The Ultimate Guide to Cranberry for UTIs and Common Feminine Issues
Do you suffer from
urinary tract infections (UTIs), yeast infections, or bacterial vaginosis (BV)?
In this comprehensive article, we’re covering everything you need to know about cranberries for the prevention of UTIs and other common feminine issues like yeast infections.
Is Cranberry an Effective UTI Treatment?
If you suffer from urinary tract infections (UTIs), you might have come across cranberries or cranberry juice as a natural UTI treatment option. Is it legit, or is it just another “natural” option that doesn’t actually do anything? We like to turn to science to help answer that question.
Cranberries have a natural ingredient that can actually prevent E. coli and other bacteria from sticking to the wall of the bladder. This ingredient, A type proanthocyanidins, is a flavonoid which has demonstrated anti-adhesion activity against E. coli that sticks to the urinary tract epithelial cells.
One analysis of over a dozen studies found that cranberry juice does reduce the risk of UTIs in women. However, other studies have shown that the A type proanthocyanidins found in cranberries aren’t powerful enough to actually lower the risk of urinary tract infections in humans. Confusing, right?!
Needless to say, the science is a bit mixed on this one. Many doctors say cranberries certainly won’t harm you, but they may help. So, if you suffer from recurrent UTIs, there’s little to no risk in trying out cranberries as a natural home remedy.
Additionally, many women report that adding cranberry juice or cranberry supplements to their routine helps prevent UTIs, as it keeps small amounts of bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract. However, when you have a full-on UTI with lots of bacteria, cranberry juice alone may not be enough to kick it to the curb (more on that shortly).
What Are the Benefits of Cranberries?
Cranberries are considered among many dieticians to be a superfood. Cranberries are full of antioxidants and are nutrient-dense.
The benefits of cranberries include:
Cranberries naturally contain a plethora of vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds:
- Vitamin C: helps maintain your skin, muscles, and bones
- Vitamin E: lowers and prevents inflammation
- Vitamin K1: essential for blood clotting
- Manganese: keeps your metabolism in tip-top shape
- Copper: keeps your heart healthy
- Quercetin: reduces inflammation, allergy symptoms, and blood pressure
- Myricetin: prevents cancer, diabetes, and reduces inflammation
- Peonidin: reduces inflammation, prevents cancer
- Ursolic acid: reduces inflammation
- A type proanthocyanidins: may be effective against UTIs
Cranberries have so much to offer, including the sought-after ability to prevent and possibly treat urinary tract infections. As we mentioned, when you can naturally prevent UTIs and avoid using antibiotics as a result, you also prevent other infections like yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis (BV). Plus, when you take a cranberry supplement, you’re getting all these benefits of a regular cranberry, which is fantastic!
What Are Cranberry Supplements?
Cranberry supplements, typically used for UTI prevention, are made from either:
- Dried, powdered cranberries
- Cranberry extract
Cranberry supplements that use cranberry extract are typically much more powerful. Check the ingredient list and look for the ratio used – if the cranberry extract says 10:1, it has 10 times the unique active compound as the original cranberry in dried form. In other words, you would have to take 10 pills that contain dried, powdered cranberries to get the same benefits as 1 pill that contains a 10:1 cranberry extract. This is not only easier to take – have you ever tried to swallow 10 pills?! – but it’s also more effective for your wallet.
Many cranberry supplements also contain other vitamins and ingredients to offer additional health benefits. Common additions include Vitamin C and D-mannose.
Cranberry vs. Antibiotics for UTI Treatment
When you have a urinary tract infection (UTI), your doctor will typically prescribe an antibiotic regimen. Antibiotics for UTI treatment are problematic for several reasons:
They wipe out good and bad bacteria, which can cause vaginal pH balance concerns (and future issues like yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis).
They wipe out good and bad bacteria, which can cause vaginal pH balance concerns (and future issues like yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis).
They come with uncomfortable side effects, including cramping, diarrhea, vomiting, rashes, vaginal itching, and white patches on the tongue.
The resistance is a major concern, particularly among the medical community. Over time, continued use of antibiotics can lead to higher and longer doses. While bacterial resistance is still being studied, there’s concern among the medical profession that antibiotics may ultimately be rendered completely ineffective.
While research is showing that cranberry alone may not powerful enough to treat UTIs, it can be helpful for prevention. Plus, when it’s paired with other ingredients, such as D-mannose and probiotics, it may be able to prevent and treat UTIs in addition to other common feminine issues.
Are Cranberries an Effective Yeast Infection Treatment?
Women who rely on antibiotics to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs) often report getting a yeast infection as a result. Why?
Antibiotics wipe out the good and bad bacteria, which typically clears up the infection, but it also leaves your vaginal microflora unstable. When all the good bacteria are gone, you have the perfect breeding ground for yeast called Candida.
When Candida multiply, you experience the itching, burning, swelling, and discharge associated with a yeast infection. The University of Rochester Medical Center reports that cranberries may help cure yeast infections. When you consume cranberry regularly, it’s said to prevent recurrent yeast infections. Additionally, you can take cranberry supplements to help prevent UTIs, which prevents yeast infections as a result!
