There are some myths that seem to travel the test of time. We’re not sure where they started from or how they have managed to stay alive all of these years.
People believe them and pass them down year after year and we all just believe them to be true.
One such health myth is that cranberry juice will help to prevent a urinary tract infection. Though cranberries specifically can offer some true health benefits, the juice of them is certainly not as effective or helpful. What you must realize is that this myth will not help you to get rid of such an infection and may not even help to prevent it in the first place.
Too Much Sugar and Not Enough Nutrients
Unless you are drinking straight cranberry juice, which many of us are not, then you are most definitely consuming far too much sugar. The problem with many cranberry juice products such as cranberry juice cocktail is that they are loaded with sugar. So women turn to these time and time again to help with UTI’s and they are disappointed when this doesn’t work.
You are loading yourself down with sugar. Most juices these days are made with very little of the fruit juice itself and a whole lot of filler. This won’t do a thing for any type of infection and in many cases the sugar from the juice may even be harmful towards an infection overall.
Cranberries Can Help But Not As Much As You Might Think
Cranberries specifically in their raw form do offer some helpful health properties. The most noteworthy thing about cranberries is that they contain flavonols. This substance has been found to have anti-cancer properties and can even help to keep your skin looking young and healthy.
Flavonols found in cranberries do offer protection from a variety of health conditions including cancer and heart disease. They are not however helpful in fighting off infections, particularly urinary tract infections. So turn to cranberries in their raw form for health reasons, but not for fighting off these infections—different benefits!
Can’t Stop Once It Starts But A Nice Proactive Health Measure
Once a urinary tract infection starts there is little that you can do to stop it. Even antibiotics must be used properly and aggressively to go after the site of the infection. Only a doctor can help to provide the proper treatment and even at that they must really be in tune with which options work best.
What you can do to help get rid of the urinary tract infection or even to prevent it is to drink plenty of water. Though juice may be one of the fluids that you drink you need to be sure that it’s a natural type that is sugar free. Water is your best friend in flushing the system out and helping to get rid of this type of infection. Knowing the truth is important to your health and this can help you as you move forward.
I, too, suffered several bouts of UTI each year. Miserable. I discoved D-Mannose, Urva-Ursi, and cranberry pills or capsules from my health food store. D-Mannose and cranberry will clear a UTI quickly. Using all three on a rotating and permanent basis has solved the problem for me. If I had to choose one? D-MANNOSE!
Although cranberry juice with sugar isn’t healthy, I’m afraid you are scientifically wrong about the active ingredient in cranberries: d-mannose does cure UTIs. I have a friend who is elderly and she frequently got UTIs and would end up in the hospital. Finally a PA put her on d-mannose and uva ursi, and they disappeared. I recently had a UTI, and my doctor put me on pure cranberry juice (Knudsen makes one–very tart; I add water to dilute) AND d-mannose, and the symptoms began to go away in minutes. By the next day, it was gone. I continued the d-mannose for 10 days. Now I take it if I get any sign of one. So I believe your information is just outdated. http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2014/04/28/d-mannose-uti-prevention.aspx
I have suffered with repeated UTI’s for several years. Been to every Dr. and specialist around. Cranberry juice (I have found 2 types with very low sugar content) is very effective. I drink it every day. Lots of water is super important too, but from experience I certainly have faith in the cranberry. I am still on antibiotics from time to time, but I can control them much better now. Just as a footnote, I also find that a lot of sugar is really bad for UTI’s.
I was having a lot of problems with UTI and started using a cranberry supplement, one capsule every day, and it has solved my problem.
I did see a medical research paper some years ago commissioned by Ocean Spray which did show some clinical trials proving that Cranberries did help UTIs. I drink only about 1/8 pint of the sugar free version every day and I have found it useful in stopping that little bit of bladder weakness that occurs at times when I can’t quite get to the loo fast enough! While I take the cranberry juice it stops it, when I stop taking the juice the bladder weakness returns. Plain water might be wonderful, but I live in a hard water area and it just doesn’t taste nice. If I’m going to pay for bottled water, then I want it flavoured.
‘Uva Ursi”, I highly recommend when it comes to prevention against UTI’s.
Regarding cranberry supplements (“gels” ): according to various studies, the results can vary widely. There could be many factors involved. Taking them certainly will not hurt.
I enjoy the taste of cranberry juice. How does diluting the cranberry cocktail affect the sugar content? 1:1, 1:2, or 1:3 ratio. Also, possibly limiting to once a week.
I’m have to be very careful about urinary tract infections due to having only one kidney. (Had the other removed 7 years ago due to a cancerous tumour on it). I checked the sugar content on the cranberry juice I have in my pantry, and it is higher than I thought it would be. I’m not drinking any juice made from concentrate now, though. (More wasted food $$$! Ouch!)
I use a cranberry supplement (capsule form) and often include frozen or fresh cranberries in my baking, so I guess I can continue to do that. Right?
Sorry but I do drink cranberry juice (no added suger) when I feel the very first signs of urinary troubles (a small glass of juice with breakfast) , and I have had excellent results. I used to suffer frequently from cystitis but since including Cranberry juice when needed I have had one infection in 8 years. Prior to this I would suffer sometimes 3 or 4 bouts a year.
regards Clare
I did not realize that was just a myth! Its good to hear that they do have some health benefits!
I have frequent urinary tract infections and the E. coli organism has become resistant to most oral antibiotics. My urologist prescribed a product called TheraCran , a capsule I take twice a day in addition to the appropriate antibiotic.. This urinary tract health, cranberry supplement by Theralogix promotes urinary tract health and as mentioned in another reply, has a standardized content of pure cranberry fruit extract and standardized dose of Proanthocyanidins & other flavonoids that block the area the bacteria attaches to the lining of the bladder . My doctor says all the sugar in cranberry juice is not good for any infection and especially since I am Type II Diabetic. Must drink many glasses of good ole filtered water. Thanks for interesting article. Ragtime Sandy
I was told that even hospitals use the straight cranberry juice for infections –
Interesting article but….at the first sign of a UTI I begin taking cranberry supplements or grab a handful of dried cranberries and by morning all symptoms are gone! I also drink lots of water, juice I don’t touch because of the sugars but I swear by supplements or dried cranberries.
Now I am wondering about the Cranberry Gel s I am taking 2 of everyday ?? Welcome your comments!!
Yes, but ……..
It is my experience that the Product Cran Actin is very effective. I understand that it blocks the attachment spots that bacteria normally stick to in the bladder lining.
What about cranberry soft gels?
Very helpful information as my mother would say drink some cranberry juice all the time. It is good to see that just drinking a lot of water is all I need to do to flush out my system. Makes sense if you think about it.