Often those prone to or suffering from recurrent urinary tract infections are advised to take cranberry juice. Is it just a part of conventional wisdom or based on scientific evidence? Cranberries have been used for decades to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) that are among the most common bacterial infections in women. As the prevalence of bacteria resistant to antibiotics is increasing,interest in cranberries to prevent urinary tract infections has been growing. Cranberry seems to work by preventing bacteria from sticking to the cells that line the bladder. Contrary to popular belief,urine acidification,does not appear to play a role. A recent meta-analysis in 244 females with symptomatic UTI suggested that the benefits of cranberry were more pronounced in women with recurrent UTIs. According to available scientific evidence,cranberries can be used as adjunct therapy along with antibiotics. However,they should not be considered the first line of treatment. Native to North America and Canada,cranberries have been recognised as a functional food with potential to protect against a variety of health conditions,including degenerative conditions like cardiovascular diseases,high blood pressure and some cancers,especially breast,colon,prostate,and lung. Other promising areas of investigation include prevention of H. Pylori infection,which causes gastro-intestinal ulcers and dental plaque. Cranberries too are being explored for other potential health benefits which include neuro-protection and anti-viral activity. Like all other berries,these have exceptionally high levels of phytochemicals (plant chemicals that protect from various diseases). The unique combination of phyto-chemicals found in cranberry fruit is likely to contribute to its health benefits. Interestingly,a recent study reported that cranberry phytochemical powder and its fractions significantly inhibit the formation of glycated hemoglobin a contributing factor to diabetic complications,aging,and other chronic diseases. There are no clear guidelines on doses,but being generally safe,it may be reasonable to recommend the use of moderate amounts of cranberry juice cocktail to prevent UTI. For prevention of urinary tract infections,the recommended doses for adults range from 90-480 ml of cranberry cocktail twice a day or 15-30 ml of unsweetened 100 per cent cranberry juice daily. Cranberry is available as capsules,concentrates and tinctures. A study suggested that ½ a litre of cranberry juice with 1 ½ litres of water is sufficient to prevent formation of oxalate kidney stones. Weight watchers,diabetics or people with glucose intolerance need to be careful when cranberry is taken as sweetened juice. They are advised to take sugar-free cranberry juice. High doses of juice may cause stomach distress or diarrhea and counter-productively may increase the risk of kidney stones. On an average,a glass of cranberry juice of 180 ml contains approximately 100 calories. A word of caution for those who are taking blood-thinning medication warfarin as possible interactions between cranberry juice and warfarin may lead to bleeding. People allergic to aspirin should avoid consuming large quantities of cranberry juice. Ishi Khosla is a former senior nutritionist at Escorts. She heads the Centre of Dietary Counselling and also runs a health food store. She feels that for complete well-being,one should integrate physical,mental and spiritual health. According to her: To be healthy should be the ultimate goal for all.
