Urinary Tract,Bladder Infections,Bladder Infection,Urinary Tract Infections,Treatment Urinary Tract Infections,Utis,Painful Urination,Prevent Bladder Infections,Urinary Tract Infections Antibiotics,Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections,Foul Smelling Urine,Cloudy Urine,Bladder Infection Symptoms,Cranberry Supplement - Why Does Cranberry Work So Well For Bladder Infections?
2012-05-17
Why Does Cranberry Work So Well For Bladder Infections?
Cranberry is a fruit native to North America. It typically grows in bogs, and commercial production is mainly performed in Massachusetts and Wisconsin.
For ages, cranberry has been used for the prevention and treatment of urinary tract infections. Research suggests that it prevents bacteria from adhering to host cell surface membranes. It was used by Native Americans to treat ailments of the bladder and kidneys. The cranberry was documented in the 17th century as a treatment for several ailments, including:
Natural Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Pills
Doctor recommended UTI Formula.
Scientifically Formulated Based on Clinical Research to:
Naturally Balance Your Body's Chemistry
Stop Urinary Tract Infection!
100% safe. No side effects
Prevent UTI attacks
Feel great all day every day
Natural antiseptic that kills UTI bacteria
Relieve and prevent UTI Infections
User Ratings 4.9 / 5
* Blood disorders
* Liver problems, vomiting and stomach ailments
* Loss of appetite
* Scurvy
*Cancer
Cranberry was used as an effective treatment for urinary tract infections long before antibiotics were invented. It is still recommended by physicians to be used in conjunction with a prescribed round of antibiotics for treating bladder infections.
Important Facts
Statistically, one in every five women in the United States suffers from bladder infections in her lifetime. Three percent of these women suffer from recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs). Approximately 11 million women each year receive medications to treat UTIs. Studies show that women with a history of bladder infections can reduce the frequency of those infections by regularly drinking cranberry juice.
There have been no significant reactions discovered between cranberry and prescription drugs. Drinking cranberry juice a minimum of three times per day during treatment of a bladder infection will increase the need to urinate. This helps your body to rid itself of the infection through ingestion and expulsion of fluids.
Pharmacology of Cranberry
The use of cranberry for medicinal purposes has been the subject of many scientific discussions. At first, it was thought that acidification of the urine assisted in creating an antibacterial effect. However, the primary reason that cranberry works so well for treating bladder infections is its prevention of bacterial adhesion to cell walls. It also prevents adherence by other gram-negative uropathogens that cause infection. Cranberry's ability to inhibit the adherence of bacteria has been shown through in vitro research.
Other Uses
One study showed that the same property in cranberry juice that prevents bladder infections also aids in dental plaque prevention. Additionally, cranberry has been discovered to be a recommended treatment for Candida (yeast) infections.
Further in vitro studies show that cranberry has an inhibiting effect on certain types of fungi. However, there are no human trials that indicate its effectiveness in treating fungal infections when used alone.
Symptoms of a Bladder Infection
The most common symptom of an oncoming bladder infection is feeling a constant, urgent need to empty the bladder. This feeling is present even when there is little or no fluid in the bladder. Other symptoms may include:
Natural Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Pills
Doctor recommended UTI Formula.
Scientifically Formulated Based on Clinical Research to:
Naturally Balance Your Body's Chemistry
Stop Urinary Tract Infection!
100% safe. No side effects
Prevent UTI attacks
Feel great all day every day
Natural antiseptic that kills UTI bacteria
Relieve and prevent UTI Infections
User Ratings 4.9 / 5
* Frequent urination
* Dysuria (burning or painful urination)
* Bladder spasms
* Cloudy urine
* Bloody urine
* Foul-smelling urine
* Mild fever
A bladder infection that has gone untreated for an extended period of time could turn into a kidney infection. This brings with it much more serious symptoms which may include fever, chills and nausea. You may also experience cloudy or bloody urine, painful urination and abdominal pain. A common telltale sign of kidney infection is back pain just above the waist.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is wise to contact your physician. Bladder infection symptoms will not go away by themselves. They will continue to worsen, and your infection will become much more serious. Treatment for bladder infections is quick and easy. The sooner you begin the better.
If you suspect that you are about to experience a bladder infection, begin a regimen of drinking cranberry juice or supplement at least three times a day and make an appointment with your doctor.
Preventing Bladder Infections
There are several precautions you can take to prevent bladder infections. Some may seem obvious or silly, but after your first infection you will think very differently. Some of these precautions include:
* Wipe from front to back after urination or a bowel movement. This prevents the spread of bacteria.
* Go to the bathroom frequently. Holding urine in the bladder for long periods of time invites an infection.
* Keep the genital area clean and dry. Avoid prolonged moisture in the area.
* Avoid frequent bubble baths. They can cause vaginal irritation.
