What is Cranberry And How Can It Help With Bladder Infections?

View PDF | Print View
by: Darrell Miller
Total views: 11
Word Count: 508
Date: Sun, 31 Jul 2011 Time: 3:39 AM
0 comments

Cranberries are native to areas of Europe, North America, and Asia. They can be found growing mainly in cool, northern areas of the coast in the Northwest and Northeast of the United States. Cranberries are commercially grown in Massachusetts, New Jersey, Washington, Wisconsin, and Oregon. Nineteenth century American sailors stored cranberries on their ships to prevent scurvy, which resulted in those who were lacking vitamin C.

The cranberry plant is a low shrub or vine that grows up to two meters in length and five to twenty centimeters in height. Cranberry plants have slender, wiry stems with small evergreen leaves. The flowers are dark pink with very distinct petals. They are pollinated by honey bees. The fruit of the cranberry plant is an epigynous berry that is larger than the leaves of the plant. Initially, it is white. But, it turns a deep red when it is fully ripe. The berry is edible and has an acidic taste that can overwhelm its sweetness. Cranberries are a major commercial crop in many American states and Canadian provinces. Most cranberries are processed into juice, sauce, and sweetened dried cranberries.

Cranberry was first research in Germany for its medicinal properties around 1840. Researchers noticed a correlation between a lower incidence of urinary tract infections and the European cranberry. It was found that individuals who consumed cranberries had hippuric acid in their urine. It was believed that the increased acidity prevented infections.

The fruit and juice that are found in the cranberry are used mainly to treat bladder and urinary tract infections. Primarily, the bacteria E. coli is associated with urinary tract infections. This bacteria prefers and alkaline environment to grow. Studies have found that certain properties of cranberries make urine more acidic, therefore reducing the likelihood of bacteria invading the lining of the urinary tract.

When treating urinary infections, the usual course is antibiotics. However, this treatment is not often productive. This is especially true for those who suffer from recurrent infections. Antibiotics may temporarily solve the problem, but they can cause other difficulties like vaginal yeast infections.

One study, in which patients with active urinary tract infections were given sixteen ounces of cranberry juice per day, found beneficial effects in 73 percent of the subjects. Another study found beneficial effects in using cranberry juice in order to control urinary tract infections. The group drinking cranberry juice was found to be 58 percent less likely to have the bacteria that are known to cause infections in their urine. Beneficial results in older women drinking cranberry juice were also found, in which urinary tract infections were prevented.

The fruit of the cranberry is responsible for providing antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, and diuretic properties. The primary nutrients found in this herb are iron, potassium, and vitamins B and C. Primarily, cranberry is extremely helpful in dealing with cystitis, kidney problems, and urinary problems. Additionally, this herb is beneficial in treating bed-wetting, colds, and urinary incontinence. For more information on the many beneficial effects provided by cranberry, feel free to contact a representative at your local health food store.

About the Author

Look for cranberry extract and other great herbs at your local or internet vitamin store. http://vitanetonline.com/