How Cranberries Can Prevent Urinary Tract Infections

Cranberries are tart berries that are considered to be superfruits. They pack a potent punch of antioxidants, organic and fatty acids, fiber, and proteins, and all those beneficial traits can be applied to staving off and reducing UTIs.

Understanding UTIs and Cranberries

UTIs are a bit of a taboo topic. They can be painful and embarrassing, waking you up at night or making you nervous to leave home. And if you have one, you know it without a doubt: It’s a urinary tract infection.

Ranked as the second most common infection worldwide, urinary tract infections (UTIs) will, at some point, affect roughly 50 percent of women. The overwhelming majority of infections occur when E. coli bacteria find their way into the urinary tract, attach to the tract wall, and multiply.

The Role of Cranberry Juice

Traditionally, an antibiotic regimen is the go-to therapy, but concerns about antibiotic-resistant bacteria have prompted patients and doctors alike to search for alternative sources of relief. Personalization is an expanding trend in medicine, which fits well with the majority of alternative treatments. Cranberry-based products are no different, and supplement formulations exist to address the specific needs of both men and women.

Consuming cranberry juice is an easy way to help boost the fruit servings in your day. It is recognized as a 1-cup serving of fruit according to the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Benefits of Cranberries in Preventing UTIs

Cranberries contain anthocyanidins and proanthocyanidins (PAC), which are tannins that function as a natural defense system against microbes. PAC might help prevent UTI-causing bacteria from sticking to the walls of the bladder and other urinary tract linings, thus preventing infection.

Cranberry Supplements for UTIs

Cranberry supplements are considered superior to cranberry juice in fighting infections. A single cranberry capsule provides the equivalent of eight ounces of cranberry juice, making it a more effective option.

Cranberry Benefits for Women

About 50 percent of women will experience a UTI, and nearly one-third of these women will suffer from recurrent infections. Clinical trials have shown that daily doses of cranberry supplements can lead to a reduction in UTI recurrence and delay the appearance of the first UTI.

Cranberries for Men

Men can also benefit from cranberries. Clinical studies have proven that cranberry supplements can improve lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men, particularly those with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Conclusion

While antibiotics are effective in treating UTIs, cranberries and cranberry-based products offer a safe and successful natural alternative for prevention and relief. Incorporating cranberries into your diet or taking supplements can be a proactive approach to urinary health.

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How safe is holistic medicine.

Holistic medicines are safe because they are not harmful drugs but natural remedies for people who have been using them for centuries.

They have been shown in many cases to treat conditions such as arthritis and chronic pain, asthma.

Millions of people all over the globe are using holistic medicine to treat various types of illnesses. They include homeopathy. It also includes chiropractic care. Herbal treatments. Massage therapy. Yoga. Meditation. Hypnosis. Nutrition. Counseling. Exercise. These therapies treat the whole person rather than just treating the symptoms.

What is the Difference Between Naturopathic & Holistic Medicine?

The two main types of medicine are conventional medicine and complementary/alternative medicine. Conventional medicine relies on drugs or surgery for its primary treatments. Complementary/Alternative Medicine (CAM) uses natural therapies such as herbs, vitamins, acupuncture, and massage to treat illness and promote health. The CAM is not intended to be a replacement for conventional treatment. It is meant to assist patients who wish to have control over their own healthcare and choose what is best.

Naturopathy, on other hand, is used as a complement to conventional medical treatments. It focuses on treating the whole body, mind, and spirit. There are many forms of naturopathy: Ayurveda and Traditional Native American Medicine as well as Functional Medicine.

It is important to note that some CAM modalities overlap with conventional medicine. Doctors and naturopaths can both prescribe herbal remedies. However, naturopaths emphasize lifestyle changes more than prescription drugs.

Naturopathy is often called “complementary” because it complements conventional medicine, not supplants it. Naturopaths may prescribe medication as needed.

There are some differences between naturopathic and other CAM modalities.

