Cranberries and urinary tract infections

The cranberry, or cranberry, is traditionally consumed in North America to fight urinary tract infections. It would contain active ingredients helping to protect the body against the pathogenic agents responsible for these infections. We tell you more in this article.

It is an infection that affects the urinary system (kidneys, bladder or urethra) partially or entirely. The most common is cystitis, a bacterial infection of the bladder. The latter regularly affects a good part of the population. Women are most prone to it, due to the short size of their urethra. Two periods are particularly favorable for the development of cystitis in them: when they begin their sexual activity or following menopause. However, men can also develop urinary tract infections.

Cystitis is caused by the infiltration of bacteria into the urethra and bladder, which become inflamed and infected. It is the bacterium Escherichia Coli, present naturally in the digestive system which is most often at the origin of this infection of the bladder.

While cystitis usually goes away on its own with lots of fluids, doctors sometimes prescribe antibiotics. This is particularly the case if the cystitis is recurrent or if the infection affects fragile people. However, as bacteria tend to develop resistance to antibiotics, some people prefer to turn to more natural alternatives to cure their UTI.

It would seem that the consumption of cranberry, and more precisely its juice, would make it possible to fight these infections.

The most common are burning or pain in the area and/or a persistent urge to urinate, despite an empty bladder. Other symptoms are pain when urinating or in the pelvic area. One may also experience pain in the lower or side of the back

Urine may also take on a glassy appearance and/or show traces of blood. In some people, the urge to urinate is pressing, although they may not be able to evacuate a lot of liquid.

Patients are usually able to detect a UTI on their own.

With regard to cystitis, the symptoms are usually:

• Pain, pinching or burning sensation when urinating
• A persistent urge to urinate that is felt more often than usual
• Urine that is unusual in color or appearance or has a strong odor
• Pain in the lower abdomen

Apart from these symptoms, frail people may also develop fever, urinary incontinence, loss of appetite and behavioral change.

Also known as the cranberries or lingonberry, it is native to the Americas. This fruit with a bitter and acid taste is widely grown in Canada and the United States. It has been consumed there for its properties against urinary tract infections for centuries. The Food Safety Agency in France also recognizes this virtue in cranberries.

It is more precisely the cranberry juice which makes it possible to take advantage of this anti-infectious property. In women, the consumption of juice in young and older people helps to reduce the frequency of the appearance of urinary tract infection.

Consumption of cranberry juice would have the effect of changing the pH of the urinary tract, and therefore compromising the development of the infection. Another reason put forward is that the fruit would contain a substance that would prevent bacteria from attaching to the wall of the bladder. This second theory has been validated by several researches which revealed the effect of cranberry juice on urinary tract infection.

Cranberries contain anthocyanins, flavonoids and proanthocyanides which have the particularity of clinging to the bacteria responsible for urinary bladder infections. In doing so, they stop their establishment and progression. Bladder and urinary infections in general are avoided.

Whatever the mechanism behind this phenomenon, cranberry juice is traditionally considered a remedy to prevent and cure urinary tract infections. However, to cure the juice must be consumed in the early stages, before the infection has already developed.

Thus, it should be noted that the cranberry does not cure the urinary tract infection, but it prevents however its development and its aggravation. If the infection has already spread, consuming its juice will not be a solution. It is then necessary to consult to be prescribed a treatment adapted to the severity of the urinary tract infection.

Calling a medical professional is all the more advisable if the infection does not resolve itself after a few days, with or without the consumption of cranberry juice. The same is true if you develop severe pain in the lower abdomen or are pregnant. If cystitis appears in a man, it is advisable to consult quickly.

The effects of consuming cranberry juice are felt in about 2 hours. The body would benefit from it up to 10 hours after ingestion. Take it in the morning and in the evening to enjoy it all day and all night.

To prevent urinary tract infections, it has been proven that the consumption of juice is more effective than that of the fruit itself. You will find cranberry juice from several brands on our site.

For example, we offer pure cranberry juice without sugar (500 ml) or pure cranberry and blueberry juice (500 ml) from the Quebec brand Nutra Fruit. The latter has specialized in this fruit for fifteen years and offers items from artisanal production.

The concentrated cranberry juice of the TIPI brand - to dilute - is a concentrated version available in 300 ml, 1L. It retains a good part of the benefits of the fruit. This local brand specializes in the processing of local products, and only from Canada. Its offer is extensive, with dried fruits, biscuits, spice mixes and charcuterie products.