Can Cranberries Prevent UTIs (Urinary Tract Infections)?

Dr Angela Riccia

General Practitioner, MD

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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.

Cranberries can help support urinary tract health

Cranberries are naturally high in both antioxidants and a powerful ingredient called proanthocyanidins (PACs). These ingredients can help strengthen urinary tract health in two ways.

First, PACs help uroepithelial cells––the tissue that lines the urinary tract walls––to prevent harmful bacteria from sticking to the walls of the urinary tract. UTI-causing pathogens, such as E. coli, cause infection by entering through the urethra and multiplying in various parts of the urogenital system. Due to its high PAC content, cranberries can enhance your body’s ability to fight off and prevent infections.

In addition to this, antioxidants in cranberries help protect uroepithelial cells from damage, which supports the overall health of the urinary tract.

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Cranberries and UTI prevention

However, there is a caveat to the benefits of cranberries: they only apply to pure forms of the fruit, such as extracts and purees. Other commonly available cranberry products, such as cranberry juice, do not contain enough active ingredients to benefit your health. Additionally, many cranberry juices contain high amounts of sugar and other additives.

Instead, consider using cranberry supplements to enhance your urinary tract health. The Ease Cranberry Daily contains 1000 mg of cranberry extract per serving and is specifically formulated to support the urinary tract, making it an ideal booster for your urinary tract health.