How Long Should I Take Cranberry Supplements for UTI Treatment?
Cranberry supplements are best taken daily over long periods of time to prevent UTIs from occurring. Women who have suffered from chronic or recurrent UTIs may find that taking a daily cranberry supplement staves them off for good!
It’s worth noting that the most effective cranberry supplements also contain D-mannose, a naturally occurring simple sugar that has been proven to treat and prevent UTIs.
Most research has shown that taking D-mannose for about 2 weeks helps reduce and clear up symptoms of urinary tract infections (UTIs). In addition, all of the trials being done with Dmannose for UTI treatment have participants taking D-mannose supplements for several months after the UTI clears up. Continuing to take cranberry supplements that contain D-mannose for at least 6 months after your UTI can prevent future UTIs from wreaking havoc on your life! The ingredients found in daily UTI prevention supplements can also prevent other common feminine issues, including:
Yeast infections
Bacterial vaginosis (BV)
Candida-related vaginal odor
Vaginal itching
Cranberry in Popular Store Brands
When you browse the aisles of your local pharmacy or grocery store, you’ll likely come across daily cranberry supplements. There are a few things to look out for when choosing a cranberry supplement for UTI prevention.
What to Look for In Products with Cranberry
CHEWABLE SUPPLEMENTS
CARAMEL COLOR
NO SUPPORTING INGREDIENTS
First of all, steer clear of chewable cranberry supplements. Most of these contain added sugar, typically in the form of dextrose which is derived from GMO corn (unless the label has the NonGMO Project Verified logo). Chewable supplements also typically contain artificial flavors.
Additionally, you want to look out for unnecessary added ingredients, such as caramel color. Caramel color is a potential carcinogen and does nothing but change the color of the pill or tablet. It has no place in a UTI prevention supplement, and unfortunately, it’s hiding in many widely available brands!
Finally, research has shown that cranberry alone may not be powerful enough to treat UTIs. While it does lend a hand with prevention, we want to look for a supplement that has additional ingredients that will boost the effectiveness.
If cranberry or cranberry extract is the only ingredient found in the supplement, you may not be getting the benefits you need to fully prevent UTIs as well as other common feminine issues like yeast infections and BV. Look for ingredient blends that contain Cranberry, D-mannose, Oregano Leaf, Caprylic Acid, Aloe Vera, and perhaps most importantly, a strong dosage of probiotics. Finding a single supplement with all of these active ingredients combined is a tough task, but don’t worry, we have you covered.
Praise for Balance Complex
I noticed an improvement
By Anonymous Amazon Customer on September 30, 2019
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I’ve had candida and bv issues off and on since late 2016 due to being over-prescribed antibiotics. I noticed an improvement within 2 weeks.*
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I finally feel really fresh and confident
By Anonymous Amazon Customer on August 12, 2019
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I finally feel really fresh and confident all this time, no more signs of BV or candida that most of women having but it is not “proper” to talk about. Will be definitely ordering more!*
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This product is everything it claims to be
By Anonymous Amazon Customer on July 2, 2019
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This product is everything it claims to be, from my experience. Candida symptoms were gone in a couple of days. Great combination of ingredients!*
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How Is the Cranberry in Balance Complex Different?
Balance Complex contains a unique Cranberry Feminine Blend consisting of Cranberry Fruit (10:1 extract) and Cranberry. This 300mg dosage supports your vaginal health by protecting and nourishing your urinary tract and urinary tract lining.
In addition to the proprietary Feminine Blend, Balance Complex contains 100 billion CFU/g of Lactobacillus acidophilus, a powerful probiotic that supports vaginal health. In a 2007 study, L. acidophilus rebalanced the vaginal pH levels of nearly every woman analyzed. Most brands contain less than half of this probiotic strength.
Balance Complex also boasts 250mg of Oregano Leaf, 400mg of Caprylic Acid, 50mg of Aloe Vera Leaf, and so much more.
One study published in Mol Cell Biochem found that oregano extract completely inhibits the growth of C. Albicans or Candida albicans. Candida is the type of yeast that can cause yeast infections. Several studies have linked Caprylic acid to urinary tract infection (UTI) prevention and Candida prevention. It has the ability to support the good bacteria in your body while also balancing your pH levels. This helps fight off and prevent bacterial vaginosis (BV).
Aloe Vera has been linked to yeast infection prevention, and it can also prevent the growth of unhealthy bacteria linked to urinary tract infections (UTIs). If you’ve been looking for a single supplement containing ingredients that have been scientifically linked to treating and preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs), yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis (BV), vaginal itching, and Candida-related vaginal odor, Balance Complex is the answer.
We believe so strongly in the power of Balance Complex and its Cranberry Feminine Blend that we’re extending an offer for 30% off your first bottle. Even better? It’s exclusive to Amazon. Get it in 2 days with free shipping and 100% free returns if you’re not happy with your purchase or don’t see results.
By Andrea on March 2, 2019
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If you have bacterial vaginosis, candida or other infections, this is an excellent probiotic supplement that helps kill the bad bacteria in your body while promoting the good bacteria you need to maintain balance. *
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