Naturopaths are not qualified to prescribe or diagnose medication.
Naturopaths may work alongside the patient's family doctor and may refer patients to specialists if needed.
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 strongly emphasize lifestyle factors, which include nutrition, sleep, stress management, exercise, and mental well-being.
Naturopharmacists focus on the use of minerals and botanicals to treat certain conditions.
Naturopodists receive individualized care according to the unique needs of each patient.
The College of Naturopathic Physicians of Ontario is responsible for licensing Naturopaths.
Provincial regulatory bodies license naturopatrists.
Naturopaticians are registered with the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors.
The College of Naturopaths of British Columbia is responsible for licensing Naturotherapists.
Naturobiotic therapists are licensed by the United States National Board of Medical Examiners.
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.

What's the difference between alternative medicine or complementary medicine?

Alternative medicine refers specifically to any treatments that aren't recommended by mainstream medical professionals but have proven to be effective for certain conditions. Homeopathy, acupuncture and aromatherapy are all examples. Complementary Medicines are treatments that add to the treatment of conventional medicine. They may also be used in combination with it. These include supplements like vitamins, minerals, herbs and amino acids as well probiotics and other natural substances.

Both types of medicine are used frequently, but many conventional doctors won't recommend them due insufficient evidence or safety concerns.

The best way to integrate CAM into patient care is not a consensus among health care professionals.

Many CAM treatments are based off theories that have been around for thousands years. But clinical trials in the past 20 years have suggested that these therapies might work.

A number of studies suggest that acupuncture may be able to relieve pain. The preliminary data suggests that acupuncture may decrease nausea and vomiting related to chemotherapy. Studies have also shown that acupuncture may reduce symptoms of irritable-bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome.

Some CAM methods also appear to have potential therapeutic effects on diseases like HIV/AIDS, diabetes, asthma, heart disease, hypertension, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Even though there are still gaps in our knowledge about the effectiveness of CAM, most experts agree that it can play a role in treating various ailments.

As a result, CAM practitioners are becoming more popular as a way to treat common illnesses.

Despite the popularity of alternative and complementary medicine, many people are still unsure what they mean.

Why is alternative medicine important

Alternative medicines are more popular than traditional ones because they're usually cheaper and healthier. However, there have been many cases where patients have died after taking these treatments, sometimes due to side effects such as allergic reactions. Other therapies might not work.

If you don’t understand enough about alternative medications, it can make your choice difficult. Vitamin supplements, for instance, aren't controlled like pharmaceuticals. This makes it easy to take too many vitamins. Even worse, some alternative remedies contain toxic chemicals.

What are 5 domains within integrative medicine, and how do they relate to each other?

Mind-body, nutrition and social determinants are the five domains of integrative medical. Lifestyle, prevention, and lifestyle are all included. These five areas encompass all aspects related to health care: spiritual, environmental, and physical.

Integrative medicine seeks to address all aspects of health and wellness. It includes conventional medical treatments and complementary therapies such as acupuncture, yoga, meditation, massage therapy, herbal medicine, chiropractic care, nutritional counseling, and biofeedback.

Statistics

In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (en.wikipedia.org)
The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
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)

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How To

What are the 4 types of complementary or alternative medicine?

The main four categories of CAM include mind-body medicines, natural products and manipulative therapy. Mind-body medicine includes yoga, meditation, Tai Chi, Reiki, acupuncture, massage therapy, chiropractic care, homeopathy, aromatherapy, reflexology, naturopathy, biofeedback, hypnosis, and herbalism. Natural products include herbs vitamins, minerals, nutritional supplements, and botanicals. Manipulative therapies include physical manipulation such as osteopathic and chiropractic care, acupuncture, therapeutic exercise, and bodywork. You can also use prayer and visualization to help you heal your energy.

CAM can be used to describe a range of alternative health practices, which are not part of the traditional Western medical model. These practices can be supported by scientific evidence, or they may involve surgery. They also vary in terms of the conditions they treat. Some CAM practitioners may also prescribe medication and perform diagnostic testing (e.g. blood tests). Others may do neither.

Each category has many subcategories in addition to the four main categories. Mind-body medicine includes relaxation techniques, mindfulness training and guided imagery. It also includes self-hypnosis, meditation, qigong and Tai chi. Natural products include nutritional supplements as well botanical medicines, homeopathic treatments, essential oils and herbal preparations. Manual, movement or traction can be used to manipulate the body. There are also spiritual healing methods such as prayer, faith healing, and energy healing.

