One in five women will develop at least one urinary tract infection (UTI) in her lifetime. Men can get them too, although it's not as common.
The use of cranberries to prevent or treat UTIs has become a common practice. Several studies have confirmed that cranberry juice might indeed be a good way to ward off UTIs. The accumulating evidence from small, non-controlled and controlled clinical trials suggests that cranberries might also relieve symptoms associated with UTIs and reduce the need for antibiotics.
Why Do Cranberries Work?
A concentrated amount of tannins in the berries appears to be the reason. But exactly how the tannins in these berries work is not known for sure. However, researchers suspect that the tannins prevent E. coli (the bacteria responsible for causing UTIs) from being able to stick to the cells that line the urinary tract and bladder. Cranberry juice acts like a natural antibiotic to the urinary system.
Drinking cranberry juice doesn't eliminate all UTIs in all women, but it greatly reduces the frequency for many.
The exact dose hasn't been determined. If you don't like cranberries, reach for blueberries. They also contain a high concentration of tannins. |
