Cran Relief

Vegetarian Times, Jan, 1999

What woman among us hasn't practically OD'ed on cranberry juice trying to stave off or treat a urinary tract infection (UTI)? But how many of us understand how a simple juice can prevent the painful and frequent urination and lower back pain suffered by 7 million women annually?

Researchers at New Jersey's Rutgers University may have solved the puzzle. "We know that cranberries have a beneficial effect on urinary tract health," says Amy B. Howell, Ph.D., lead researcher. "The study is the first to identify what's actually responsible for the effect."

Contrary to popular belief, it's not the fruit's acidity that's doing the healing. That comes from compounds called concentrated tannins, which are found in the fruit. The tannis prevent germs from binding to the urinary tract, and allow the bacteria to be flushed out by normal urination, explains Howell. Although the study didn't measure the amount of tannins necessary to prevent UTIs, herbalist Varro Tyler, Ph.D., recommends drinking 3 fluid ounces of diluted cranberry concentrate daily for prevention and up to 32 fluid ounces daily for treatment. Diluted concentrate is best. Dried cranberry is also available in capsules and is at least as effective. (Follow label dosage directions.) Here's to your (urinary) health.