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Page 26
| tract. Most E. coli strains implicated in UTIs utilize two types of adhering proteins, and for any agent to exert a positive effect, it should be against both types. Cranberry juice does this, and its constituents excreted in the urine also do this. |
| In fact, straight cranberry juice can cause 99 percent inhibition of attachment, and even a 1/100 dilution causes significant reduction. |
| It was found that the successful inhibition of attachment occurred in over 60 percent of E. coli strains isolated from urinary tract infections, although it was less effective on intestinal strains. |
| In one study of seven juices (cranberry, blueberry, grapefruit, quava, mango, orange, and pineapple) only cranberry and blueberry contained this inhibitor.3 Blueberry juice is a suitable alternative to cranberry juice in bladder infections. |
| It must be pointed out that most cranberry juices on the market contain one-third cranberry juice mixed with water and sugar. Since sugar (sucrose) has a detrimental effect on the immune system, and, as mentioned before, can contribute to bacterial attachments on the mucosa, use of sweetened cranberry juice cannot be recommended. Fresh cranberry (sweetened with apple or grape juice) or blueberry juice is preferred. Cranberry extracts are also available commercially in pill form. |
| Herbs |
| After modifying stresses by making lifestyle and diet changes and adding some tonic herbs, you need to decide whether to use a single herb for your cystitis (best for simple, uncomplicated, acute UTIs) or put together a formula (best for frequent or more chronic conditions). |
| If you wish to try a single herb, one of the antimicrobials is best (see page 28). |
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