Cranberry Juice  - as an antibiotic

The magic of Cranberry Juice

Researchers have found that compounds in cranberry juice may not only help prevent urinary tract infections (more on that later) but could also be an alternative to antibiotics for other infections such as tooth decay, gastroenteritis and kidney infections.

By growing the digestive tract bacteria, E. coli, in various concentrations of cranberry juice or its tannin compounds known as proanthocyanidins, Dr Camesano of Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts in the US, and her team, observed an increasing effect on the bacteria with higher concentrations, which suggests that whole or undiluted cranberry products could have the greatest benefits.

By changing the shape of bacteria from rods to spheres, altering their cell membranes, and making it difficult for the bacteria to make contact with cells, E. coli was prevented by cranberry from adhering to cells, which is an initial step in all infections.. 

In previous research conducted by the team, it was discovered that cranberry juice caused the small tendrils known as fimbriae that exist on the surface of E. coli to become compressed, making it more difficult for the bacteria to bind to the urinary tract lining.

The finding of the current research that cranberry altered the rod shape of E. coli has never before been observed. Additionally, gram-negative E. coli began behaving like a gram-positive bacteria, leading the researchers to believe that cranberry juice altered the bacteria's cell membrane – yet another new finding.

"We are beginning to get a picture of cranberry juice and, in particular, the tannins found in cranberries as potentially potent antibacterial agents," Dr Camesano stated. "These results are surprising and intriguing, particularly given the increasing concern about the growing resistance of certain disease-causing bacteria to antibiotics."

While we’re on the topic of cranberries I thought it was worth revisiting their benefits against urinary tract infections.

Why women are most at risk

Urinary tract infections (UTI's) like cystitis are extremely common, particularly among women. It’s estimated that up to one in every five women will develop an infection of the urinary tract during their lifetime.

The main reason why women are more prone to this condition is because the female urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside the body) is shorter than men’s. This allows bacteria like Escherichia coli (E. coli), which normally lives in the colon to reach the urethra where it can quickly multiply. The long male urethra offers better protection against urinary infections because it’s difficult for harmful bugs to reach it.

UTIs can be caused by a variety of micro-organisms, including bacteria, viruses, worms, and fungi like the candida fungus that causes thrush. 85 per cent of the time these micro-organisms come from the bowel and can easily find their way from your anus to the outside opening of your urethra… from here they can eventually reach your bladder and result in an infection developing.

In addition, if you’re under stress, taking oral contraceptive drugs or eating too many sugary foods or carbohydrates your risk of suffering a UTI is greatly increased.

Studies show that cranberries help keep UTI's at bay

Cranberries work by preventing the bacteria from attaching themselves to the inside lining of your bladder and urethra.

Cranberries are also thought to help improve the overall health of your bladder and urethra, as they contain antioxidant plant chemicals which prevent chronic damage to the urinary tract from occurring.

The problem with deriving these benefits from drinking cranberry juice is that, for it to be effective, you would need to drink around 16 glasses a day. Many forms of cranberry juice on the market only contain very low amounts of cranberries, the rest is made up of water and sugar. Obviously this goes against the advice given earlier to avoid sugar. For this reason, a good alternative is to consider taking cranberries in supplement form instead. The recommended dosage is 600mg of concentrated cranberry tablets a day

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 Author: Peter Charalambos

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Peter Charalambos is a contributing writer for health information sites, sports health sites and a general news and information site. He has written about all aspects of vitamins, minerals and health supplements and  constantly strives to uncover biased research which tries to undermine natural products in favour of drugs.

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