A study finally decides.
Uncomfortable, even painful, urinary tract infections are feared by everyone, especially women. And for good reason, it is the most common urinary tract disease with 50% of women suffering from it at least once a year. It is mainly due to a bacterial infection (from the Escherichia Coli bacteria) and manifests itself by frequent urges to urinate as well as burning sensations when urinating. Nettle, echinacea root, essential oils… many solutions are used to relieve or prevent them, sometimes without scientific validation. This is the case with cranberry juice, or cranberry juice, often recommended, but whose use is still debated among health professionals. Researchers from Bond University in Australia conducted a study to observe its effects.
The scientists conducted a meta-analysis of 20 previous studies and pooled data from a total of 3,091 participants, mostly women. They recorded the number of urinary tract infections the subjects had, the associated symptoms, and the use of antimicrobials. They then looked at the effects of cranberry juice and cranberry pills on infections. The researchers then compared these effects to drinking more during the infection or taking no treatment. According to the results published in the journal “European Urology Focus”cranberry juice would really have effects on urinary tract infections.
Compounds in cranberries, including those called proanthocyanidins, are thought to prevent pathogenic bacteria from adhering to the walls of the urethra and bladder. Without this adhesion, bacteria are more easily eliminated from the body via urine. Cranberries also contain antioxidants that may improve the overall health of the urinary tract. Finally, they have an antibacterial effect and organic fatty acids, such as quinic acid, may help make urine more acidic, making it less conducive to bacterial growth. “With moderate to low certainty, the evidence supports the use of cranberry juice for the prevention of UTIs”the researchers say in the study. They found that drinking cranberry juice reduced the rate of UTIs by 54 percent compared to no treatment and by 27 percent compared to placebo. The juice also reduced antibiotic use by 49 percent compared to placebo and by 59 percent compared to no treatment.
According to scientists, incorporating cranberry products into the diet could be an effective strategy for preventing urinary tract infections, especially in people at risk of recurrence. Be careful, this does not mean that cranberry juice can be used without medication, it is necessary to consult a health professional if symptoms persist.