Juice Up Your Immune System with Cranberries to Combat UTI's, Bladder Infections)

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Juice Up Your Immune System with Cranberries

JoAnn Guest

Jun 11, 2004 18:22 PDT

 

 

Once a year, the lowly cranberry gets its five minutes of fame as it

appears on the dinner table at Thanksgiving. Yet this underappreciated

berry is among the most nutrient-dense

fruits, and should really be enjoyed year-round for its beneficial

effects on the immune system.

 

This is especially true if you are one of the 7 million adults who

experienced a urinary tract infection last year.

 

Like so many nutritional and herbal therapies, cranberry juice as a

therapy for bladder infections was long looked down upon by doctors as a

mere folk remedy.

 

Even after a 1968 study showed that drinking 16 ounces of cranberry

juice per day eliminated bladder infections in 73% of patients, many

doctors weren't convinced.

 

But a more recent study has shown that drinking just 8 ounces of

cranberry juice per day can reduce the frequency of bacterial

infections by nearly 50%, and finally doctors are beginning to take

notice.

 

How Cranberries Battle Bacteria

 

Researchers now know how cranberry juice achieves its effects — not by

making the urine acidic and therefore inhospitable to bacteria, as once

thought.

Instead, compounds in cranberries (and blueberries) called

proanthocyanidins prevent bacteria from adhering to cells lining the

urinary tract.

 

Without the ability to anchor themselves to the bladder walls, these

bacteria are easily flushed from the body.

 

To prevent infection, I recommend drinking an 8-ounce glass of

cranberry juice daily.

Stay away from cranberry juice " cocktails; " these drinks are loaded

with added sugars, which can *promote* the growth of additional

bacteria.

 

In addition, drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of pure water daily.

 

Urinate after sexual intercourse or any other activity that manipulates

or puts pressure in the pelvic area, such as riding a bicycle.

 

Consider taking a daily supplement of cranberry/blueberry extract, and

be sure to keep a bottle on hand for immediate treatment of infection.

---

 

Cranberries for Urinary Infections?

 

What is the latest on cranberries and urinary-tract infections? If

cranberries do help, can one use cranberry supplements rather than

juice for the same effect?

 

-- Anonymous

 

Today's Answer

(Published 04/07/1997)

 

(Published 4/7/97) Urinary-tract infections occur when bacteria such as

E. coli, which normally live in the bowels, make their way into the

bladder and set up residence. Cranberry juice, well-accepted as a folk

remedy for the problem, also has held up under scientific scrutiny.

 

In a study published in the Journal of the American Medical

Association, women who drank cranberry juice were 58 percent less

likely to develop a urinary tract infection than those who drank a

placebo (another reddish drink containing vitamin C).

 

If they already had an infection, they were 27 percent less likely to

have their infections continue if they drank cranberry juice.

 

It appears that cranberries (and blueberries) contain a

substance that disrupts the glue bacteria use to adhere to tissue,

making it harder for them to get established on the lining of the

bladder.

 

I'm with you on skipping the commercial juice. Cranberry juice - at

least the ordinary variety - is full of sugar and water, with only a

small portion of the real juice. In addition, the high sugar content may

actually encourage the growth of bacteria

and yeast.

 

So my preference is to drink unsweetened cranberry juice concentrate,

which you can buy in a health-food store, or to buy cranberry tablets.

The Eclectic Institute makes a freeze-dried product that's good. Take

two capsules twice a day. Even if you're taking pharmaceutical drugs to

treat the infection, I'd still take cranberry along with them.

 

Another herbal treatment for bladder infections is uva ursi, also known

as bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi).

 

This herb kills bacteria and reduces inflammation. But don't use this

more than a week, because it can irritate the kidneys. Also, you must

keep your urine *alkaline* in order for the uva ursi to work.

 

That means eat lots of organic vegetables, fruits, and organic potatoes.

 

Uva Ursi/Bearberry -- was used by Welsh and German

physicians as early as the thirteenth century and it appeared as a

recommended herb in the London Pharmacopoeia in 1788. It was valued as a

treatment of diseases of the bladder and kidneys, particularly where the

urinary tract is inflamed. Its effect is

soothing as well as astringent.

 

The Russian Pharmacopoeia mentions this herb as useful as an antiseptic

and diuretic especially for female complaints and kidney and bladder

disorders.

Therapeutic action:

Diuretic (antilithic, lithotriptic), astringent, soothing tonic,

mucilage, nephritic, antiseptic, disinfectant. In larger doses, emetic,

purgative.

 

Uva ursi has a specific healing action upon the genito-urinary organs,

especially in cases of gravel or ulceration of the kidneys or bladder.

 

It is of great value in these kidney and bladder problems, where it

soothes, strengthens and tones the mucous membranes of the urinary

passages. It is a solvent to urinic calculii deposits.

 

Uva ursi has a slight antiseptic effect on the mucous membranes. The

leaves are powerfully astringent (due to 6-8% tannin acid composition),

and have been used as such as early as the 13th century (according to

old herbal works, wherein it was known by the name of 'arbutus').

 

Medicinal uses:

Catarrh of the bladder, kidney and bladder congestion urethritis,

cystitis, gravel, chronic nephritis, incontinence of urine, syphilis,

female problems.

Preparation:

Fluid extract, infusion, powder, tincture.

Dosage:

Concentrate ½-1 teaspoonful.

Fluid extract ½-1 teaspoonful.

Infusion 1 wineglassful 3-4 times daily.

Powder10-40 grains.

Tincture 10-30 minims.

Administration:

Uva ursi is usually taken orally in tea form.

 

Oral

Uva ursi is often used alone, but it is also good in combination with

other healing agents.

