Cranberry
Botanical Information
Cranberries are the fruit of a native plant of North America. The berries are used to produce beverages and many other food products, as well as dietary supplements in the form of extracts, capsules, or tablets.
Features & Benefits
- Helps prevent urinary tract infections by prohibiting adherence of bacteria to the mucosal cells lining the urinary tract
- There is preliminary evidence that cranberry may reduce the ability of H. pylori bacteria to live in the stomach and cause ulcers
- Cranberry juice has also been shown to prevent plaque formation and the development of gum disease due to its bacterial anti-adhesion properties
Suggestions & Precautions
- Cranberry’s acidifying effect on urine can lessen the effectiveness of Uva Ursi, also taken for urinary tract infections
- Drinking large quantities of cranberry juice can cause diarrhea and stomach upset
- Those who suspect a urinary tract infection should always consult with a doctor. Cranberry has not been shown to be effective as a treatment for an existing urinary tract infection.
