention.
Dosage Recommendations
Cranberry is available in whole fruit, capsule and juice form. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests consuming 300 to 400 mg of cranberry capsules per day, or drinking three or more ounces of pure cranberry juice. You can also consume 1.5 oz. of fresh or frozen cranberries for medicinal benefits.
Warnings
While cranberry is generally considered safe, this herb contains a high concentration of oxalate, which is cited by the University of Maryland Medical Center as increasing the chance of developing kidney stones. While fresh cranberry juice only contains natural sugar, the majority of store-bought cranberry juice has added sugar, which may not be ideal for those with diabetes. Cranberry may also cause an adverse reaction with warfarin, which is a blood-thinner. Discuss the use of cranberry with your physician prior to starting a supplementation routine.
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