* Try to urinate soon after sexual activity. If lubricants are used, use only those that are water-soluble.
* Underwear with a cotton crotch will aid in infection prevention as well.
Drink a lot of water throughout the day. Also, drink cranberry juice or cranberry supplement to keep the urine acidic. This will prevent natural bacteria from multiplying as frequently, thus avoiding bladder infection.
About the Author:
More information on cranberry extract is available at VitaNet ®, LLC Health Food Store. http://vitanetonline.com/
Our Readers' Questions and Answers:
hi friends out there, i have UTI, what natural remedies and alternative medicine can you suggest? why?
ronald asked on Mon, 24 Sep, 2007
im from philippines, and we have a lot of medicinal plants here, but dont know what of these plants are aid to my Urinary track infection...I thought of bitter gourd(ampalaya in our dialect), is it a good alternative for UTI? advice or suggestion will be highly appreciated...
thank you
Oreo Schmoreo replied on Mon, 24 Sep, 2007
You would probably be better off seeing a doctor. If left untreated, it could spread to your kidneys.
Grace P replied on Mon, 24 Sep, 2007
I believe that we all have a "physician within" and I do think that a lot of herbal things may work. BUT, if you have had that UTI for a length of time, YOU REALLY NEED TO SEE A DOCTOR.
It has been said that cranberry's and cranberry juice can help this problem. I don't know that it will "cure" the problem. I do know that it helps "PREVENT" the problem..Good luck.
Adam Rockett replied on Mon, 24 Sep, 2007
cranberry juice...dont know why...but it works...
Sue F replied on Mon, 24 Sep, 2007
Cranberries and cranberry juice can be very effective. If you drink cranberry juice every day, you will most likely never have another UTI again.
Elisabeth U replied on Tue, 25 Sep, 2007
I know the common answer is cranberry juice but they did not specify it needs to be pure cranberry juice no Ocean Spray with very littly juice actually in it. You can get the pure stuff and the tablets at most health food stores.
ArLorax replied on Mon, 24 Sep, 2007
You need quinic acid. You can find it in cranberries, but the amount that you need to ingest is best found in concentrated cranberry tablets found at most pharmacies and fairly inexpensive. Use the tablets for 7 days AFTER you no longer feel the effects of the UTI. Don't just stop taking them when you feel better. If the UTI recurs, see a doc to avoid kidney troubles.
totalstressor replied on Mon, 24 Sep, 2007
I don't know about plants from the philippines but you should drink lots of cranberry juice. Also sit in a warm bath - no bubbles just plain water - this allows the urethra to open up and let any urine stored in there to be released which is one of the causes of a UTI.
Hope you feel better.
SapphireSeaFairy replied on Mon, 24 Sep, 2007
Cranberry juice is good, but you should go to a Dr. for antibiotics.
Jane d replied on Tue, 25 Sep, 2007
Cranberry juice. Get a big bottle and drink it all as fast as you are able to. Then drink lots of water. No caffeine or alcohol until it is gone.
meowpandachan replied on Mon, 24 Sep, 2007
other than seeing the doctor, as u had already known, cranberry is very helpful. you can also try this herb called gokshura. I'm not sure whether in Philippines , we have this brand called Himalaya , it have a wide range of herbs.
All replies are subject to the terms and conditions of this site.
Are you looking for UTI help after antibiotics did not cure your infection? You are not alone! In fact, thousands of people are repeat sufferers and are looking for alternative treatments.
It is important that you do not suffer with the symptoms of this bacterial infection. Many people try to deal with the pain while praying that the infection goes away. That is why thousands of...
A large number of people every year get Urinary Tract Infections (UTI). This is caused by bacteria affecting any part of the urinary tract. It can be annoying, uncomfortable or even painful. There are a number of things that cause these infections and people need to do everything possible to keep a clean, clear urinary tract.
The urinary tract is actually one of the systems of...
Symptoms of UTI are not hard to miss and include a strong urge to urinate that cannot be delayed which is followed by a sharp discomfort or burning sensation in the urethra when the urine is released. During the common urinations usually tiny amounts of urine is passed and the urine can frequently be cloudy and can contain some blood. Symptoms of UTI can begin suddenly and can also include...
Kidney damage! Kidney Failure! No sleep! Aching! Fatigue! Vomiting! Fever! Chills! Do any of these symptoms describe what your urinary tract infection is doing to you physically, mentally and emotionally?
Almost 12 million Americans are also experiencing these symptoms at this same moment. And most of these sufferers will receive expensive medical treatment and some will painfully...
Bacteria in urine causes serious disease called urinary tract infections, commonly known as UTI. UTI is an urge incontinence that involves a strong, sudden need to urinate, chasing behind the bladder contraction that result in leakage. Usually bacteria in urine causes UTI, they used to live in the digestive tract. They enter into the urethra travel along the bladder and kidneys. Most often,...
