Wednesday, March 13, 2024

What Juice Helps Urinary Tract Infections

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Does Cranberry Juice Help Uti:

Juicing for Bladder and Kidneys : Help for Urinary Tract Infections

Cranberry juice helps in the prevention of UTI by:

  • It assists in the normal bladder activity and function
  • It minimizes occasional urinary urgency
  • It minimizes the bladder overactivity Dosing
  • It promotes normal urinary flow and function
  • It supports urinary continence
  • Reducing the frequency of daytime and nighttime urination

/7myth: Only Sex Can Cause Utis

Fact: UTI is very common and can be caused due to numerous reasons including diabetes, poor hygiene, having a urinary catheter and many others. Sex can cause UTI but it is not the only cause of the infection. Women who havent had sex are not safe from UTIs, there are other reasons like menopause, pregnancy and perimenopause. However, it is recommended that after intercourse you keep the vagina away from moisture as moisture supports the growth of bacteria.

Other Methods To Prevent Utis

Lifestyle habits may be just as helpful in preventing UTIs. Stay well hydrated and always urinate after sexual intercourse. Make a habit of wiping from front to back, so you minimize contact between bacteria from your rectum and your vagina.

Avoid the use of douches and scented powders. Certain birth control methods are likely to cause UTIs, too. These include spermicides and spermicide-lubricated condoms as well as diaphragms, which contribute to bacterial growth.

If you have frequent urinary tract infections, the team at Southeast Urogyn also recommends you take other precautions to discourage bacterial growth. Stick mostly to cotton underwear and avoid baths. Tight clothing that keeps bacteria trapped near your urethra can also encourage UTIs.

In some cases, the doctors might prescribe a low dose of antibiotics for you to take regularly or to take as a single dose after having sex. Women whove experienced menopause can ask about estrogen vaginal cream to prevent dryness, which increases the chance of bacterial infection.

The bottom line? Cranberry juice can be part of your UTI prevention protocol, but not your only strategy. If you suffer from frequent UTIs and want to discuss preventive treatments with a trusted doctor, call Southeast Urogyn in Jackson, Mississippi, or click to make an appointment.

References:

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Does Cranberry Juice Work For Uti:

Traditionally, cranberry juice has been used for the treatment and also for the prevention of urinary tract infections . Research has suggested that it can be used to prevent these infections. The studies have also acknowledged the fact that regular drinking of cranberry juice may have a protective effect against UTI in pregnancy.

Bladder Infections Are Utis

Health Benefits Of Cranberry Juice  UTI, Anti Tumour ...

As the Department of Health and Human Services explains, a urinary tract infection, or UTI, can affect any part of the urinary system, including the bladder, kidneys, ureters or urethra. Women are particularly at risk because of their shorter urethras, which open right next to the anus and vagina both ready sources of bacteria and ultimately allow bacteria quicker access to the bladder.

The HHS warns that one out of every two women will have a UTI at some point in their lives if you’re one of them, it’s perfectly understandable that you’d go looking for relief in the form of cherry juice for a bladder infection and other natural remedies for a UTI. However, there is no evidence that cherry juice or any other form of cherry product will help a bladder infection.

If you decide to go ahead and try some form of cherry as a home treatment anyway, talk to your doctor first. If your bladder infection isn’t resolved, it can move into your kidneys and produce permanent damage. Also, nutritional supplements can produce unexpected interactions with prescription medications and existing health conditions.

As the Michigan Medicine points out, your doctor may suggest treating the bladder infection with prescription antibiotics and drinking lots of fluids.

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Mechanistic Studies: Antiadherent Properties

Adherence of uropathogens to uroepithelial cells is the initial step in pathogenesis of UTI . In 1984, Sobota was first to suggest that reported benefits derived from the use of cranberry juice may be related to its ability to inhibit bacterial adherence . Sobota found that cranberry juice cocktail reduced adherence by > 75% in > 60% of 77 clinical isolates of E. coli recovered from patients with UTI. Fifteen of 22 subjects showed significant antiadherence activity in their urine 13 h after drinking 15 oz of cranberry juice cocktail .

Since Sobota’s initial report, several studies have confirmed that the presumed efficacy of cranberry in preventing UTI is related to its antiadherent properties. It is now known that E. coli, the most common cause of UTI, have hairlike fimbria that protrude from their surface. The fimbriae produce 2 adhesins that attach to receptors on uroepithelial cells .

The Truth About Cranberry Juice And Utis

Urinary tract infections affect 50-60% of women at some point in their lives. The condition can be painful, characterized by a strong urge to urinate, burning sensations, and cloudy or reddish-colored urine with a strong smell.

While antibiotics are the go to remedy for a UTI, you may have heard that simply drinking cranberry juice or taking a cranberry supplement is just as effective. Before you treat yourself with the tart drink, know the facts about cranberry juice and UTIs.

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The Facts About Cranberries And Utis

More than 20 national and international studies were examined, including randomized controlled research trials, considered the gold standard for evaluating effectiveness of a treatment. These studies evaluated the role cranberries play in preventing or treating a urinary tract infection among a variety of populations, including children, adults, men, women, pregnant women, and those with certain medical conditions.

