Cranberries and Bladder Infections

Cranberries have been scientifically proven to be effective as a treatment for bladder and other urinary tract infections (UTI).  They contain a high level of hippuric acid that inhibits the growth of Escherichia coli, commonly known as E. coli, that prevents the bacteria from binding to the lining of the urinary tract, a preliminary step in infection.  In order for the bacteria to infect, the bacteria has to first adhere to the mucosa.  By blocking the binding, cranberry juice greatly reduces the possibility of infection and helps the body defend itself against infection.

Bladder infections are usually treated with antibiotics but as a natural healing alternative, cranberries are effective. 

Cranberry juice is regarded as “bacteriostatic” because it limits bacterial growth, rather than “bactericidal” which refers to substances that kill bacteria. 

In one study, individuals with active urinary tract infections were given 16 oz of cranberry juice every day.  75% of the individuals were benefited from the juice, however when the juice was no longer used, recurrence of bladder infection was shown on 60% of them. 

To treat an existing bladder infection or to prevent one, drink approx. 16 oz of cranberry juice every day.  Make sure it is real juice, and not a juice cocktail which are very sweet.  Most cranberry juices on the market are one-third juice and the rest is water and sugar.
Some experts suggest that cranberry juice has to be very tart to work.  If you can't find real cranberry juice,  look for cranberry juice concentrate and mix it with water.  For a sweeter taste, mix 2 tsp of the concentrate with a pint of fresh apple juice.

Don't like cranberries?  Try their cousins blueberries, which are believed to have similar infection fighting properties.