URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS ARE COMMON, with millions affected worldwide. Upwards of 50 to 60 percent of women will have at least one UTI in their lifetime. Men can get UTIs, too. Today we explore how you can supercharge your health. Recent studies have found that cranberry products can prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Urinary tract infections involve the urinary system. The system includes the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. Urinary tracts can go unnoticed or untreated, sometimes leading to complications.
This post will examine the prevalence of UTIs and the new proof that cranberry products can prevent urinary tract infections.
What is a urinary tract infection?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection anywhere in the urinary system. This complex includes kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Most UTIs involve the lower urinary tract — the bladder and the urethra.
Women are up to 30 times more often than men to suffer from a urinary tract infection. Moreover, women with a UTI have a 40 percent chance of getting at least one more within six months.
Why Are UTIs More Common in Women?
Why are urinary tract infections much more common among women than men? Women get UTIs more often because a woman’s urethra (the tube extending from the bladder to where urine exits the body) is shorter than a man’s urethra.
The shorter urethra makes it easier for bacteria to get into the bladder. Second, a woman’s urethral opening is also closer to the vagina and the anus, the main source of germs such as Escherichia coli (E. coli) that cause UTIs.
If the infection is not confined to the bladder, the result can be pain. Moreover, spread to the kidneys can be associated with more serious health problems.
Antibiotics are often the treatment for UTIs. Recurrent infection is at least three events within one year (or two or more occurrences within six months). The same microbe that caused previous infections is usually responsible for recurrences.
Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to drop your odds of getting a urinary tract infection in the first place.
Who Has a Higher Risk of Getting a UTI?
You may have a higher urinary tract infection risk if you:
- Are sexually active. Sexual activity can transfer germs that cause urinary tract infections from other areas (for instance, the vagina) to the urine tube or urethra.
- Use a diaphragm or spermicides (sperm-killing creams) for birth control with a diaphragm or condoms. Spermicides can kill good bacteria that reduce UTI risk.
- Are pregnant. First, pregnancy-associated hormones can alter the bacteria in the urinary tract, making UTIs more likely. Second, many pregnant women don’t empty their bladders. The uterus (womb) with the developing baby sits on top of the bladder during pregnancy. Leftover bacteria-containing urine can cause a urinary tract infection.
- Have gone through menopause. Menopause-associated estrogen loss causes the vaginal tissue to become thin and dry. This alteration can make it easier for harmful bacteria to grow and cause an infection.
- Have diabetes, which can reduce your immune system function and cause nerve damage, making it challenging to empty your bladder.
- Have any condition, like a kidney stone, that may obstruct urine flow from the kidney to the urinary bladder.
- Have (or recently had) a bladder catheter. Catheters (thin tubes placed through the urethra into the bladder) drain urine when you cannot pass urine, such as during certain surgeries.
- Are older. Older individuals can have weaker immune systems, underlying medical issues, or have a urinary catheter.
Urinary tract infections cause inconvenience and discomfort. If not adequately treated, UTIs can lead to severe problems. Kidney (or bloodstream) infections may develop.
Early recognition and treatment of urinary tract infections is essential to prevent potential complications. Fortunately, short courses of antibiotics are as effective as longer courses.
Urinary Tract Infection — Symptoms
Here are some urinary tract infection symptoms:
Kidney affected
- Back or side pain
- High fever
- Shaking and chills
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Bladder affected
- Pelvic pressure
- Lower belly discomfort
- Frequent, painful urination
- Blood in urine
Urethra affected
- Burning with urination
- Discharge
Cranberry Juice and UTIs — An Updated Analysis
Cranberry juice has been a long-used approach to help manage urinary tract infections. We now have new evidence that shows:
Cranberries and UTIs: Consuming cranberry products can prevent a urinary tract infection from progressing for certain populations.
A 2012 review (including 24 clinical trials) showed no benefit from cranberry products. Investigators from Flinders University and The Children’s Hospital at Westmead provide an updated review.
The Australian researchers analyzed the results of 26 additional randomized controlled trials (RCTs), which compared the occurrence of UTIs in people taking a cranberry product with those taking a placebo or no treatment.
