Cranberry juice Now researchers at the Worcester Polytechnic Institute have discovered the 'magical power' within the red fruit’s juice. Most urinary tract infections are caused by strains of E.coli, the same bacteria that causes problems when ingested via badly prepared foods.
These bacteria have tiny hair-like parts that hook into the cells lining the urinary tract. Cranberry juice cannot kill these bacteria but it does cause the hair-like parts of the bacteria to shrivel up, which means they’re not able to latch into the lining so easily.
The effects of the cranberry juice increased as more was applied to the E.coli – the bacteria then had such difficulty latching on that they would be flushed out with urination.
Cystitis is one common type of urinary tract infection. If you feel pain when you urinate and feel as though you need to go, even if you’ve just been, you may have cystitis. Drinking cranberry juice may help, but if symptoms persist see your GP.
First published July 21, 2010