Cranberry

October 3, 2020

Overview

Cranberry is a type of evergreen shrub that grows in bogs or wetlands. Cranberry is native to northeastern and northcentral parts of the United States. The shrub has small, dark green leaves, pink flowers, and dark red fruit that are egg-shaped.

Cranberry is most commonly used for the prevention and treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Cranberry is also used for kidney stones, enlarged prostate, common cold, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

In foods, cranberry fruit is used in cranberry juice, cranberry juice cocktail, jelly, and sauce.

Classification

Is a Form of:

Shrub

Primary Functions:

Urinary tract infections

Also Known As:

Agrio, Airelle à Gros Fruits, Airelle Canneberge, Airelle Européenne

How Does It Work?

People used to think that cranberry worked for urinary tract infections by making the urine acidic and, therefore, unlikely to support the growth of bacteria. But researchers don't believe this explanation any more. They now think that some of the chemicals in cranberries keep bacteria from sticking to the cells that line the urinary tract where they can multiply. Cranberry, however, does not seem to have the ability to release bacteria which are already stuck to these cells. This may explain why cranberry is possibly effective in preventing urinary tract infections, but possibly ineffective in treating them.

Cranberry, as well as many other fruits and vegetables, contains significant amounts of salicylic acid, which is an important ingredient in aspirin. Drinking cranberry juice regularly increases the amount of salicylic acid in the body. Salicylic acid can reduce swelling, prevent blood clots, and can have antitumor effects.

Uses

Infections of the kidney, bladder, or urethra (urinary tract infections or UTIs).Some research shows that taking certain cranberry capsules or tablets can help prevent UTIs in people who have had UTIs in the past. However, research is unclear whether drinking cranberry juice helps prevent repeat UTIs. Taking certain cranberry products or drinking cranberry juice might prevent UTIs in older people living in nursing homes, in pregnant women, and in children who have had UTIs in the past. But cranberry does not appear to help prevent UTIs in other people who have conditions that make them a high risk for UTIs. This includes people undergoing surgery or radiation near the bladder or urinary tract, as well as people with a bladder condition (neurogenic bladder) caused by an injury to the spinal cord. While cranberry may help prevent UTIs for some people, it should not be used for treating UTIs.

Recommended Dosing

The following doses have been studied in scientific research:

ADULTS

BY MOUTH:

For preventing infections of the kidney, bladder, or urethra (urinary tract infections or UTIs): Capsules or tablets containing 120-800 mg of dried cranberry taken once or twice daily have been used. Drinking cranberry juice 120-300 mL 1-3 times daily has also been used.

CHILDREN

BY MOUTH:

For preventing infections of the kidney, bladder, or urethra (urinary tract infections or UTIs): 50 mL of a cranberry and lingonberry concentrate taken daily for 6 months has been used. Also, 5 mL/kg of cranberry juice taken daily for 6 months has been used. A standardized cranberry extract (Anthocran) 120 mg taken daily for 60 days has been used in children 12-18 years of age.

Cranberry Supplements Frequently Asked Questions

What does AZO Cranberry pills do for you?

Uses. Cranberry has been used for reducing the risk of "bladder infections" (urinary tract infections). It has also been used for decreasing the smell of urine in people who are unable to control urination (incontinent). This product should not be used alone to treat bladder infections.

What is the best cranberry supplement?

Best Cranberry Extract

Non GMO CranberryConcentrate Supplement Pills.
D-Mannose 1,300 mg with Cranberry
CranberryWhole Fruit Concentrate Softgels.
AZO CranberryUrinary Tract Health Dietary Supplement.
Nature's Bounty Cranberry Pillsand Vitamin C Herbal Health Supplement.

Is cranberry pills good for your skin?

Cranberries help to give you a glowing and supple skin as it is rich in antioxidants. It helps to fight free radicals that are responsible for dull, dry and saggy skin.

Do cranberry pills make you pee?

Cranberry is also believed to act as a diuretic ("water pill"). Cranberry (as juice or in capsules) has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid in preventing symptoms such as pain or burning with urination. Cranberry is often sold as an herbal supplement.