As of 2020, the current research shows cranberry products provide very little or no benefit in the prevention or treatment of a UTI when compared to a placebo.

Why Cranberry Juice Is Good For Uti

Can Cranberry Juice Really Help Treat My Urinary Tract Infection?

Does Cranberry Juice Help Treat UTIs? Myth vs. Science

If you get frequent urinary tract infections , youve possibly been told to drink cranberry juice and that its effective at stopping and treating these uncomfortable infections.

But is cranberry juice truly helpful for people with UTIs? And does including cranberry juice on your diet assist reduce the risk of a UTI?

This article explains the whole lot you need to understand about cranberry juice and UTIs that will help you separate the myths from the science.

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What Were The Basic Results

The review includes 24 studies with a total of 4,473 participants, comparing cranberry products with control or alternative treatments. Ten of the studies had been included in a previous review carried out by the researchers in 2009 into the same question. Studies included seven of women with recurrent UTIs, four of elderly men and women, three of patients needing catheterisation, two of pregnant women and three of children at risk. The main findings are below:

Where Did The Story Come From

The study was carried out by researchers from the Cochrane Collaboration, an independent international organisation that publishes regular systematic reviews on the effectiveness of healthcare interventions. There was no external funding. The study was published in the peer-reviewed latest edition of the Cochrane Library, which is available to everyone.

Generally, the media covered the study fairly. Several papers used the term cystitis as a shorthand for bladder and other urinary tract infections. Cystitis is a painful inflammation of the bladder that can cause an urgent need to urinate and pain on urinating. It is often, but not always, caused by a bacterial infection. Infection may also affect other parts of the urinary tract including the urethra, kidneys and ureter, when it is more serious.

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Does Cranberry Juice Help Treat Utis Myth Vs Science

If you get frequent urinary tract infections , youve probably been told to drink cranberry juice and that its effective at preventing and treating these uncomfortable infections.

But is cranberry juice truly helpful for people with UTIs? And does adding cranberry juice to your diet help reduce the risk of a UTI?

This article explains everything you need to know about cranberry juice and UTIs to help you separate the myths from the science.

Practice These Healthy Habits

Home Remedies for UTI Symptoms: Natural Treatment for ...

Preventing urinary tract infections starts with practicing a few good bathroom and hygiene habits.

First, its important not to hold urine for too long. This can lead to a buildup of bacteria, resulting in infection .

Peeing after sexual intercourse can also reduce the risk of UTIs by preventing the spread of bacteria .

Additionally, those who are prone to UTIs should avoid using spermicide, as it has been linked to an increase in UTIs .

Finally, when you use the toilet, make sure you wipe front to back. Wiping from back to front can cause bacteria to spread to the urinary tract and is associated with an increased risk of UTIs .

SUMMARY

Urinating frequently and after sexual intercourse can reduce the risk of UTI. Spermicide use and wiping from back to front may increase the risk of UTI.

Several natural supplements may decrease the risk of developing a UTI.

Here are a few supplements that have been studied:

  • D-Mannose. D-Mannose is a type of sugar that is found in cranberries. Research suggests its effective in treating UTIs and preventing recurrence (

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Cranberry Juice Will Not Do The Trick

However, the researchers point out that since a cranberry capsule provides the equivalent of 8 ounces of cranberry juice, a patient would need a lot of pure cranberry to prevent an infection.

Dr. Boone explains: It takes an extremely large concentration of cranberry to prevent bacterial adhesion. This amount of concentration is not found in the juices we drink. Theres a possibility it was stronger back in our grandparents day, but definitely not in modern times.

He adds:

Cranberry juice, especially the juice concentrates you find at the grocery store, will not treat a UTI or bladder infection. It can offer more hydration and possibly wash bacteria from your body more effectively, but the active ingredient in cranberry is long gone by the time it reaches your bladder.

He also cautions that a UTI and an overactive bladder may show similar symptoms, and people should seek medical advice if any adverse symptoms appear, to prevent UTIs from developing into kidney infections.

Treatment of UTIs can be complicated. Approximately 20-30% of women have recurring UTIs, and concerns about antibiotic resistance mean that both doctors and patients may be unwilling to use such medication.

Dr. Boone points out that there are many benefits of probiotics, although more research is still needed.

Our Knowledge Center article features more information about the health benefits of cranberries.

What Did The Research Involve

Researchers set out to test whether cranberry juice and other products were more effective than either placebo or no treatment, or any other treatment in the prevention of UTIs in susceptible populations. They also wished to test whether different cranberry products differed in how well they prevented UTIs.

They searched a number of electronic databases for all randomised controlled trial and quasi-RCTs on the effectiveness of cranberry products in the prevention of UTIs.

They also contacted companies involved in the promotion and distribution of cranberry products for information on both published and unpublished studies, and searched reference lists of review articles and relevant studies.