Many CAM treatments treat symptoms but do not address the root cause. Some chronic diseases can be helped by CAM. If used correctly, CAM may be a complement to conventional treatments.

There are many reasons that people use CAM.

To improve their overall health.
To manage a certain condition.
To decrease pain or discomfort.
To prevent illness.
To promote wellness.
To address a personal belief.

People turn to CAM for greater control of their health than conventional medicine. They may believe it has fewer side effects. Some people choose CAM to not take prescription drugs. Others still prefer not take prescription drugs if they are possible. And still, others seek out CAM because they have had bad experiences with conventional medicine.

People who use CAM often say that they want to know the basics of what they are doing before trying anything new. Many CAM users are concerned about the safety and effectiveness. Others rely upon word-of-mouth referrals from family and friends.

Although CAM is often viewed negatively by society, most users report positive feelings toward CAM. People who use CAM are generally happier and healthier than people who don't. This is true regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, income, education level, occupation, insurance status, or other factors.

A large majority of Americans practice some form or another of complementary and alternative medicines. Nearly all adults–95%–use one type of CAM at least once during their lifetime. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health – NCCIH, approximately 40,000,000 visits were made to CAM providers alone in 2010.

The NCCIH estimates that 10 percent of the U.S. population uses chiropractors, massage therapists, acupuncturists, naturopaths, and/or osteopaths.3 By comparison, only 2 percent of the population uses medical doctors.

The American Medical Association reiterated its support for integrative medical care in 2013. It stated that doctors should incorporate scientifically validated complementary and alternative medicine into their clinical practice to meet patients' expectations and needs.

In 2007, the Institute of Medicine published a landmark report called “Relaxing Constraints: Improving Access to Complementary and Alternative Healthcare.” The report concluded that “there is no credible evidence that any specific CAM intervention is effective for preventing, treating, or curing cancer.”

CAM continues to gain popularity despite this finding. The 2008 number of CAM practitioners increased 8 percent compared with 2007.

A recent study revealed that almost half of respondents use CAM as partof their primary healthcare regime.

CAM therapies include natural products as well mind-body practices, manipulative technologies, energy healing methods, exercise, diet supplements and other approaches.

Many CAM therapies can be used for pain relief, but many have other benefits such as improved mood, reduced stress and increased immunity.

Acupuncture can be used to relieve back pain, anxiety, depression, increase immune function, promote weight loss, and improve menstrual symptoms.

Many CAM treatments are based on traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, and their roots go back thousands of years.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine, was first practiced in China over 5,000 year ago.

It was not until the mid-1800s when Western science began to gain prominence, but TCM remains an important element of health care today.

TCM is used to treat a majority of Americans.

Yoga is another CAM therapy that is very popular. Yoga was founded in India approximately 5000 B.C. and is now embraced worldwide.

Yoga has gained popularity due to its physical, mental, as well as spiritual benefits.

Yoga can help ease stress, enhance flexibility and increase strength while improving cardiovascular fitness and reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Although there is limited scientific research, yoga seems to have positive effects on sleep33 and may be helpful for those suffering from insomnia.

Other CAM therapies, such as meditation, homeopathy, aromatherapy, are also becoming more mainstream.

Herbal medicine is one the most commonly used types of CAM.

Herbal medicines are made up of herbs, spices flowers, seeds fruits, nuts, bark, leaves and roots.

They are often considered safer options to pharmaceutical drugs, and they are widely used by customers.

The U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health estimates that about 90 million Americans use some form of complementary/alternative medicine.

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), 45% of adult cancer patients used alternative medicine during their treatment.

The National Institutes of Health has estimated that 60% of patients with breast cancer use CAM. And the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that around 50% of all cancer survivors reported using CAM.

A recent study found that 51% of patients with cancer used at least one type or another of CAM.

However, only 8% of these individuals discussed this use with their physicians.

This gap in healthcare delivery is caused by a lack of communication between conventional doctors and CAM users.

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