Dear Berry Tart,
UTI stands for Urinary Tract Infection. Our body is full of bacteria and other microorganisms and usually these little guys are healthful. UTIs occur when harmful bacteria, called pathogens, set up shop somewhere in the urinary system.
Cranberry juice has been shown in the research to help prevent, but not to treat, UTIs. How? An infection occurs when certain bacteria can burrow into the lining of the urinary tract. A special compound in the fruit called proanthocyanidins seems to prevent those pathogens from adhering. This is kind of like being escorted from a bar by a burly bouncer — there’s no room for you, dear pathogen.
How much? The studies investigating this topic used anywhere from 1 to 10 ounces daily. I don’t recommend drinking a large amount of juice. If you are going to use cranberry juice for UTI prevention, try four ounces daily. Read the label to ensure that you’re buying real cranberry juice and not just flavoring. Most cranberry juice drinks are a blend of cranberry and other juices to mask the very tart flavor of the cranberries.
Women are at greater risk of UTIs than men. Anyone with poorly controlled diabetes is also at higher risk. Good blood sugar management prevents extra glucose from spilling into the urine and feeding pathogens. Finally, becoming dehydrated can also increase the likelihood you’ll get a UTI — so drink up with lots of water daily.
If you suspect you have a UTI, it is time to visit your doctor. Antibiotics are needed for treatment — cranberry is only useful for prevention.
What’s your question for Holly? Send them to info@hollylarsonrd.com.
For more information and to make an appointment to work on your goals, visit Grass Roots Nutrition, LLC owned by Holly Larson, registered dietitian. Visit Holly online at hollylarsonrd.com and follow her on Facebook at facebook.com/hollylarsonmsrd. Have a delicious, healthy day!
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