Does cranberry juice really work for urinary tract infections?

Cranberries have quite a few benefits under their sleeves, as they contain special compounds that can protect against diseases. Scientists suggest that cranberry juice helps to prevent bacteria form developing infection in the urinary tract within eight hours of having it.

According to several studies, active compounds of the juice fight against bacteria that do not get destroyed by the digestive system. The American Chemical Society in Boston provides evidence of the medicinal value of cranberries.

Ways in which cranberry juice treats urinary tract infection

A study done on the mixture of cranberry juice, sweetener and water found that in petri dishes, cranberry metabolites to prevent E.coli from sticking to other bacteria and preventing its ability to multiply and grow. If E.coli connects with other bacteria that are found in the urinary tract, it will form a biofilm, allowing bacteria to multiply and cause infection. 

According to study researcher Terri Anne Camesano, PhD, There have been a number of clinical trials that have been conducted on humans and the conclusion was that cranberry juice could really prevent urinary tract infections from happening. This was important, considering the size of the problem and the health care costs that were involved.

Urinary tract infection is more common in women than it is in mem because of the difference in urethra size in both the genders. A research suggests that one out of three woman have urinary tract infection at least once in their life.

The infection can happen in places that go along the urinary tract, which include urethra, bladder and ureter. Such infections have accounted to almost 8 million trips to the doctor every year and costs more than $1.6 billion in treatment. 

In case of urinary tract infection, antibiotics are given for treatment and if left untreated, the infection can become more serious to the extent of permanently damaging the tract.