3 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Use Cranberry Juice For UTI Prevention

Ease Editorial Team

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If you’ve ever experienced urinary tract issues, chances are you’ve heard about the health benefits of cranberries. If you’re new to it, here is a 101: cranberries are naturally high in proanthocyanidins, an antioxidant which can help support the health and function of the urinary tract, including the kidneys, bladder and urethra. While cranberry juice is a popular form of ingesting cranberries, you’d be surprised to find that it may be causing more harm than good. Instead, we recommend opting for more pure forms of cranberry through the form of supplements.

Cranberry juice can be high in sugar

Cranberry juice often contains added sugars and other sweeteners. Although they might enhance the taste, beverages that are high in sugar may actually make you more prone to contracting infections such as UTIs. Sugar consumption can make your urine more acidic, giving UTI-causing bacteria and other pathogens a better environment to multiply.

Additionally, sugar may also promote inflammation of the delicate tissue lining the urinary tract, leading to frequent irritation and discomfort.

You may not get enough beneficial active ingredients

In its pure form, cranberry contains an active ingredient called A-type proanthocyanidins (PACs). PACs can help reduce the incidence of infections by preventing UTI-causing bacteria––particularly E. coli––from adhering to the walls of the urinary tract.

However, most cranberry juices will not contain a significant enough amount of pure cranberry and its beneficial active ingredients. Therefore, you may not see any benefit at all from consuming cranberry juice.

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Cranberry juice is an acidic drink

Cranberry juice is a fairly acidic drink, with a pH level of about 2.5. High acidity drinks can cause inflammation and irritation of the tissue lining the bladder and urinary tract, causing discomfort. Especially if you have an active infection, acidic drinks such as cranberry juice may worsen your symptoms.

Conclusion – Choose pure forms of cranberry for maximum benefit

Research has shown that consumption of cranberry in its pure forms––such as in extracts and purees––can benefit urinary tract health. In order to give your urinary tract the boost it needs, check out the Ease Cranberry Daily. These delicious gummies are formulated with 1,000mg of cranberry puree per serving, bringing you the maximum benefit.