 

Vagina

Uterine infection, etc.:

Use the infusion or diluted tincture as a douche.

 

Formulas:

Infusion of uva ursi leaves:

1 ounce Uva Ursi

leaves, cut (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) 1 pint

D-cell or distilled water

Preparation:

Boil the water and, while boiling, pour over the leaves, cover and

steep 10 minutes; strain, cool, bottle, and keep in a cool place.

 

Dosage:

2 fluid ounces 3-4 times a day before meals.

 

http://www.healmarketplace.com/herbs/100herbs/uvaursi.htm

 

For a little extra antibacterial punch, eat fresh garlic,

nasturtium, parsley, and rose hips whenever you can.

 

Kathi Keville offers this recipe for a tea to treat urinary infections

in " Herbs for Health and Healing: "

 

1 teaspoon uva ursi

1/2 teaspoon each corn silk, cramp bark, marshmallow root,

and rose hips

1 quart water

 

 

Simmer the herbs in water for 2 minutes, then turn off the heat and let

them steep for 20 minutes. Strain the herbs and drink two to four cups

of the tea each day. Continue treatment for two days after the symptoms

ease.

 

You also can take some measures to help prevent a return of the

infection. Avoid tight pants, synthetic underwear, and deodorant soaps,

all of which can encourage bacteria.

Also, many women get urinary-tract

infections shortly after a pelvic exam. Drinking a glass of water just

before and after visiting your gynecologist seems to help protect

against this problem.

 

---

Does drinking cranberry juice really help with bladder infections?

---

http://www.doctormurray.com/Qarchive/cranberry.htm

 

YES

 

Cranberry juice and cranberry extract have been shown to be quite

effective in preventing and treating bladder infections in several

clinical studies. In one study, 16 ounces of cranberry juice per day

produced beneficial effects in 73% of the subjects with active urinary

tract infections. Furthermore, withdrawal of the cranberry juice in the

people who benefited resulted in recurrence of bladder infection in 61%.

 

 

Although many people believe the action of cranberry juice is due to

acidifying the urine and the antibacterial effects of a cranberry

component hippuric acid,

 

these are probably not the major mechanisms of

action. Recent studies have shown components in cranberry juice to

reduce the ability of bacteria to adhere, or stick to, the lining of

the bladder and urethra.

 

In order for bacteria to infect they must first adhere to the mucosa.

 

By interfering with adherence, cranberry juice greatly reduces the

likelihood of infection. This is the most likely explanation of

cranberry juice's positive effects in bladder infections.

 

The dosage of cranberry extract should be based on the equivalent of 16

ounces of cranberry juice daily. There is no known toxicity as a result

of cranberry ingestion.

---

Juniper (Juniperus communis) :

 

Mostly used are the green unripe berries because properties are more

pronounced. It is diuretic, stimulant, stomachic and carminative. The

berries are mainly used for urinary infections and prescribed to clear

acid wastes from the system in arthritis and gout.

 

It is a valuable remedy for cystitis, and helps to relieve fluid

retention but should be avoided in cases of kidney disease.

 

Juniper contains a potent antiviral compound (deoxypodophyllotoxin).

The extracts appear to inhibit a number of different viruses including

those that cause flu and herpes.

 

Large doses of juniper cause the urine to smell of violets. Being

disinfectant and insectifugal, the berries are used in veterinary

medicine to treat open wounds.

 

Its disinfectant action is similar to

that of pine cleaners.

 

As a diuretic the oil is thought to increase the production of urine.

The oil is iritating to microbes, so much so that it kills many of them.

 

 

Traditional formulas are in combination with ginger and dong quai or

with goldenseal or with uva ursi.

 

http://www.herbnet.com/Herb%20Uses_IJK.htm

--

What can I do to prevent a UTI?

---

Basic lifestyle precautions – Avoid wearing tight-fitting pants, wear

cotton-crotch underwear and panty hose, use natural soaps

when washing underwear, be sure to urinate frequently when you have the

urge.

 

Drink the right fluids – Frequent fluid intake, especially of plain

spring water, increases urination, which may prevent irritation to the

bladder. It is also best to avoid alcohol and coffee.

 

Good hygiene before and after sex – Keep the genital and anal areas

clean, and urinate before and after intercourse to cleanse the urethra

of bacteria.

 

 

Bladder infections (cystitis) are a common, annoying problem.

 

Common causes and aggravating factors of cystitis are addiction to

coffee and other forms of caffeine, cigarette and alcohol addiction,

dehydration,

excessively frequent or traumatic sex, stress, and poor hygiene (such

as wiping from back to front after a bowel movement instead of front to

back).

 

To end recurrent cystitis, you must eliminate bladder irritants from

your life,

 

especially coffee.

Decaffeinated coffee and red pepper can also cause problems.

 

Increase your intake of water so that you urinate more frequently.

 

Cranberries contain a substance that makes it difficult for bacteria to

adhere to the wall of the bladder.

 

Take advantage of this property by drinking cranberry juice often, or

better still, unsweetened cranberry juice concentrate (available at

natural food stores) diluted with water or sparkling water.

 

Adjust your sexual behavior to minimize irritation of the urethra, and

get in the habit of urinating after sexual activity. Try not to hold on

to urine when you feel the urge to urinate. Of course, try to neutralize

the causes of stress, which can affect your urinary system.

 

Interstitial cystitis, a less common and much more stubborn

inflammation of the bladder, often resists medical treatment.

 

Be aware that toxic chemicals eliminated in the urine may concentrate in

the bladder, causing irritation and possibly increasing risks of cancer.

This is another reason to avoid contact with chemicals, poisons, and

strong-smelling fumes.

 

www.drweil.com

Dr. Andrew Weil. M.D.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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