How Cranberries Can Help Prevent Urinary Tract Infections

The tart berries, cranberries, are considered superfruits. These berries are packed with antioxidants, fatty acids and fiber. They can also help reduce UTIs.

You don't have to wait until the holidays to enjoy cranberries.

It's a taboo subject. It can be painful or embarrassing. They may keep you awake at night, or make you anxious to leave the house. You know for sure that you have a urinary infection if you're experiencing any symptoms.

UTIs, the second-most common infection in the world, will affect approximately 50 percent of all women at some time. Between 65 and 85 percent of all infections are caused by E. coli bacteria that enter the urinary system, attach themselves to the wall and multiply.

Antibiotics are the standard treatment, but rising concerns over antibiotic-resistant bacteria has prompted both doctors and patients to seek alternative methods of relief.

The trend of personalization in medicine is a growing one, and it fits well with most alternative treatments. They work best when they are tailored to the individual patient. Cranberry products are no exception, and there are formulations for both men and woman.

Cranberries Can Help

Cranberries are rich in anthocyanidins, which act as tannins to protect against microbes. According to one theory, cranberries can help fight UTIs by preventing bacteria that cause UTIs from adhering to the walls and linings of the urinary system. If bacteria are prevented from adhering to urinary tract tissues, they won't be able to infect.

Cranberry Juice vs. Supplements

Generally, cranberry supplements (or other forms of cranberry) are considered superior to cranberry products for UTI infections. To reap the benefits of cranberry in fighting infections, you would have to consume a large amount. One cranberry pill is equivalent to eight ounces cranberry liquid.

Cranberries for Women

Nearly one third of women who experience UTIs will have recurrent infections. This category is for women who have three or more UTIs in a 12 month period.

Seven clinical trials including a gold standard trial involving 176 women aged 18-60 years old, determined that daily doses of 500mg of a cranberry product called Pacran by Naturex led to a 58% reduction in UTI recurrence, and delayed the appearance the first UTI, when compared with a placebo. Cranberry is effective because it reduces the ability of E. coli to adhere to the wall of your urinary tract.

Researchers only included women who had a history of recurrent UTIs, and were not pregnant or breastfeeding. The studies were also randomized and blinded. Half of the women took the cranberry supplements, while the other half took a placebo.

Cranberries for Men

Cranberries can be beneficial to men as well. BPH, or benign prostatic hyperplasia, is a condition that affects more than half of people aged 50 and 80 percent of those aged 70. BPH can lead to lower urinary symptoms (LUTS), which can result in either an underactive or overactive bladder. Overactive bladder symptoms include the urge to urinate or frequent urination, incontinence and urination while sleeping. Underactive bladders are characterized by a weak stream or inability to urinate. These symptoms will worsen with age for men who already experience them.

Cranberry supplements have been proven to improve LUTS in clinical studies. Researchers enrolled 121 men aged 45 to 70 with moderate bladder symptoms in a double-blind randomized study. Researchers used the Flowens by Naturex supplement to give one third a 250mg dose daily, another third a dose of 500mg, and the final third a placebo.

Men who did not receive prostate cancer treatment in the preceding six months were also tested for the severity of LUTS at the start of the study and 90 days later. The International Prostate Symptoms Score was used to assess the severity of their symptoms and impact on quality of life.

Data collected showed that 37 percent of men experienced symptom relief within a week, and 7 per cent saw improvements after the first seven days. 96 percent of the men took their daily doses without any problems.

The results showed that men taking the 250 mg daily dose saw a 25% improvement in symptoms compared to a placebo or baseline. The men who took the 500mg dose daily fared better, with a 38 percent improvement over the control group and a 44% reduction over baseline measurements.

The effects were also long-lasting. 71 percent reported that their quality of living had improved significantly. 52 percent reported urinating less often during the day. 63 percent noticed a decrease in urination while sleeping. And 48 percent no longer felt like they needed to empty their bladder after urinating.

Antibiotics can be effective for treating an active UTI. However, they shouldn't be used to prevent an infection. Waiting too long to treat the infection will have a negative impact on your daily life and activities. It's safe to say that cranberry products and those containing cranberries can be used to treat symptoms of an infection or prevent the development of one.

Sources

Hisano, M., Bruschini, H., Nicodemo AC., Srougi, M. Cranberries for the prevention of lower urinary tract infections. Clinics (Sao Paulo). 2012;67(6):661-8. doi: 10.6061/clinics/2012(06)18. PMID: 22760907; PMCID: PMC3370320.

The article How Cranberries Help Prevent Urinary Tract Infections first appeared on Alternative Medicine Magazine.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is another name for alternative medicine?

Alternative medicine is an umbrella term used to describe any approach to healing that differs significantly from conventional medical practice. Alternative medicine can take many forms, but most of them are rooted in the belief that healthcare should be rooted more in natural remedies and practices than in chemical medicines.

Alternative medicine can include acupuncture and herbalism, naturopathy and osteopathic manipulation.

Alternative practitioners often claim that they have better outcomes for patients, with fewer side effects and lower costs. These claims can't be supported scientifically, as mainstream medical authorities have mostly ignored the evidence-based advantages of alternative medicine.

Which types of treatment are not considered part of holistic medicine?

