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We’ve all heard it… Cranberries are great for urinary tract infections! But is that ACTUALLY true???
Well, kind of…. Let me explain:
Cranberries contain compounds, called proanthocyanidins (try saying THAT three times fast) and scientific studies have suggested that it may interfere with the adhesion of bacteria, particularly Escherichia coli (E. coli), to the lining of the urinary tract. It is thought that if the bacteria cannot stick to the walls of the bladder, then it cannot cause an infection.
Cranberry juice is also believed to have a mild diuretic effect, which assuming you are staying hydrated, may help flush bacteria from the urinary tract with more frequent urination. Additionally, cranberry juice is acidic in nature and may create an unfavorable environment for bacterial growth. However, the evidence for this is not conclusive, and there has not been any established dosage or concentration for this be to be proven effective.
But if you want to go ahead anyways and drink cranberry juice, one thing to consider is that the concentration of proanthocyanidin in cranberry products can vary. Your average grocery store cranberry juices are often misleadingly labelled as “Cranberry Cocktail” and may contain tons of added sugars, which actually promote bacterial growth. On the other hand, there are a variety of cranberry supplements that have shown promise in preventing UTIs, although the optimal dosages are not well-established. Research suggests that higher concentrations may be more effective, but consuming large enough quantities may not be practical. And don’t forget to take into account individual health conditions, potential interactions and any allergies or sensitivities.
The most important thing to remember though is that while cranberry products may possibly have a role in the prevention of recurrent UTIs, they have very limited effect on treating any active infections and are not a substitute for antibiotics. Antibiotics can effectively eliminate active urinary tract infections and over the counter products such as AZO can be useful in alleviating uncomfortable symptoms associated with a UTI.
Active infections if left untreated, can progress to complications including kidney infections and chronic disease, abscess formations, sepsis, pregnancy complications, urethral strictures and persistent UTIs. If you suspect a UTI, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
So in summary, it’s really up to you if you want to incorporate cranberry products as part of a balanced and healthy lifestyle. It may contribute to urinary tract health, but individual responses can vary. While some people may find them helpful, others may not experience the same benefits. The things that are shown to prevent UTIs include staying hydrated, practicing good hygiene, urinating regularly and avoiding irritants.
About the Author:
Dr. Alexandra Dubinskaya is a board certified and fellowship trained urogynecologist and pelvic reconstructive surgeon. She is a sexual medicine specialist and the founder of the Los Angeles Institute of Pelvic and Sexual Health. Dr. Dubinskaya is also a Menopause Society certified provider. In her spare time, she is an educational content creator for women’s health on YouTube and social media as @DrUroGyn.
