What Are Urinary Tract Infections?
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common problem among the ageing population, with prevalence reaching between 20–50% in women over 65 years of age. However, they can affect anyone regardless of gender or age.
Contributing factors include the shorter female urethra (as compared with males), reduced oestrogen levels, decreased urinary concentration, incomplete emptying of the bladder, incontinence, catheters, and certain medications. UTIs can also impact men, especially when combined with prostatic hypertrophy, prostatitis, or urethral stricture.
Symptoms of a UTI May Include:
- Dysuria (painful or difficult urination)
- Frequency and urgency of urination
- Nocturia (urination at night)
- Haematuria (blood in the urine)
- Suprapubic (pelvic) discomfort
If left untreated, a urinary tract infection can sometimes spread to the kidneys and may require prompt medical attention.
What Are Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections?
UTIs are caused by bacteria present in the urinary tract, most often E. coli, and are common in both men and women, with up to 50% of adult women estimated to be affected during their lifetime.
Recurrent UTIs are generally defined as experiencing three or more UTIs within a 12-month period, or two or more infections within six months.
What Is Cystitis?
Cystitis is inflammation of the bladder and is often caused by a bacterial infection. It is the most common type of urinary tract infection (UTI), especially in women.
While cystitis affects the bladder, a UTI is a broader term that can refer to an infection occurring anywhere within the urinary tract, including the bladder, urethra, ureters or kidneys.
Tips for Supporting Urinary Tract Health
Even though cystitis can make urination uncomfortable, maintaining adequate fluid intake is important to support normal urinary tract function.
Other practical measures that may support urinary tract health include:
- Going to the toilet as soon as you feel the urge rather than delaying urination.
- Wiping from front to back after using the toilet (for females).
- Avoiding perfumed products around the genital region, such as scented soaps, vaginal douches, deodorants and bubble baths.
- Choosing breathable natural fibres such as cotton or bamboo underwear.
- Washing the genital area before sexual activity and urinating afterwards.
All About Cranberries
Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) is an evergreen shrub that grows in wet habitats throughout the north-eastern and north-central regions of the United States. It is also known as American Cranberry, distinguishing it from related species grown in Europe.
Cranberry is botanically related to bilberry, blueberry, buckberry, cowberry and huckleberry, all of which belong to the Vaccinium genus.
Cranberry has a long history of use for supporting urinary tract health and remains one of the most widely studied natural ingredients in this area.
Historical Uses of Cranberry
Historically, cranberry fruits and leaves were used for a variety of purposes including bladder, stomach and liver complaints, scurvy, wounds and other traditional applications.
During the eighteenth century, researchers began investigating cranberry's potential role in urinary tract health. Early theories focused on cranberry's acidity, however more recent research has explored the role of naturally occurring compounds within the fruit.
Research suggests these compounds may help reduce the ability of certain bacteria, including E. coli, to adhere to the lining of the urinary tract. This is thought to be one of the ways cranberry supports urinary tract health.
Fun Facts
The air pockets inside cranberries allow them to float and bounce. In fact, one traditional method of assessing cranberry quality was observing how well the berries bounced.
Another interesting fact is that cranberries have been a staple ingredient in traditional American Thanksgiving meals since the early 1900s, most commonly in the form of cranberry sauce.
What Does the Research Say?
Research into cranberry and urinary tract health has been ongoing for many years. A 2023 Cochrane review found that cranberry products may help reduce the risk of recurrent urinary tract infections in some groups, particularly women who experience frequent UTIs.
Scientists continue to investigate exactly how cranberry works. It is thought that naturally occurring compounds in cranberry may help reduce bacterial adhesion within the urinary tract, supporting a healthy urinary environment.
While research findings have varied between studies, cranberry remains one of the most extensively researched ingredients for supporting urinary tract and bladder health.
Cranberry for Everyday Urinary Tract Health
Many people choose cranberry supplements as part of their ongoing urinary tract health routine, particularly those who experience recurrent bladder concerns.
Australian NaturalCare Cranberry Ultra contains concentrated cranberry extract to:
- Reduce the occurrence of medically diagnosed cystitis
- Support bladder health
- Maintain urinary tract health
- Support urinary tract health
- Provide antioxidant support
Cautions and Contraindications
- Case reports suggest cranberry may increase the effect of warfarin. Caution is advised in people taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications.
- Cranberries contain naturally occurring oxalates. Individuals with a history of kidney stones should discuss cranberry supplementation with their healthcare professional.
- There is limited evidence regarding the safety of cranberry supplementation during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Always seek professional advice before taking supplements during these life stages.
Disclaimer
Urinary symptoms such as pain, burning, blood in the urine, fever or back pain should always be assessed by a healthcare professional. Cranberry supplements are not a substitute for appropriate medical care when an infection is present.
Always read the label and follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional.
References
Bone, K 2007, The Ultimate Herbal Compendium, Phytotherapy Press, Australia
Braun L, Cohen M. Cranberry. Herbs & natural supplements: an evidence-based guide. [Vol. 2]. 4th ed. Australia: Elsevier; 2015. p.247-55.
Fu Z, Liska D, Talan D, Chung M. (2017). An Updated Meta-Analysis of Cranberry and Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections in Women. FASEB J 2017;31(1 Supplement).
Howell, A. B., Botto, H., Combescure, C., Blanc-Potard, A. B., Gausa, L., Matsumoto, T., Tenke, P., Sotto, A., & Lavigne, J. P. (2010). Dosage effect on uropathogenic Escherichia coli anti-adhesion activity in urine following consumption of cranberry powder standardized for proanthocyanidin content: a multicentric randomized double blind study. BMC infectious diseases, 10, 94.
Ulrey, R. K., Barksdale, S. M., Zhou, W., & van Hoek, M. L. (2014). Cranberry proanthocyanidins have anti-biofilm properties against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. BMC complementary and alternative medicine, 14, 499.
Share
