The effectiveness of cranberries in the treatment of urinary tract infections.
The use of cranberry juice as a therapy for urinary tract infections is popular. When I was a teenager and was diagnosed with a urinary tract infections, my mother used to advised me to consume cranberry juice. However, the effectiveness of cranberries in treating urinary tract infections has been questioned. Here's a look at the studies to see if you should drink 100% cranberry juice the next time you get a urinary tract infection.
Urinary tract infection is the most frequent urologic condition in the United States, affecting more than 150 million individuals globally. Women, in particular, are 50 percent more likely than males to have a UTI episode during their lifetime, with 20 to 30 percent of women experiencing a recurrence of urinary tract infections. Antibiotics are the most common treatment for UTIs, however recurrent infections and antibiotic treatments can lead to antibiotic resistance and gastrointestinal issues. As a result, alternative treatments, including nutrition, can be advantageous if they are demonstrated to be an effective way to treat urinary tract infections.
The Investigation
Proanthocyanidins are a type of antioxidant found only in cranberries (PACs). These polyphenols, which are naturally occurring plant components present in cranberries, have been shown to improve heart health, reduce inflammation, and lower the risk of some illnesses. They minimize the incidence and recurrence of UTIs by preventing bacteria from attaching to cell walls and causing infections in the urinary system, according to studies. Healthy women who got a cranberry intervention (juice, capsules, or tablets) had a 26% lower incidence of UTI recurrence compared to women who did not get the cranberry intervention (juice, capsules, or tablets).
Although drinking 100 percent cranberry juice is a convenient and enjoyable method to reap the advantages of cranberries, drinking 8 fluid ounces of 27 percent cranberry juice every day reduced the number of symptomatic UTIs in women with recurrent UTIs by approximately 40%. Adding whole cranberries to your foods is another way to gain the advantages of cranberries. Because cranberries are only available in the fall, purchasing frozen cranberries and keeping them in the freezer all year is a terrific way to incorporate them into their diet. For a heart-healthy breakfast, blend them into smoothies or warm them with porridge. Alternatively, you can take cranberry extract pills as a supplement.
Conclusion.
While you may believe that cranberries are only good around Thanksgiving, there are numerous documented health benefits (not to mention the delicious flavor!) that make this fruit a healthy item to utilize all year.
