by Angie Warner WHNP
It’s 3 am and you’re waking up from a deep sleep with a sudden urgency to go pee. As you stumble to the bathroom and sit on the toilet trying desperately to not wake up too much, you realize that although you have so much pressure and urgency to void, your bladder only allows a few dribbles to escape. You make it back to bed to sleep until that dreaded alarm goes off only to wake up at 4 am to repeat the same routine. By 5 am you are certain that you have a urinary tract infection (UTI) and head to the kitchen to start chugging the bottle of cranberry juice you just bought from the grocery store 2 days ago. Most of us have been there more than once in our life. The symptoms of a UTI are unforgettable and very recognizable.
Women are more likely to develop UTIs than men and approximately 20-30% of women have recurring UTIs. Most people seek medical attention as soon as possible to treat these terrible symptoms, while others try to consume an absurd amount of cranberry juice to flush it out.
Cranberry has been the go to for many generations. It has been beneficial because cranberry coats the bladder wall to prevent bacteria from penetrating it, therefore decreasing risk of infection. However, once that bacteria has attached to the bladder, cranberry does not help in treating an infection. Untreated infections can lead to kidney infections and pylonephritis- which can lead to hospitalization, confusion and even renal failure. Once an infection is likely, you need to be seen by a medical professional for evaluation and appropriate treatment. There is not enough cranberry juice in the world that will treat an infection. Another thing to point out is that if bacteria have already invaded the bladder wall and then you are taking cranberry juice or supplements with your antibiotics the efficacy of the antibiotics will be reduced. Therefore, stop any cranberry once antibiotics are prescribed.
Newer research does show that cranberry supplements/capsules are more effective in preventing (not treating) UTIs than cranberry juice. Once capsule is equivalent to 8 ounces of juice and certainly contains less calories and sugar. The concentration of cranberry found in juices at the grocery store is just not enough to prevent UTIs because the active ingredient that is helpful is diluted long before it reaches your bladder. So if you are one of those unlucky 20-30% of women that get recurring UTIs, grab the cranberry capsules instead of the juice, start taking them daily but stop if you are prescribed an antibiotic.
Other ways to decrease risks of UTI:
- keep hydrated- avoid alcohol and other diuretics such as caffeinated beverages, lemonade and teas.
- Void after intercourse and avoid any fragranced lubricants
- Avoid smoking.
- Avoid feminine products with fragrance and do not ever douche
- Always wipe front to back to avoid bringing bacteria to the urethra
- Try not to hold your urine for too long.
MAR