Urinary Tract Infections and Cranberry Juice
Is cranberry juice truly the elixir that can solve your urinary tract infections or simple a wives tale? The consensus is that there are properties in cranberry juice that are beneficial, but it is not a cure all.
How Does Cranberry Juice Affect Urinary Tract and Bladder Health?
Here is how it works. A urinary tract infection or a bladder infection in the simplest terms is an introduction of bacteria to the bladder or urinary tract. There is more than one kind of bacteria that can do the damage and some of them are antibiotic resistant. Research has indicated that vitamin C and pure 100% cranberry juice or cranberry capsules increase the production of an acid in urine. This in turn acidifies the urine and prevents the bacteria from attaching itself, stunting its growth. Both natural remedies make the sidewalls of the bladder and urinary tract “slippery”, making it difficult for bacteria to adhere.
For some reason, it is also believed that while the bad bacteria is unable to grow in this environment, there are no apparent negative effects on the good bacteria that our bodies produce and need.
Health Benefits of Cranberry Juice
The other claimed benefits of cranberry juice include the reduction in certain stomach ulcers and the reduction of cavities and plaque; also caused by bacteria. Overall, this safe and inoffensive remedy goes a long way in the prevention of a urinary tract infection. Having said that, if you already have an infection, cranberry juice should not be considered your first and only line of defense. Antibiotics and a lot of water are still the recommended course of action for an existing condition.
Cranberry Juice Nutritional Facts
Unsweetened Cranberry Juice
Amount Per 1 cup
Calories 123.97
Calories from Fat 4.55
| % Daily Value * |
|
| Total Fat 0.506g |
1% |
|
| |
Saturated Fat 0.043g |
0% |
|
| |
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.223g |
|
|
| |
Monounsaturated Fat 0.0708g |
|
|
| Cholesterol 0mg |
0% |
|
| Sodium 2.53mg |
0% |
|
| Potassium 161.92mg |
5% |
|
| Total Carbohydrate 32.13g |
11% |
|
| |
Dietary Fiber 0.253g |
1% |
|
| Protein 1.01g |
2% |
|
| Alcohol 0g |
|
| Vitamin A |
2 % |
|
Vitamin C |
29 % |
|
| Calcium |
2 % |
|
Iron |
3 % |
|
| Vitamin D |
0 % |
|
Vitamin E |
1 % |
|
| Thiamin |
3 % |
|
Riboflavin |
3 % |
|
| Niacin |
1 % |
|
Folate |
1 % |
|
| Vitamin B-6 |
8 % |
|
Vitamin B-12 |
0 % |
|
| Phosphorus |
2 % |
|
Magnesium |
3 % |
|
| Zinc |
2 % |
|
Copper |
7 % |
|
Feel free to add cranberry juice to your diet on a regular basis, as there are certainly no reasons not to. The health benefits of cranberry juice are real, and if calories matter, the rewards stay the course whether you are drinking the calorie free version or not. |
