Cranberries - in urinary tract disease prevention and treatment

Better Nutrition, June, 2001 by Kathi Keville

Spoiling the urinary tract

Infection, inflammation, kidney stones, and painful spasms that squeeze (constrict) the urethra and make it difficult to urinate are all hard on the urinary tract, so most supplements include herbs that soothe the irritated lining. Marshmallow, golden rod, cramp bark, meadowsweet, fennel, rose hips and lemon counter irritation. Marshmallow is a favorite since it also fights infection by building up the immune system. The Polynesians have traditionally treated bladder inflammation and infection with kava, which also relaxes pelvic muscles. As early as the mid-1800s, it was imported to Europe for urinary tract problems and it is now a top selling herbs to reduce muscle spasms. Cramp bark and kava are especially effective to reduce painful cramping.

Keeping on "tract"

Who knew that such a mild-mannered berry could produce such powerful benefits? Drinking a glass or two of cranberry juice every day is an easy and tasty way to encourage urinary health.

june resources

Atmani, F; Khan SR. "Effects of an extract from Herniaria hirsuta on calcium oxalate crystallization in vitro," British Journal of Urology International 2000; 85(6):621-5.

Avorn, L, et al. "Reduction of bacteriuria and pyuria after ingestion of cranberry juice," JAMA 1994; 271:751-4.

Chung, JG. "Effects of garlic components diallyl sulfide and diallyl disulfide on arylamine N-acetyltransferase activity in human bladder tumor cells," Drug Chemical Toxicology 1999; 22(2):343-58.

Foo, LY, et al. "A-Type proanthocyanidin trimers from cranberry that inhibit adherence of uropathogenic P-fimbriated Escherichia coli," Journal of Natural Products 2000; 63(9):1225-8.

Lamm DL & DR Riggs. "Potential application of Allium sativum (garlic) for treatment of bladder cancer," Urological Clin. of North America 2000; 27(1):157-62.

Reid, G, et al. "Cranberry juice consumption may reduce biofilms on uroepithelial cells." Spinal Cord 2001; 39(1):26-30.