Although bladder discomfort may be caused by a variety of conditions, one of the main causes for this unpleasant symptom is a urinary tract infection (UTI). UTIs occur more frequently in women, but men can also develop them. The treatment may include antibiotics prescribed by your doctor, and there are several remedies you can implement at home to help address this condition. Cranberry juice is one of these remedies and is an effective antidote for eliminating UTIs. It can also be used to help maintain a healthy urinary tract and prevent UTIs from reoccurring.
Symptoms
An individual who has a UTI may have a variety of symptoms in addition to bladder discomfort, including a pain or a burning sensation during urination; urine that is dark, cloudy or has an unpleasant odor; frequent urges to urinate; and lower back and abdomen pain.
In more serious cases, when the infection has traveled to an individual's kidneys, a UTI may include fever, chills, nausea and vomiting and a general feeling of fatigue. In elderly people, the only noticeable change may be confusion or an alteration in mental status, so it is important for caretakers to be alert to these sometimes subtle changes and to help the elderly person seek treatment.
Function
Cranberry juice works to help deal with UTIs through its ability to make the urine more acidic. The bacteria that infect the urinary tract cannot survive in an environment with increased acidity and consequently die. However, this is not the only reason cranberry juice is effective. Cranberries contain compounds called condensed tannins. These make the inside lining of the urinary tract more slippery and help prevent the bacteria from adhering and colonizing on the walls of the bladder and entire urinary tract.
Preparation
Combine a pound of washed fresh or frozen cranberries with six cups of water in a saucepan with a small pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes or until the cranberries have burst. Pour the mixture through a sieve to filter it. Then return it to the pan and add about ¾ cup, or the desired amount, of sugar to sweeten it. Boil for a few more minutes to dissolve the sugar and remove the mixture from the heat. Serve cooled.
Other Additions
Blueberries, lingonberries and huckleberries have also been shown to possess the same qualities as cranberries and can be helpful in preventing UTIs as well. These can be added to your cranberry juice mixture, as well as other fruits such as oranges that will enhance the taste and provide additional vitamin C.
Considerations
Remember, the less sugar you add to your juice, the healthier it will be for you. Try using the smallest amount of sugar possible and experimenting with adding other fruits to help sweeten your cranberry juice. Cranberry juice can be a powerful tool in curing your infection. Even when stronger treatments are required to address your UTI, cranberry juice is a valuable addition to the regimen. If you see a doctor for your condition, be sure to inform him or her that you are using cranberry juice.
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