bjones
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Cranberry juice is one of the best natural treatments for the prevention of urinary tract infection (UTI), but there is no proof showing that cranberry juice can cure a UTI that is already present. The urinary system includes the two kidneys, the bladder, the ureters, connecting the kidneys with the bladder, and the urethra, which travels from the bladder to the outside world. Any part of the urinary tract is susceptible to infection. Infection occurs when harmful bacteria, such as E. coli, attach to the walls of the urinary tract and begin to multiply. The infection causes several symptoms, including urge to urinate, burning while urinating, bloody or cloudy urine, strong-smelling urine, fever, side pain, nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, and pressure in the pelvic region.
Cranberries contain a group of organic compounds called proanthocyanidins. These compounds affect the hair-like structures on the bacteria that allow them to attach themselves to the walls of the urinary tract. Without the use of these little hairs, the bacteria slide off the walls and are expelled in the urine. Once the bacteria are already attached, however, the proanthocyanidins cannot reach the hairs and so most of the bacteria stay where they are, doing their dirty business of multiplying and continuing on with the infection. The only sure way to treat a UTI is to see a doctor. A doctor will prescribe antibiotics that will quickly kill the bacteria.
One problem in the prevention of UTIs with cranberry juice is that no one agrees on how much should be drunk. Also, many people don’t like the taste of cranberry juice. It is extremely acidic and can upset the stomach. A good rule of thumb is to drink 8 oz of 30% or higher concentrated cranberry juice per day. Cranberry is also made in pill or capsule form for those who don’t like the taste.
 Posted 5148 day ago
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