Cranberry

DEFINITION

Cranberry is a type of fruit that comes from the plant species Vaccinium.

DESCRIPTION

Cranberries grow on small, evergreen shrubs whose flowers vary from pink to purple and bloom between May and August. The berries are harvested and crushed to form a juice. The juice of the Cranberry contains organic acids, carbohydrates, vitamin C, vitamin A and phosphorus.

Cranberry is a sweet-tasting berry that is used for making jams, preserves and juices.

Cranberries were traditionally used to treat a wide range of medical complaints but are now used primarily for urinary tract infection.

INTERACTIONS

Herbal supplements can alter the effects of certain drugs, including prescription medications. Always tell your Doctor about any prescription medications, non-prescription medications, herbs or other dietary supplements you are taking.
-Cranberry juice may increase the absorption of proton pump inhibitor drugs (medications for stomach ulcer) by making the stomach more acidic.
-Due to its acidity, Cranberry juice may decrease the effectiveness of antacid medications.

MEDICAL USE

Always consult your Health Care Professional to advise you on dosages and any possible medical interactions.

CYSTITIS

Cranberry juice has been used for some time in the treatment and prevention of urinary tract infection. It was once thought that these health benefits were derived solely from Cranberry juice's ability to make the urine more acidic, thus killing bacteria in the urinary tract. But Cranberry juice actually prevents bacteria from clinging to the walls of the urinary tract, thus decreasing the bacteria's ability to cause infection. Cranberry juice also acts as a urinary 'deodorant' by increasing the acidity of the urine. This acidity decreases the activity of bacteria 'deodorant' by increasing the acidity of the urine. This acidity decreases the activity of bacteria that break down chemicals in the urine to cause a pungent odour, which can be problem for incontinent patients with urinary tract infections.

ANTIOXIDANT

A single dose (500ml) of Cranberry juice increases the antioxidant capacity of the plasma (the fluid component of the blood). Antioxidants are able to neutralise chemicals called 'free radicals', which can damage cells and tissues in the body and contribute to the ageing process.

ABSORPTION OF VITAMIN B12

Clinical studies indicate that by drinking Cranberry juice with vitamin B12-containing foods, the absorption of this vitamin may be enhanced. This may be of particular benefit to vegetarians and those taking medication to reduce stomach acidity.

PROPERTIES

Anticoaggregant, (prevents bacteria from adhering to each other and to the walls of the urinary tract), urine deodoriser, antioxidant.

DOSAGE

Cranberry is available as a juice or as a supplement, usually in tablet form combined with a non-acidic type of vitamin C. A tablet is suitable for people with blood sugar problems who may not tolerate the sweetness of some commercial Cranberry juices. The recommended daily dose of Cranberry juice for preventing urinary tract infections is 90ml of a juice that is at least 33% Cranberry juice; the recommended daily dose for treating urinary tract infections is up to 960 ml of the same concentration. Concentrated Cranberry (i.e. capsules or tablets) are recommended in a dosage of up to 800mg per day, which is equivalent to about 10 to 20 grams of fresh Cranberries.

NOTES

-Consumption of large amounts of Cranberry juice can cause diarrhoea and other gastrointestinal problems.
-Therapeutic use of Cranberry during pregnancy and lactation (breastfeeding) is not recommended, although a normal dietary intake of Cranberry juice has no known adverse effects.
-People with kidney stones should avoid concentrated Cranberry supplements because they have been found to promote kidney stone formation due to the presence of a substance called oxalate.

DISCLAIMER: The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended to replace medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, nurse or naturopath before following any medical regimen to see whether it is safe and effective for you.