Cranberry juice for UTIs prevention: Home remedies

Verified by Dr. Vaishali Sakpal Rane (MBBS, DGO Obstetrics and Gynaecology, DNB Obstetrics and Gynaecology)

Urinary tract infection commonly happens when bacteria infect the urinary tract. There’s a presence of bacteria with pus cells in the urine. It may be present only in the bladder causing acute uncomplicated cystitis or it may affect the kidneys causing pyelonephritis. 

Bacterial cystitis is characterised by burning sensation during passing urine, pain , cloudy urine, increased frequency. Pyelonephritis usually occurs following cystitis as the bacteria ascend up in the system. You may have symptoms like high grade fever with chills, pain in the loin or back and weakness.

Along with the conventional medications, cranberries have been used for several decades to treat and prevent UTI. Cranberries contain 90% of water, quinic acid , malic acid, citric acid along with glucose and fructose.The quinic acid in the cranberries cause large amounts of hippuric acid to be excreted through the urinary system which acts as an antibacterial agent. 

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These substances present in cranberries also prevent bacteria E coli from sticking to the walls of the bladder. The fructose in cranberries prevents the sticking of type 1 E Coli and another substance called PAC proanthocyanidins inhibits the sticking of another type E coli bacteria.

Use of Cranberry juice for UTIs :

Cranberries can be consumed in the form of juice, tablets, capsules or syrup depending upon the availability and the choice of the patient. Usually they do not cause any side effects but some may experience some gastric discomfort or may not like the taste.

UTIs tend to occur more commonly in women than men because of the short urethra that allows the bacteria to ascend easily. Recurrent UTIs, i.e. 2 episodes in the last 6 months or 3 or more in the last 12 months, has become a common condition requiring frequent OPD visits, urine tests and treatment.

Recurrent UTI is common in high risk groups like children, pregnant women, patients with spinal cord injury, catheters, diabetes , multiple sclerosis, HIV positive or those having anatomical variations. 

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Recent studies have shown that cranberry is not very useful in preventing recurrent UTIs. However these studies have their own shortcomings so we cannot totally disregard the role of cranberries in UTIs. As long as the patient is benefitting and comfortable with no side effects it can be used for preventing UTIsespecially in the susceptible population.

In case you find any symptom of UTI, you must visit the doctor as soon as possible to get the proper treatment. Consult Gytree experts to get the right treatment for your UTI.