Bladder infections are 10 times more likely to occur in females as they are men, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Regardless of sex, the pain and discomfort of a bladder infection is something you want to cure as soon as possible. Antibiotics are the recommended treatment method for a bladder infection, but black cherry juice may be able to help alleviate symptoms while the antibiotics go to work. Ask your doctor about black cherry juice and any other medications you're taking.
Bladder Infections
Bladder infections are also referred to as urinary tract infections or cystitis. These are bacterial infections that affect your urinary system -- bladder, kidneys, urethra and ureters. Bladder infections cause burning or pain during urination, the frequent urge to urinate while voiding little, cloudy or blood-colored urine, foul-smelling urine, abdominal pains and possible fever, chills or nausea. Bladder infections can affect individuals of any age or sex, but are most common in women. Other risk factors include a history of bladder infections, pregnancy, diabetes and being sexually active. Bladder infections rarely have severe health implications. However, you do need to seek medical treatment for a bladder infection. A urine sample, medical history and brief physical examination can help to confirm a bladder infection. Antibiotics are the normal course of treatment for bladder infections.
Antioxidants
Black cherry juice -- similarly to cranberries, which are commonly used to prevent and reduce symptoms of bladder infections -- contain antioxidants. Antioxidants help to fight infections in your bladder as well as in your entire body. By consuming black cherry juice, bacteria is less likely to stick to the walls of your bladder. Antioxidants also create a hostile environment for bacteria to thrive in.
Flavonoids
Black cherry juice contains flavonoids. Flavonoids are powerful agents that help to fight off bacteria, infections and viruses. Bladder infections are bacterial infections. Two flavonoids found in black cherry juice are isoqueritrin and queritrin. These agents help to rid your bladder of bacteria and repair damage to your bladder tissues caused by infections.
Anthocyanins
Black cherry juice also contains anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are powerful anti-inflammatory agents. In black cherries, they are responsible for the dark-red color. Anthocyanins also help to lower uric acid levels in your body. High uric acid levels can lead to an increased presence of urinary tract infections. The anti-inflammatory properties of black cherry juice can help reduce pain and burning during urination.
Recommended Amounts
The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends consuming six to eight glasses of fluid per day with a bladder infection. Drinking plenty of fluids can help naturally flush bacteria from your body. Black cherry juice -- along with blueberries and cranberries -- can help prevent bacteria from sticking to the walls of your bladder. As a result, the University of Michigan Health System recommends four to 10 oz. of juices -- like cranberry and black cherry -- daily to help prevent bladder infections.
Member Comments