Cystitis and Bladder Infections - the Mighty Cranberry

Saturday, October 25th 2003

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The effectiveness of treating urinary tract infections (UTI) with Cranberries has been known for many years. Researchers at Rutgers University in New Jersey isolated compounds called proanthcyanidins as the active agent in Cranberries that prevents E coli bacteria from attaching itself to the walls of the urinary tract (N Eng J of Med 1998; 339: 1085-6).

Cranberry also appears to reduce the amount of calcium in the urine that leads to the formation of kidney stones.

Many elderly women have high amounts of bacteria (primarily E coli) in their urine without the symptoms of a UTI. A recent study with elderly women (average age 78 years) indicated that use of Cranberry reduced the amount of bacteria in their urine. This is important because high bacteria levels in the urine of these women makes them more susceptible not only to UTI's but also kidney infections.

Cranberry extract has been found to be the most potent form. Nature's Way Standardised Cranberry Extract are vegetarian capsules containing unsweetened Cranberry juice concentrated 90 X. This gives an equivalent of 36,000mg per capsule or 18grams of fresh juice.

Cranberries have no known interactions with antibiotics or other drugs and they are safe for children as well as during pregnancy and lactation. Cranberries have no known interactions with antibiotics or other drugs and they are safe for children as well as during and lactation.

Footnote:
In all cases of Uninary Tract Infection, please seek advice from your health care professional.

Reproduced unabridged from the October - December 2003 issue of Health and Herbal News, with the kind permission of Health and Herbs International Ltd.

The following products are all useful for Cystitis and Bladder Infections:

Colostrum Capsules
Cranberry
Cranberry/Buchu
Cranberry 17,000 Complex
Cystimed Spary
Kidney Bladder
Kidney Tea
Magnesium Cramp Bark Formula
Menopause Complete
Primadophilus
Urinecta
Uva Ursi Leaves
Wild Yam

Related health information can be found here:

Cystitis
Kidney and Bladder
Water Retention

Related articles can be found here:

A true herbal antimicrobial - the power of "True" Oregano Oil

Probiotic update - Reuteri

Repair gastrointestinal damage with Colostrum

The power of "true Oregano Oil"

Why take Primadophilus?

Winning the battle with Candida

Winning the Battle with Candida & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

If you need help or advice, you are welcome to email our naturopathic team with your health question.

Disclaimer: The health information presented here has been written for the New Zealand health consumer. It is of a general nature and is only intended to provide a summary of the subjects covered. The information is not intended to be comprehensive or to provide medical advice to you. While all care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information, no responsibility or liability is accepted, and no person should act in reliance on any statement contained in the information provided. All health ailments should be treated by a qualified health professional.

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