They also searched by hand a number of specialist journals and the proceedings of major relevant conferences. Non-English language studies were included.

The studies included were of the following groups:

  • those with a history of recurrent UTI
  • elderly people
  • people with abnormalities of the urinary tract
  • children with a UTI

They excluded any studies in which cranberry products were tested as a treatment for UTI, and studies of any urinary tract condition not caused by a bacterial infection.

Two of the authors independently assessed the quality of all the studies eligible, using a validated tool to assess the risk of bias, and extracted the relevant data on study methods, participants, interventions and outcomes.

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What Does The Research Tell Us

Some early studies suggested that drinking cranberry juice could reduce recurrent UTIs. However, more recent higher quality research from 2012 found that there is no benefit in preventing UTIs compared to placebo or no treatment. This study was a review of 24 studies with 4473 participants and was carried out by the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, which is a gold-standard level of research.1 Other findings were that:

  • many people in the studies stopped drinking the juice, suggesting that it may be unacceptable to consume in the long term for many people
  • cranberry-derived products were also ineffective.

There have been two further randomised trials in 2016. One found no benefit in nursing home residents.2 Another study found a meaningless benefit of preventing one UTI per 3.2 years of daily drinking of cranberry juice, and the study had significant biases like being funded by a cranberry product manufacturer.3

Probably Not A Great Treatment For Active Utis

Does cranberry juice helps in urinary tract infection? – Ms. Sushma Jaiswal

While cranberry products help protect against UTI recurrence in some people, evidence supporting the use of cranberry juice and cranberry juice products for improving symptoms in people who have active UTIs is weak.

One review that included three high quality studies concluded that, overall, there wasnt enough evidence to show that cranberry extract helps treat active UTIs .

Another study that included 46 women found that taking cranberry capsules both alone and when combined with antibiotics may help reduce the need for antibiotic use and improve certain UTI-related symptoms in women with active UTIs .

Its important to note that this was a feasibility study with 46 participants, designed to assess whether a larger scale study would be feasible. Thus, its results may not be as robust as the results of a larger, high quality study.

Some women in the study noted that taking the cranberry supplements helped reduce antibiotic use and helped clear the infection more quickly than antibiotics alone, while others reported no improvement when they took the cranberry supplements.

Its important to note that most available research focuses on using cranberry products to prevent UTIs, not treat active infections.

Currently, theres not enough evidence to suggest that cranberry products are effective at reducing UTI symptoms or speeding recovery from active UTIs.

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How Cranberry Juice Treats Urinary Tract Infections

A mixture of cranberry juice, water, and sweeteners found in cranberry juice cocktail was used for the study because it is the most popular cranberry beverage. The researchers discovered that in petri dishes, cranberry metabolites in the juice prevented E. coli from sticking to other bacteria, limiting its ability to grow and multiply. If E. coli is able to connect with other bacteria, such as the bacteria found in the urinary tract, it forms a layer or “biofilm.” This allows the bacteria to multiply and produce an infection.

“A number of controlled clinical trials — these are carefully designed and conducted scientific studies done in humans — have concluded that cranberry juice really is effective for preventing urinary tract infections,” says study researcher Terri Anne Camesano, PhD, in a news release. “That has important implications, considering the size of the problem and the health care costs involved.”

Urinary tract infections are more common among women than men. According to the researchers, one in three women has had a urinary tract infection.

Urinary tract infections can occur anywhere along the urinary tract, which includes the bladder, urethra, and ureter. These infections account for 8 million trips to the doctor’s office every year and cost more than $1.6 billion to treat.

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Can Drinking Cranberry Juice Cure A Urinary Tract Infection

Drinking cranberry juice is good for your body. Cranberry juice is a great beverage, with important antioxidants that help reduce your risk of heart disease. Antioxidants also strengthen your immune system, allowing your body to fight off infections. However, according to the Urology Clinic at UAMS, cranberry juice cannot cure a urinary tract infection on its own.

The myth about cranberry juice may have started because the juice helps alleviate some of the discomfort and pain of a urinary tract infection. In addition, studies have shown drinking cranberry juice can help reduce your risk of getting a UTI. However, if you have an infection, your doctor will need to prescribe antibiotics to clear up the condition. Drinking cranberry juice, as well as other liquids, while you have an infection will help flush the bacteria from your system and speed healing.

To learn more about the personalized care provided by our doctors using state-of-the art diagnostic and treatment techniques, please visit our Medical Services section.

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How To Prevent Utis

Despite the lack of effectiveness of cranberries, there are things you can do to help prevent a urinary tract infection:

  • Drink water. Hydrating with about two liters of water a day will help to flush the urinary tract, prevent infection and also is the most important way to prevent kidney stones.
  • Practice good hygiene. Women should wipe front to back after urinating and a bowel movement.
  • Urinate after sex. Urinating will help flush the lower part of the urinary tract.

Although cranberries are not effective in preventing or treating urinary tract infections, they are tasty, have antioxidant properties and are always a great compliment to holiday dinners!

If you are experiencing symptoms of a UTI, your primary care doctor can help.

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