They also analyzed the results of randomized clinical trials comparing a cranberry product with other treatments, such as antibiotics or probiotics. The updated review examined 50 more recent trials (including 9000 participants).
Cranberries and UTIs — Study Results
The new global study demonstrates that cranberry juice (and healthcare supplements such as tablets and capsules) reduces the chances of repeat symptomatic UTIs in women by more than one-quarter.
Cranberry products also drop the risk in children by more than half and in people susceptible to UTI following medical interventions by over half (53 percent).
Here’s study lead author Dr. Gabrielle Williams:
“This incredible result didn’t really surprise us, as we’re taught that when there’s more and better evidence, the truth will ultimately come out. UTIs are horrible and very common; about a third of women will experience one, as will many older adults and people with bladder issues from spinal cord injury or other conditions.”
She continues, adding: “Even back in 1973, my mum was told to try cranberry juice to prevent her horrible and frequent UTIs, and for her it’s been a saviour. Despite me niggling in her ear about evidence, she’s continued to take it daily, first as the nasty sour juice and in recent years, the easy to swallow capsules. As soon as she stops, wham the symptoms are back. As usual, it turns out that mum was right! Cranberry products can help some women prevent UTIs.”
The vast majority of the placebo-controlled studies showed that drinking cranberries as a juice or taking capsules reduced the number of UTIs in women with recurrent cases in children and people susceptible to infections following medical interventions such as bladder radiotherapy.
Cranberry products did not appear to be associated with any UTI risk reduction for pregnant women, older adults, or those with bladder emptying problems.
Final Thoughts — Natural Remedies for UTI
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are typically treated with antibiotics, but some alternative approaches may help manage UTI symptoms or prevent them from occurring.
Here are some potential alternatives to antibiotics for UTIs:
- Increase fluid intake. Drinking plenty of water can help flush out bacteria from the urinary tract, potentially reducing the severity and duration of a UTI. Aim for at least eight glasses (64 ounces) of water daily.
- Cranberry products.
- Probiotics. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help maintain a healthy balance in the urinary tract. Probiotics may help prevent UTIs by inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria. Look for probiotic supplements for urinary health containing strains like Lactobacillus rhamnosus or Lactobacillus crispatus.
- D-mannose. D-mannose is a type of sugar that can prevent bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract walls, potentially reducing the risk of UTIs. It is available as a supplement and can be used alongside or after a UTI for risk reduction. We need more research, but D-mannose is a promising nutritional supplement that may be especially beneficial for people with frequent UTIs.
- Herbal remedies. Some herbs, such as uva ursi, goldenseal, and buchu leaf, are believed to have antimicrobial properties that can help fight UTIs. However, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional or herbalist before using herbal remedies, as they can interact with other medications or underlying conditions. Garlic and green tea have promise, too. A moderate intake of green tea is safe for most individuals. Still, it naturally contains caffeine, which may impair sleep and cause restlessness. Plus, no good studies show green tea reduces UTI risk.
- Improved hygiene. For example, wiping from front to back after using the bathroom and urinating before and after sexual activity may help reduce the risk of UTIs.
Remember, while these alternatives may provide some relief or preventive benefits, they are not a substitute for medical treatment. If you suspect you have a UTI, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Key points — Cranberries and UTIs
Question. Urinary tract infections are a prevalent health issue affecting individuals of all ages and genders. Do cranberries help fight urinary tract infections?
Findings. The vast majority of the placebo-controlled studies showed that drinking cranberries as a juice or taking capsules reduced the number of UTIs in women with recurrent cases, children, and people susceptible to infections following medical interventions such as bladder radiotherapy. However, cranberry products did not reduce UTI risk for pregnant women, older adults, or those with bladder emptying problems.
Meaning. Cranberry products may help prevent UTIs that cause symptoms in women with frequent UTIs, in children with UTIs, and in people who have undergone an intervention involving the bladder.
However, we need further evaluation in well‐designed and prospectively registered randomized clinical trials to clarify who with UTIs would benefit from cranberry products.
The researchers could not determine if cranberry products are more or less effective than antibiotics or probiotics in preventing further urinary tract infections.
The information I provide in this blog is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider for medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment. I am not liable for risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information in this blog.
Thank you for reading “Cranberries and UTIs.”
