Cranberries are a source of polyphenol antioxidants, phytochemicals under active research for possible benefits to the cardiovascular system, immune system and as anti-cancer agents.[8][9]
Cranberry juice contains a chemical component, a high molecular weight non-dializable material (NDM), as noted above, that is able to inhibit and even reverse the formation of plaque by Streptococcus mutan pathogens that cause tooth decay.[10][11] Cranberry juice components also show efficacy against formation of kidney stones.[12][13]
Raw cranberries and cranberry juice are abundant food sources of the anthocyanidin flavonoids, cyanidin and peonidin,[14] and are also rich in petunidin.[15] These compounds have an unknown effect on human health (see anthocyanidin and peonidin). Although they are powerful against human cancer cells in vitro, their effect when ingested by humans is unproven, showing poor absorption into human cells and rapid elimination from blood.
Nonetheless, since 2002, there has been an increasing focus on the potential role of cranberry polyphenolic constituents in preventing several types of cancer.[16][17][18][19][20]
Cranberry tannins have anti-clotting properties and may reduce urinary tract infections and the amount of dental plaque-causing oral bacteria, thus being a prophylaxis for gingivitis.[21]
[edit] Anti-adhesion properties
There is potential benefit of cranberry juice consumption against bacterial infections in the urinary system. While much of the evidence is equivocal, hypotheses state that an effect occurs from a component of the juice competitively inhibiting bacterial attachment to the bladder and urethra,[22] allowing the bacteria to be flushed out more easily.
Although promising for anti-bacterial activity, long-term consumption of cranberry juice has only limited evidence for beneficial effects against urinary tract infections in women.[23] Similar applications have not been successfully proved in other clinical trials of consuming cranberry juice or tablets by people with spinal cord injury associated with bladder catheterization, neurogenic bladder or infrequent urination, any of which may be associated with increased susceptibility to bacterial infections.[24][25][26]
[edit] Current and completed clinical trials
In April 2004, the French government agency AFSSA, which regulates food products in a way similar to the United States FDA, granted approval of cranberry juice as an antibacterial agent for urinary tract health.[27]
To date, four completed randomized clinical trials have shown evidence for inhibiting bacterial infections in the urinary tract of women by drinking cranberry juice over a 12 month period.[28]
The US National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) also reports three recently completed and four ongoing clinical trials of cranberry juice or capsules (pharmacy).[29] Six of these human studies are examining antibacterial effects in female urinary tract infections. One evaluates effects of cranberry polyphenols on cytochrome P450 enzymes involved in metabolism. To evaluate the drug interaction potential of cranberry, alprazolam, dextromethorphan and caffeine are being examined. As of January 2008, the results of these trials have not been published.
[edit] Possible contraindications
An autumn 2004 caution from the Committee on Safety of Medicines, the UK agency dealing with drug safety, advised patients taking warfarin not to drink cranberry juice after adverse effects (such as increased incidence of bruising) were reported, possibly resulting from the presence of salicylic acid native to polyphenol-rich plants such as the cranberry. However, during 2006-8, several reviews of case reports and pilot studies have failed to confirm this effect, collectively indicating no significant interaction between daily consumption of 250 mL cranberry juice and warfarin.[30][31]
that is what wikipedia says about cranberry juice.
what made me answer is that you mentioned a cbc panel. have you had problems with your kidneys before. i would first do the cbc before resorting to doctoring yourself because if you are having kidney problems because of diabetes the juice would not be helpful. the part of your cbc you should be concerned about as far as kidney problems go are your B.U.N ,creatine and protein lvls. have your doctor explain what those lvls mean. it could also not necessarily be your kidneys there are other organs that could be causing this pain like your intestines....i would definately go see a doctor if the pain persistsIs i true that cranberry juice has cleansing propertines the clean out the kidney's?
Yes, they are great for helping prevent kidney stones, and have plenty of antioxidants.
There seems to be consensus that cranberry juice keeps bugs like E. Coli from clumping up in the urinary tract and sticking to the wall, thus forming obstructions.
However, the juice itself is too dilute to be useful; you'd have to drink gallons of it. It's available OTC at your pharmacy and many food markets in pill form, concentrated so that one or two a day keeps things cleaned out.
It seems to work, from my experience.
Yes it is true
it keeps you from getting an infection, but does not cure it. See a doctor for tests.
Urine is usually slightly acidic and when it gets neutral or slightly alkaline, it is easier for bacteria to grow. Cranberry juice will help keep the urine slighly acidic and resistant to bacteria growth. Sodas on the other hand will turn it neutral and or slightly alkaline and bacteria will grow easily in it.
A CBC includes a white blood cell count which would indicate whether or not you had a bacterial infection.
An ache on the lower left side could indicate ovarian pain or constipation.
yep, that is true. it works pretty well too. that ache might be nothing, but then again it could be a kidney stone. or some kind of infection.
not just your kidneys, it helps get rid of toxins throughout your entire body! It is recommended to drink juices with antioxidents in them...especially in today's polluted world :(
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