In nature, cranberry is a North American fruit from the vaccinium macrocarpon family. It is closely related to the bilberry and the blueberry. The shrub plant has been used throughout human history as a defense against illnesses and as an all around healthy food.
Native American tribes realized the value of cranberry as a juice and as a fruit many years before it was scientifically determined to be healthy. It is sold in stores in can form, fruit form, juiced, as a cocktail, a jelly and a sauce. It may be combined with fructose or artificial sweetener. It is also sold as a nutritional supplement.
The primary medical benefit to regularly consuming cranberry is the prevention of urinary tract infection. However, there are other benefits, including the prevention of kidney stones and gall bladder stones.
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Cranberry Benefits There is some evidence to suggest that regular cranberry consumption can help prevent E. coli related bacteria. Ordinarily, E. coli attaches to the cells lining on the bladder wall; however, cranberry produces an anti-adherence action, reducing the threat of urinary trac... more
There is some evidence to suggest that regular cranberry consumption can help prevent E. coli related bacteria. Ordinarily, E. coli attaches to the cells lining on the bladder wall; however, cranberry produces an anti-adherence action, reducing the threat of urinary tract infection. It has also been studied to be of greater benefit to older women.
Cranberry may also be able to help to keep a person’s urine free of mucus buildup, particularly in a urostomy and enterocystoplasty situation. While it does not treat urinary tract infection, it is believed to help prevent development. It is also a formidable fruit against other conditions related to UTI, such as neurogenic bladder disease.
Other medical benefits of cranberry include the ability to deodorize urine, increase urine flow, kill unhealthy germs, reduce fever and other various healing properties. There is less hard evidence that suggests cranberry can help non-urinary tract conditions like diabetes , scurvy, cancer, pleurisy and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Interestingly, there is still some debate on why exactly cranberry is effective against urinary tract defects. One explanation is that it makes a person’s urine acidic (due to salicylic acid), which is a defense against bacteria development. The acid also reduces swelling, helps to prevents blood clotting, and also fights tumor development.
However, others believe that there are certain chemicals in cranberries that prevent the bacteria from sticking to the cell’s lining. Because cranberry cannot “treat” UTI, likewise, it cannot release bacterium that has already attached itself to a cell.
When a person is trying to drastically increase cranberry intake, he or she will choose supplementation over fruit or juice. One capsule of juice extract can contain up to 400 milligrams of the most potent vitamins in cranberry. High dosage such as this is recommended twice a day. However, if you prefer to take cranberry in its natural form, you can. Simply drink several glasses (about sixteen ounces) of cranberry juice (no sugar) every day.
You can also try a cranberry tincture, which is a mix of cranberry with water and alcohol. Simply drink one tea spoon or less three times a day. Obviously, because cranberry is a fruit it is considered a safe item to try, even in higher than average quantities. Higher than average dosages (meaning beyond the occasional snack) have been proven safe for children and for pregnant women.
There are some possible interactions to be aware of, when taking cranberry. Because cranberry contains high levels of salicylic acid, ingesting high levels could cause similar effects to aspirin. If you have an aspirin allergy then you may want to reconsider.
The chemical named oxalate, found in cranberry, is also cause for concern. When cranberry increases oxalate levels in the urine, this does slightly increase the risk of developing kidney stones. Kidney stones are formed when calcium and oxalate combine together. So an adequate amount of cranberry can prevent formation of kidney stones, while an over-dosage could actually cause the reverse effect.
There is also a risk of diabetes interaction, since some cranberry products are sweetened with extra sugar. If you have a diabetes condition, stick to products that have no sugar or artificial sweeteners—if you can stomach the aspartame.
Cranberry can interact with warfarin, and will increase the time warfarin stays inside the body. This means an increased risk of bruising and bleeding. There is also a risk of cranberry interacting with liver medications like Elavil, Valium and Zyflo, among others. There are no side effects to cranberry unless there is over-dosage. In cases of over-dosage, cranberry can cause upset stomach and diarrhea.
If you are at an increased risk of urinary tract infection, or want to improve your overall nutrition and health, consider increasing your dosage of cranberry—a marvelous fruit with many beneficial properties! Use the supplement finder now!
| Diarrhea |
| Nausea |
| Kidney Stones |
| Aspirin Allergy Reaction |
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| Bladder Health |
| Prevents Gall Bladder Stones |
| Prevents Kidney Stones |
| Prevents Urinary Tract Infection |