Cranberries are small red berries that grow on evergreen shrubs. In addition to the nutritional value in the cranberries, some people may use cranberries to treat symptoms associated with medical conditions. Taking cranberry pills will not treat an overactive bladder, but the supplement may help prevent additional urinary tract problems. In addition to the whole fruit or juice, cranberry is available as a tablet, capsule or an extract. Speak with your doctor before taking cranberry pills, to determine if the herbal supplement is safe for you.
Overactive Bladder
Overactive bladder is a medical condition, which may cause symptoms such as incontinence, increased urge to urinate, urinating at night and an increased frequency in urination. Treatment for overactive bladder includes prescription medications, surgery, limited intake of caffeinated and alcoholic beverages and lifestyle changes.
Uses of Cranberry Pills
Cranberries may help prevent urinary tract infections. The cranberry may work to prevent bacteria, such as E. coli, from infecting the cells along the walls of the urinary tract. The berry can help make the walls of the bladder slippery and may help prevent the bacteria from sticking on the walls of the bladder. Cranberries may work in this way because of the combination of a sugar called fructose and a chemical called proanthocyanidin. People suffering from urinary incontinence related to an overactive bladder may also benefit from cranberry pills because the supplement may help control odor when taken regularly, according to MedlinePlus.
Side Effects and Contraindications of Cranberry Pills
While those suffering from an active urinary tract infection should avoid taking cranberry pills, taking these pills generally causes few side effects. Large amounts of cranberry, however, may cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea. Additionally, a severe allergic reaction may occur when taking cranberry pills. Signs and symptoms of an allergy include swelling or the mouth, face or airway, difficulty breathing, increased heart rate, hives and itching.
Considerations
Although cranberries may help prevent or treat certain medical conditions, studies are not conclusive about the effectiveness of the supplement. Always seek medical advice before incorporating cranberry pills into your treatment plan, as the pills may interact with other medications you may be taking, such as warfarin.
