A recent review of studies looked at whether cranberry juice helps with urinary tract infections (UTIs) and the results were encouraging. Yes, cranberry juice or cranberry tablets help in preventing UTIs.
Twenty well-done studies were reviewed. Drinking cranberry juice or taking a cranberry tablet resulted in a 27 to 54% lower rate of UTIs (the numbers varied between studies), and a 49% to 59% lower rate of antibiotic use. Cranberry compounds reduced the prevalence of UTI symptoms. These are great results!
The majority of women suffer from a UTI at some point in their life, and some women suffer frequently - many times a year. Antibiotics have long been the treatment of choice, but antibiotic resistance is increasing, so finding something that prevents UTIs is important.
By the way, cranberries and cranberry juice has been promoted for decades as both UTI prevention and treatment. [Other treatment possibilities for treatment and prevention are: D-mannose, drinking more water, the probiotic L. crispatus, and an oral vaccine.]
From Medscape: It's in the Juice: Cranberries for UTI Prevention
A systematic review and network meta-analysis found cranberry juice can help prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs). ...continue reading "Cranberry Juice Helps Prevent Urinary Tract Infections"