Several articles on the clinical utility of cranberry juice in patients with recurrent urinary tract infections have been published.1-3 Older studies attributed antibacterial activity to organic acids such as hippuric acid.4
However, more recent studies have emphasized the role of components that act by interference with bacterial adherence of Escherichia coli.5 Thus, it seemed important to reassess whether cranberry juice has true broad-spectrum direct antibacterial activity. Using the strain of Klebsiella pneumoniae as an indicator, the authors found antibacterial activity in cranberry juice diluted at least as much as 1:32.
References
1. Kuzminski LN. Cranberry juice and urinary tract infections: is there a beneficial relationship? Nutr Rev. 1996;54(11 pt 2):S87-S90. MEDLINE
2. Avorn J, Monane M, Gurwitz JH, Glynn RJ, Choodnovskiy I, Lipsitz LA. Reduction of bacteriuria and pyuria after ingestion of cranberry juice. JAMA. 1994;271:751-754. MEDLINE
3. Walker EB, Barney DP, Mickelsen JN, Walton RJ, Mickelsen RA Jr. Cranberry concentrate: UTI prophylaxis.J Fam Pract. 1997;45:167-168. MEDLINE
4. Bodel PT, Cotran R, Kass EH. Cranberry juice and the antimicrobial action of hippuric acid. J Lab Clin Med. 1959;54:881-888.
5. Ofek I, Goldhar J, Zafriri D, Lis H, Adar R, Sharon N. Anti-Escherichia coli adhesion activity of cranberry and blueberry juices [letter]N Engl J Med. 1991;324:1599. MEDLINE.
JAMA Vol. 283 No. 13, April 5, 2000
Cranberries can frequently be used to fight off urinary tract infections. However, it is important to remember that it is a fruit juice and will serve as a source of sugar that could cause illness in itself by upsetting one's insulin balance.
I much prefer the active ingredient in cranberry juice - a carbohydrate called D-mannose. In the past, D-mannose has been difficult to obtain due to costs and manufacturing capabilities. The pure, high-quality form has recently become commercially available as a natural supplement and you can get it now in our store. Non-toxic and safe, ClearTract D-Mannose:
Supports a healthy urinary tract
Is 10- 50 times stronger than cranberry!
Produces rapid action in as little as 24-48 hours
Does not kill friendly bacteria
Is safe for long term use -- neutral pH
Is 100% all natural D-Mannose and nothing else
D-mannose actually adheres to the receptors on the lining of the bladder that attach to the bacteria. This forces the bacteria to slide right off and into the toilet. It is amazingly effective but one must remember it is only a band-aid, but a far safer one than prophylactic antibiotic use or cranberry juice. the concentrated cranberry tablets that have less sugar. It is also important to recognize that prevention of urinary tract infections is key.
In the 20 years I have been practicing clinical medicine, it has been my observation that one of the most frequent causes of these infections are less than careful hygiene after one develops loose stools or diarrhea.
It is very easy to contaminate one's fingers when wiping oneself with toilet paper, and if those contaminated fingers come anywhere close to the opening of the urethra, there is a high likelihood of infection in predisposed individuals.