Cranberry Juice and UTIs

Lifestyle

A urinary tract infection occurs when microbes get into parts of the urinary tract, i.e. the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra.

Commonly UTIs occur in the urethra (urethritis) and bladder (cystitis) i.e. the lower urinary tract. [1]

These infections can be painful and irritating, and can become serious health conditions if the infection spreads to your kidneys, although this happens only in a small percentage of cases. [2]

Cystitis is fairly common. In fact, it is one of the most common types of UTIs. [3] At one time or another almost 60% of women will suffer [4] from cystitis which include: a burning sensation while passing urine; painful irritation and stinging, and a frequent and urgent need to pee. Between 20% to 40% of women will suffer from repeat occurrences or recurrent cystitis. [5]

Now, we’ve all heard that cranberries help with urinary tract infections. But what makes them so well known, besides being tart and delicious?

Here’s a quick primer on what’s really going on:

Elements in cranberries[6] do the following things

  • They block certain chemicals needed for E. coli to attach to the bladder wall. This is a urinary infectious agent.
  • They increase the acidity of urine by decreasing the pH.

If and when you do get a UTI, there’s still the pain and stinging sensation to deal with. What can you do in that case?

You can try Cystoplus, that’s what. Cystoplus is an over-the-counter solution that is specifically indicated to relieve the burning pain & stinging symptoms associated with cystitis.

All you have to do is dissolve the content of a Cystoplus sachets into a glass of water and drink it. This should be done immediately, and the solution shouldn’t be stored. To complete the treatment, you must one sachet 3 times per day for 2 days even if you are feeling better.

This is not a treatment for cystitis. Cystoplus helps in providing fast and easy relief from the symptoms of cystitis. It works by raising urine pH which helps in reducing the pain associated with cystitis. All you have to do is dissolve the contents of 1 sachet in a glass of water and drink it. You need to do this 3 times a day for 2 days.

Though it is not always possible to prevent cystitis, there are some steps that you can take to avoid the condition.

  • Drink plenty of liquid, especially water.
  • Urinate frequently. If you feel the urge to urinate, don't delay urination.
  • Always empty your bladder fully when you go to the toilet.
  • Always wipe from front to back after a bowel movement. This helps prevent bacteria in the anal region from spreading to the vagina and urethra.
  • Take a shower rather than a bath.
  • Wash gently the area around the vagina and anus. Do not use harsh soaps or wash too vigorously as the skin around these areas can become irritated. Avoid using deodorant sprays or feminine products in this area.
  • Wear cotton undergarments, as this allows better air circulation and discourages the warm, moist environment conducive to bacterial growth.
  • Empty your bladder after intercourse. Drink a full glass of water. This will help ush bacteria.
  • Some people find that certain types of food and drink make their cystitis worse - for example, coffee, fruit juice, or spicy foods. If there is anything that triggers your cystitis, you may wish to avoid it. [7]

This product may not be right for you. Always read and follow the labels.

Cystoplus® is a registered trademark owned by Norwell Consumer Healthcare Inc.

References

  1. Mayo Clinic -
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-tract-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20353447#:~:text=Urinary%20tract%20infections%20typically%20occur,to%20multiply%20in%20the%20bladder
  2. NHS UK -
    https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/kidney-infection/
  3. CDC -
    https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/uti.html#:~:text=The%20infections%20can%20affect%20several,more%20serious%20than%20bladder%20infections
  4. Cleveland Clinic -
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21203-bladder-inflammation-cystitis
  5. Rochester Medical center -
    https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=19&contentid=cranberry
  6. Source - Cystoplus Website & Label Insert