The myth of Cranberry juice is useful in getting rid of UTIs has been circling for a long time. It is still believed to be accurate by some people. The quick answer to the question “Does cranberry juice get rid of Urinary Tract Infections” is probably NO according to recent research on the subject. Many people still swear by this method of preventing or getting rid of urinary tract infections (UTI’s). Theories behind this myth have also proven to be of great help. These theories have played a significant role even in the past as doctors, and health professionals believed them and used to recommend drinking a glass of cranberry juice per day. It became popular amongst those who were at risk of an increase in chronic recurrences of the infection. Some of the health professionals still promote the idea even after the fact that past studies and current studies have denied this myth to be true.
Understanding Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Urinary Tract Infections (UTI’s) are the type of infections caused by bacteria by taking hold or by entering inside your urinary system. The human’s urinary system involves both kidneys, two ureters, bladder, and the urethra. Escherichia coli or E-coli bacteria is the most common infection (UTI), which is caused in the urinary tract. These bacterias are often commonly thought to come out from fecal matter.
Women’s urethra is closer to the anus as compared with men; this is why women are more likely to get infected from UTI’s. It is said that about 1:3 women are supposed to get UTI before the age of 24.
Is cranberry juice helpful in UTI’s?
According to recent studies, there is no significant difference in infection rates between the person consuming cranberry juice and a person who is not. In the end, it can be said that those who drink two glasses of cranberry juice per day for several months could prevent at least one UTI out of many.
Historically, it was thought that cranberry juice might help to fight E-coli because of the acidic nature of the fruit that helped kill the bacteria. Cranberry contains molecules (Flavonols and Proanthocyanidins) that might help to kill the bacteria as these molecules were thought to be responsible for not letting the bacteria in.
In conclusion
Even though it is proved that cranberry is not much of use in getting rid of UTIs, still many health professionals believe this theory. Like any new theory that refutes old opinions, it might take a while for people to change their views and accept this. Still, we can say that, even if cranberry juice doesn’t help much or at all directly in preventing UTI’s, drinking more and more fluids will always be helpful in flushing out bacteria.