Do Cranberries Prevent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)? (2024)

You might have heard that cranberries help prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs). But are these berries really as medicinal as they are tart and tasty?

The research on this isn’t totally clear. Some studies have found that drinking cranberry juice or taking cranberry pills can prevent UTIs, especially in women who are at risk for these infections. But others haven’t come to that conclusion.

Cranberries don't seem to work for everyone. And they don’t treat UTIs that you already have.

The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology says that unsweetened cranberry juice and cranberry supplements may make UTIs less likely, but that it’s not yet clear how much you need to take and for how long.

How Might It Work?

Scientists used to think that cranberries protected against UTIs by making urine more acidic, which is less friendly to bacteria like Escherichia coli (E. coli) that are usually to blame.

But now, researchers have a different theory: that cranberries make it harder for infection-causing bacteria to stick to the urinary tract walls.

It could be that nutrients in cranberries change the bacteria so that they can't stick to the urinary tract. Or it may be that cranberries create a slippery coating on the urinary tract walls that makes it hard for E. coli to get a good grip.

Keep in Mind

Because of their acidity, cranberries can be hard for some people to take.

Cranberry juice is high in salts called oxalates, which can make kidney stones more likely, especially if you already tend to get these types of stones.

If you take the blood-thinning medication warfarin, you should avoid cranberry products, because cranberries can interact with warfarin and cause bleeding.

If you like cranberry juice and it doesn't bother your stomach, affect another condition or your meds, it’s an option.

If you decide to take supplements, it’s best to talk to your doctor first.

Do Cranberries Prevent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)? (2024)

FAQs

Do Cranberries Prevent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)? ›

Cranberry products are more effective than placebo or no treatment in the prevention of UTIs in susceptible populations. Cranberry products are more effective than other treatments in the prevention of UTIs in susceptible populations.

What actually prevents UTIs? ›

Drink plenty of fluids, especially water.

It also dilutes your urine and lowers the concentration of bacteria in the bladder. Some people can clear an infection on their own just by drinking fluids. Try drinking at least 50 ounces, or about 1.5 liters, of fluid daily to prevent infections.

Do cranberry pills actually work? ›

At first doctors thought cranberry worked by making urine acidic enough to kill the bacteria. Now, studies show that cranberry may prevent bacteria from attaching to the walls of the urinary tract. Good scientific studies support using cranberry either in capsules or as juice, for preventing, though not treating, UTIs.

How much cranberry juice should you drink a day? ›

How much cranberry juice should I drink daily? Although there are no set recommendations on fruit juice, the DGAs recognizes 1 cup of 100% fruit juice as a 1-cup serving of fruit. So, in general, the average adult could consider drinking about 1 cup (8 ounces) of juice per day.

Is cranberry good for the kidneys? ›

4. Cranberries. Cranberries are low in potassium and high in vitamin C, making them another great choice for people with kidney disease. Cranberry juice has also been shown to help prevent urinary tract infections, which are typical for people with kidney disease.

Do cranberry supplements help prevent UTIs? ›

Cranberries (usually as cranberry juice) have been used to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs). Cranberries contain a substance that can prevent bacteria from sticking on the walls of the bladder. This may help prevent bladder and other UTIs.

Does UQORA actually work? ›

If the source is E. coli, Uqora could be helpful. If it's not, you may need to try another method, such as focusing on your gut microbiome and vagin*l health. None of Uqora's products are guaranteed to prevent all UTIs, nor do they target bacterial or hormonal imbalances that can make you prone to UTIs.

Is it better to drink cranberry juice or take cranberry pills? ›

Studies have pointed out that due to the added sugars and water that dilute the cranberry juice, cranberry capsules are a more effective alternative. In fact, it turns out that the active ingredient in cranberries that helps prevent E. coli from turning into an infection may not even be present in cranberry juice!

What is the fastest way a UTI can go away? ›

While UTIs are not medical emergencies, they can lead to complications if left untreated. Additionally, the fastest way to cure a UTI is through antibiotic medication. Antibiotics will kill harmful bacteria. This will reduce symptoms quickly and prevent the infection from worsening.

Do azo cranberry pills make you pee a lot? ›

Cranberry pills are relatively well tolerated, but a handful of people have reported stomach discomfort, abdominal pain or increased urination after taking the pills ( 9 , 11 , 23 , 47 ). Cranberries are also high in salicylic acid, a naturally occurring anti-inflammatory compound ( 48 , 49 ).

What medications cannot be taken with cranberry? ›

by Drugs.com

Cranberry may increase the anticoagulant effect from blood thinners like warfarin and lead to bruising or bleeding. If you take an oral blood thinner, check with your doctor before consuming large amounts of cranberry or cranberry juice.

Which cranberry juice is the healthiest? ›

To avoid excess consumption of added sugars and maximize the potential benefits of cranberry juice, it is best to choose pure, unsweetened cranberry juice. While cranberry juice is safe for most people, consuming too much can lead to side effects, like upset stomach and diarrhea.

Is ocean spray cranberry juice healthy? ›

"Food and nutrition experts understand that, with its powerful nutrients and well-documented health benefits, the cranberry can play an important role in a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle," said Kellyanne Dignan, Director, Global Corporate Affairs at Ocean Spray.

When should you not drink cranberry juice? ›

Aspirinallergy: Cranberries contain significant amounts of salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is similar to aspirin. Avoid drinking large quantities of cranberry juice if you are allergic to aspirin. Diabetes: Some cranberry juice products are sweetened with extra sugar.

Which is better, D-mannose or cranberry? ›

Superior to cranberry concentrate pills, cranberry pills or juice alone, a pure Dmannose supplement is about 10 to 50 times stronger than found in cranberry juice. D-Mannose is thought to be a prebiotic, or a "fertilizer" for the good gut florathat exist already in the gut - helping existing flora thrive.

Is cranberry good for high blood pressure? ›

Among the health benefits associated with cranberries: — The vitamins and minerals they contain boost the body's digestive health and antioxidant system and promote good heart health – even possibly improving blood pressure and cholesterol. — They are high in fiber.

How does the body naturally prevent UTIs? ›

The epithelial cells lining the urinary tract are the first line of defence against pathogens. These cells secrete a plethora of soluble compounds ranging from pro-inflammatory cytokines to antibacterial agents.

Can you stop a UTI before it starts? ›

OTC Medicine: Some over the counter UTI medications contain antibiotics that can nip a UTI in the bud before it starts. Keep in mind, though, that if the infection progresses fully, you may need to get a doctor-prescribed course of antibiotics.

How can I clean myself to prevent UTIs? ›

Clean your genital and anal areas before and after sexual activity. Urinate before and after sexual activity. Drinking 2 glasses of water after sexual activity may help promote urination. Wipe from front to back after using the bathroom.

What makes a UTI resistant? ›

Some strains of E. coli bacteria have begun to produce enzymes called extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (often summarised to ESBL E coli). These can make the bacteria resistant to certain antibiotics, and so the bacteria continue to multiply and spread.

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