Urine infection is very common across all age groups of women. Women are particularly prone to urine infections due to the anatomically short urethra. Let’s discuss the relation between Cranberry Juice and Urine Infection.
Cranberry juice intake has been touted as a helpful measure to reduce the rate of urine infections. Cranberry juice increases benzoic acid in the urine which in turn makes the urine acidic and therefore prevents the bacteria from proliferating. It was also believed that cranberry juice prevents the bacteria from sticking to inert surfaces such as catheters and prevents infections from long dwelling catheters.
Research has revealed that substances derived from cranberry juice i.e. extract such as glycoproteins, fructose, and condensed tannins prevent bacteria from sticking to the epithelial cells and thus prevent urine infection. As the bacteria do not stick to the walls, they are flushed out in the urine.
Cranberry extract is now available as a tablet form. A minimum of 300-400 mg twice daily in tablet form for at least a month or so is needed to give some benefit.
Research has also shown mixed results and therefore it is too premature to recommend it as a preventive treatment for UTI.
Nevertheless, one can always enjoy cranberry juice.