Is it OK to take cranberry pills everyday?

Cranberry pills may be an effective way to prevent recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs). Several studies have found that taking cranberry pills containing 36 mg of proanthocyanidins every day for two months can significantly reduce the frequency of UTIs, especially in women

What are the side effects of taking cranberry pills?

Common side effects of Cranberry include:

Stomachor abdominal upset.
Kidney stones at high doses.
Increased risk of cancer oxalate uroliths in predisposed patients.

Can you take vitamin C and cranberry pills together?

Interactions between your drugs

No interactions were found between cranberry and Vitamin C. This does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.

Which is better cranberry juice or cranberry pills?

Cranberry Capsules More Effective Than Juice for UTIs. A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of the urinary system, kidneys, bladder or urethra. With that said, the active ingredient in cranberry (A-type proanthocyanidins or PACs) can block the adhesion of bacteria to the wall of the bladder.

Is cranberry pills good for your kidneys?

Cranberries. Eating cranberries can also protect your kidneys. Cranberries prevent the development and growth of ulcers and bacteria in your urinary tract, and can help manage current bacteria/ulcers because they make urine more acidic and help keep bacteria from attaching to the inside of the bladder.

How long does it take for cranberry pills to work?

Although not all women taking the cranberry supplement avoided urinary tract infections (15 out of 80 compared with 30 out of 80), the researchers found a later onset in most cases for those who were using it—18 days as opposed to 8.5 days after surgery.

Is Cranberry good for hair growth?

This superfood food is a powerhouse of nutrients and is a rich of vitamins and proteins, which are not only good for health but at the same time can be great for your hair. Take a cup of mayonnaise and mix it with some cranberry juice, apply this for some time and rinse off with cold water.

Do cranberry pills interact with any medications?

Drug interactions with cranberry juice have also been reported. These interactions have primarily occurred with warfarin, and the exact mechanism is unknown. Others have attributed cranberry–warfarin interactions to the presence of salicylic acid in cranberries, which results in an increased bleeding risk.

How fast does AZO Cranberry work?

AZO Urinary Pain Relief reaches the bladder within one hour as indicated by a change in urine color and may stay in your system for up to 24 hours

Do cranberry pills cure UTI?

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. And they don't treat UTIs that you already have.

What does cranberry juice do sexually?

(Because bloated sex is rarely the best sex.) Now we're exploring foods that are beneficial for your vagina because we want you—and Lady V—happy and healthy. Cranberry juice. Loaded with acid compounds that fight off bad bacteria, cranberry juice can help you prevent and relieve urinary tract infections.

Can cranberry pills cause urine to turn red?

Azo-Cranberry side effects

continued pain or burning when you urinate; vomiting, severe stomach pain; or. signs of a kidney stone--painful or difficult urination, pink or red urine, nausea, vomiting, and waves of sharp pain in your side or back spreading to your lower stomach and groin.

Does cranberry pills make you lose weight?

Raw and fresh cranberries are naturally low in calories and can be included in weight loss diet. Dried cranberries too can be included in weight loss diet, as far as you eat the organic ones without any adulteration. "But do always remember, cranberries alone can never make you lose weight," stresses Nmami.

Are Cranberries a good source of vitamin C?

Cranberries are a rich source of several vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin C. Vitamin C. Also known as ascorbic acid, vitamin C is one of the predominant antioxidants in cranberries.

Can cranberry pills help with yeast infection?

Cranberry juice may help cure yeast infections. Cranberry may also help relieve postnasal drip. Cranberry juice may also help prevent kidney stones. It does this by reducing the amount of calcium in your urine and decreasing the pH of the urine.

How many AZO Cranberry pills can I take a day?

HOW LONG CAN I TAKE AZO URINARY PAIN RELIEF? The recommended dosage is two (2) tablets three times a day. Do not use for more than 2 days (12 tablets) without consulting a healthcare professional.

Can you overdose on Cranberry?

When taken by mouth: Cranberry juice and cranberry extracts are LIKELY SAFE for most adults. Drinking too much cranberry juice may cause some side effects such as mild stomach upset and diarrhea in some people.