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The Mystery of Cranberries Revealed |
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Women have long known that drinking cranberry juice is an excellent way to
prevent or squash a urinary tract infection (UTI). Scientists have learned
recently what makes this remedy so effective. Researchers have been trying to figure out why cranberries are effective
against UTIs from as early as the 1920s. There have been several
theories—some have focused on the berry's acidity,
others on its sugar. A recent 5-year study, done at Rutgers University,
identified a substance in cranberries called tannins as the key to their
infection-fighting ability. These tannins appear to prevent the bacteria that
causes UTIs from attaching to the urinary tract. Blueberries are another fruit
that contain tannins. To lower your risk of getting a UTI, try drinking one 10-ounce glass of
unsweetened cranberry juice every day. Or drink some juice as soon as you notice
the symptoms of a UTI (symptoms include painful, burning, or frequent
urination). If you dislike the juice, ask your pharmacist about cranberry
extracts. Adding cranberries to your diet may be especially helpful if you are a
woman with the following health conditions or lifestyle risk factors for
UTIs: - Diabetes
- Pregnancy
- Change in sexual partners or in frequency or intensity of
sex
- Use of irritating chemicals, such as harsh skin cleansers
- Use of irritating contraceptive devices, such as a diaphragm or
spermicides
- Use of birth control pills
- Heavy use of antibiotics
- A urinary tract abnormality or obstruction, such as a tumor
- Catheterization
- Use of chronic antimicrobial therapy, immunosuppressants, or
corticosteroids
If you think you might have a UTI, check with your doctor. He or she may
recommend other treatments or explore the possibility of other illnesses, such
as sexually transmitted diseases, which can give you the same symptoms as a UTI.
Meanwhile, adding cranberry juice to your diet may help manage your symptoms.
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Review Date: October 1999 |
Reviewed By: Integrative Medicine editorial
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Copyright © 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc
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currently marketed or in investigative use. This material is not intended as a
guide to self-medication. The reader is advised to discuss the information
provided here with a doctor, pharmacist, nurse, or other authorized healthcare
practitioner and to check product information (including package inserts)
regarding dosage, precautions, warnings, interactions, and contraindications
before administering any drug, herb, or supplement discussed
herein.
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