Urinary Tract Infections, or UTIs, are bacterial infections in the urinary bladder that affect about 60% of women around the world(1). In terms of numbers, it translates to 6 out of 10 women, which is a significant number worth considering. These infections appear with symptoms like a burning sensation and the urge to urinate. While different treatments are available for UTIs, cranberry juice is touted to be an effective remedy for them.
That said, is cranberry juice for UTI worth trying? Does it have any side-effect? How does it work to relieve the symptoms of UTIs? Read on to find out how the remedy helps treat UTIs in the light of the questions as mentioned earlier.
The Science Behind Cranberry Juice For UTI
According to those who consider drinking cranberry juice for UTI to be an effective option, the juice consists of an active ingredient called A-type proanthocyanins or PACs. These supplements are effective in countering the growth and adherence of bacteria in the urinary tract.
[Also Read: Natural Remedies For UTI]
What Research Says
Researchers have been studying the effects of cranberry juice on UTIs over the last few years. Some studies have shown evidence in support of the fact that cranberry juice helps in curbing the adverse effects of UTIs. On the other hand, some counter this argument. Thus far, there has been no concrete evidence in support of the use of cranberry juice for eliminating the problems linked to urinary tract infections.
This is evident from the studies conducted on the subject matter in 2012 and 2013. The study(2) in 2012 indicated the partial efficacy of cranberry juice for UTIs, whereas the one conducted in 2013 showed results in favor of it. However, due to the lack of any concrete evidence, certified professionals do not consider it as a reliable treatment for urinary tract infections.
Which Type of Cranberry Juice Is the Right Choice for You
In case you use cranberry juice for the treatment of UTI, you must use the right one. Since UTIs occur due to the growth of harmful bacteria in the genital region, it is essential to use a remedy which does not favor its growth in any way. These harmful bacteria thrive in numbers under the influence of sugars and sweeteners.
Therefore, it is vital to make sure that you use cranberry juice, which does not have sweeteners. Natural cranberry juice without sweeteners is the best cranberry juice for UTI.
The same rule applies to cranberry juice, which is taken orally. Drinking cranberry juice that is free from sugar is the safest option. By doing so, you will be able to prevent the growth of the harmful bacteria that are responsible for causing urinary tract infections.
[Also Read: Treat A Painful UTI With Oregano Oil]
What Are the Side-Effects of Cranberry Juice for the Treatment Of UTIs?
The best part about using cranberry juice for the treatment of UTIs is that it does not have any side-effect. This makes it relatively a safer option than some antibiotics that are used for the treatment of bacterial infection in the urinary tract.
Further, one does not need to worry about exceeding the minimum dosage. Though a dose of 40 mL with at least 25% of cranberry juice is the recommended dosage, exceeding this dose is not known to harm the body in any way.
Though cranberry juice is touted to be an effective solution to treat UTIs, there is no concrete research-based evidence to support the claim. It is believed to have PACs that curb the growth and adherence of the harmful bacteria that are responsible for causing UTIs. Given the lack of any conclusive evidence of the effectiveness of the remedy, it is strongly recommended that you should consult a certified physician before using the treatment.
[Also Read: 10 Essential Oils for UTI Treatment]
FAQs
1. How Much Cranberry Juice Should You Drink For UTI?
There is no fixed dosage for taking cranberry juice for UTI. However, the recommended dosage is 400 mL of at least 25% of cranberry juice daily.
2. What Kind of Cranberry Juice Is the Best for the Treatment Of UTI?
Cranberry juice that is free from artificial sweeteners is considered as the best version of the juice for the treatment of UTIs.
3. Is Cranberry Juice Good For UTI?
Going by the science behind the use of cranberry juice for UTI, it consists of PACs that can prevent harmful bacteria from accumulating in the urinary bladder. However, there is no research-based evidence suggesting the effectiveness of cranberry juice in treating UTIs.
4. Why Is Cranberry Juice Good For UTI?
Cranberry juice is a natural remedy which is believed to counter the multiplication of infectious bacteria that are responsible for causing UTIs. Besides, it is also free from side-effects and does not harm a person even if they exceed its prescribed dosage.
5. What Does Cranberry Juice Do for A UTI?
Cranberry juice supplies the body with PACs that can curb the growth of bacteria such as E.coli and prevent them from colonizing and sticking with the urinary tract. It balances the number of such bacteria.
