Khaberni - Cranberry juice is linked in many minds to treating urinary tract infections, having become a common choice when symptoms like burning sensation and frequent urination occur. However, recent medical research suggests that this popular belief isn’t entirely accurate, and might be misleading in some cases.
Cranberries contain natural compounds known as "proanthocyanidins," which may help prevent "Escherichia coli" bacteria from adhering to the bladder wall, possibly reducing the risk of recurring urinary tract infections.
However, doctors emphasize that this benefit is limited to prevention, and does not extend to treating an existing infection. Once symptoms appear, cranberry juice is not a substitute for medical treatment. Specialists warn that drinking cranberry juice while suffering from a urinary tract infection may worsen symptoms instead of alleviating them. This is due to the juice's high acidity, which might cause additional irritation to an inflamed bladder.
Urologist Lamia Jabal clarifies that the focus at this stage should be on drinking water and non-irritating fluids to help flush out bacteria, rather than introducing drinks that might increase the sensation of burning and discomfort.
What about prevention?
Some studies suggest that regular consumption of cranberry juice might help reduce the frequency of infections for some women, especially those who suffer from recurrent infections. For this reason, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration allows claims that there is "limited and inconclusive scientific evidence" supporting the role of a daily glass of cranberry juice in prevention.
However, experts caution against the quantity and type of juice, as many products available in the market contain added sugars, which can raise blood sugar levels, especially in diabetics, and is a factor that may increase the risk of urinary tract infections.
For individuals prone to recurring infections, cranberry extract supplements might be a safer option than juice, because they contain a higher concentration of active compounds without large amounts of sugar.
Nevertheless, doctors confirm that these supplements do not treat an active infection. When clear symptoms such as pain during urination or increased urgency occur, treatment with antibiotics is essential and indispensable.