Holistic medicine is a way to heal that examines the whole person instead of just the symptoms. It helps people to recover from illness by promoting health and preventing disease.

Holistic medicine is a natural alternative to drugs and surgery.

Holistic medicine is a lifestyle change that includes exercise, diet, yoga, meditation, breathing exercises and massage.

Holistic medicine is sometimes called integrative medicine. This refers to the way that holistic medicine integrates all aspects (physical, mental and spiritual) into one comprehensive care plan.

Holistic medicine emphasizes prevention and early diagnosis of disease and encourages healthy lifestyles.

Holistic doctors believe in the possibility of multiple causes. Instead, they look at the entire picture, including genetic factors, environmental influences, lifestyle choices, and personal habits.

Holistic practitioners focus more on the mind, emotions, and spirit than on the body alone.

Holistic doctors work closely with patients to find the best solution for them.

What is the Difference between Naturopathic and Holistic Medicines?

The two main types of medicine are conventional medicine and complementary/alternative medicine. Conventional medicine relies on drugs and surgery as its primary treatments. Complementary/Alternative Medicine (CAM) uses natural therapies such as herbs, vitamins, acupuncture, and massage to treat illness and promote health. CAM is not considered a substitute for conventional treatment but rather an addition to helping patients who want to take control of their healthcare by choosing what they believe is most appropriate.

Naturopathy, on one hand, can be used to complement traditional medical practices. It is a holistic approach to treating the whole body, mind, as well as the spirit. There are many kinds of naturopathy.

It is important not to forget that some CAM modalities overlap or complement conventional medicine. Both doctors and Naturopaths can prescribe herbal remedies. Naturopaths, however, tend to recommend lifestyle changes rather than prescription medication.

Naturopathy is often called “complementary” or “complementary”, because it works with traditional medicine rather than replacing it. Naturopaths could prescribe medication, if needed.

There are differences between naturopathic medicine and other CAM modalities:

Naturopaths usually do not diagnose or prescribe medication.
Naturopaths work with the patient's family physician and may refer outpatients to specialists if necessary.
Naturopathic doctors are licensed by the provincial licensing boards. CAM practitioners, however, are self-regulated.
Naturopathy emphasizes prevention and well-being while also educating about diet and exercise.
Naturopaths place a strong emphasis on lifestyle factors. These include nutrition, exercise, stress management, sleep, nutrition, and mental well being.
Naturopharmacists focus on the use of minerals and botanicals to treat certain conditions.
Naturopodists have the ability to offer individualized care that is tailored to each patient's needs.
Naturopaths are licensed by regulatory bodies like the College of Naturopathic Physicians of Ontario.
Provincial regulatory bodies license naturopatrists.
Naturopaticians can be registered with the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors.
The College of Naturopaths of British Columbia issues licenses to Naturotherapists.
The United States National Board of Medical Examiners accredits Naturobiotic therapists.
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency licenses homeopaths.
The term “holistic” refers the belief that all aspects, including physical, spiritual, social, and mental, should be taken into consideration when making decisions about one’s health. Holistic doctors will not focus on just one aspect of the equation but consider all elements.

Is holistic medicine legal?

The answer is yes and no. Yes. Because many medicines have been proved effective against different diseases. Because they can't cure every condition. It all depends what you mean “holistic.” If holistic means taking into account all aspects a person's well-being, then yes. However, if it simply means that natural remedies are preferred to chemical ones, then no.

Some claim holistic medicine was around since ancient times. This is simply not true. Although natural remedies were used by some healers in ancient Egypt and Rome, they were not scientifically backed.

It wasn't until the Middle Ages that medical practitioners began to study anatomy and physiology, which led to the development of surgery, obstetrics, and pharmacology. Most Western countries had established public hospitals in which trained doctors could offer medical care by the turn of the 19th century.

Today, traditional medicine is the predominant form of healthcare. But, many people still prefer complementary and alternative medicine. Many people find that alternative medicine works better than pharmaceutical drugs.

People may feel more relaxed after having massage therapy than they do when taking tranquilizers. Others enjoy eating healthy foods instead of taking prescription medications. Others, however, find regular exercise to be a great way to keep their bodies functioning at peak performance.

Statistics

In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (en.wikipedia.org)
category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)

External Links

How To

What is it that holistic doctors do that traditional doctors don't?

A holistic doctor offers a wider range services than a traditional one, including nutritionists, massage therapists, naturopaths and homeopaths.

Holistic doctors look at patients holistically. It is a way to address the root cause of health issues, not just the symptoms. They can identify the root causes of illness and take preventative and long-term measures to ensure their health. Holistic doctors use natural remedies such as herbs and essential oils alongside conventional medicine to help treat illness. They can also offer nutritional advice and support healthy living.

In addition, holistic doctors offer therapies like acupuncture, reflexology, reiki, shiatsu, yoga, meditation, hypnotherapy, craniosacral therapy, and many others.

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If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you're experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.

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By: Dick Benson
Title: How Cranberries Can Help Prevent Urinary Tract Infections
Sourced From: alternativemedicine.com/health-tips/how-cranberries-can-treat-uti-infections/
Published Date: Sun, 18 Jun 2023 21:24:55 +0000