Bacterial cystitis is a condition that is usually quite common, although, unfortunately, women are usually more likely to do so due to the anatomical situation of the vagina. This infection requires medical treatment (mainly antibiotics) in order to recover correctly. Even so, people always try to resort to more natural means in order to avoid side effects. Among these means we find cranberry pills. Are they really useful? In this article we give you the answer to that.
These cranberry pills (including the consumption of the fruit itself) have been used for a long time to treat and prevent the appearance of cystitis and other urinary tract infections thanks to the high concentration of nutrients called flavonoids, within which are anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins.
Do Cranberry Pills Help Against Cystitis? Experts View.
Although due to the little evidence for the use of these pills, the Ministry of Health itself , in 2019, stopped considering it a health product.(1)
When we read the scientific literature we see that there is very little evidence that cranberry pills and cranberry juices are really effective in treating urinary tract infections. Despite this, it has been seen that it can reduce the appearance in elderly people who have infections quite frequently.(2)
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Blueberries and derivatives contain, in addition to flavonoids, other organic substances such as quinic acid, malic acid and citric acid, which have been given preventive properties for infections.
First of all, no mechanism of action has been established by which these pills, the fruits themselves or cranberry juice help prevent and treat cystitis. Until recently, it was suggested that the concentrated quinic acid in pills had an antibacterial effect.
Despite this, when we review the scientific literature , no study concludes anything similar, so the consumption of these pills as an antibacterial effect is ruled out.(3)
The current theory says that these pills help prevent bacteria (especially E. coli) from adhering to and covering the wall of the bladder and, therefore, there cannot be adhesion and cause infection.
More other Research on Cranberry Pills Help Against Cystitis.
There have been in vitro studies that have shown that some components have this non-stick effect, but it has not yet been demonstrated in humans.
There are very few trials that have given positive results and, furthermore, of dubious quality, while those that have been best carried out have always concluded that there were no differences when they were given a placebo and when they were given cranberry pills.(4)
Therefore and to end the topic, what we suggest to avoid this type of infections is:
- A healthy diet based on plant sources such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, etc. What has been seen is that a diet low in plant sources and high in processed foods can reduce the ability of our immune system to protect us against external threats, which would cause a greater risk of infections.(5)
- Maintain good perianal hygiene , especially in women since the distance between the vagina and the anus is very small and if there is not good hygiene, it is normal for the bacteria near the anus to reach the vagina and cause strong infections.
Bottom Line.
While cranberry pills are often touted as a natural remedy for cystitis, the evidence supporting their effectiveness is mixed. Some studies suggest that cranberry pills may help prevent urinary tract infections, including cystitis, but more research is needed to definitively determine their efficacy. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment for cystitis, and to consider other proven methods of prevention and treatment in addition to cranberry pills.
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- PRODUCTS WHICH INTENDED MAIN ACTION IS BASED ON THE PROANTHOCYANIDINS (PAC) OF CRANBERRY; hhttps://www.aemps.gob.es/informa/notasinformativas/productossanitarios/controlMercado/2018/ni-ps_23-2018-arandano-rojo/a>
- A systematic review of the evidence for cranberries and blueberries in UTI prevention; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17492798/
- References of studies excluded from this review; https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD001322/references/es
- Cranberries and Urinary Tract Infections: How Can the Same Evidence Lead to Conflicting Advice?1,2,3; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4863270/
- Ultra-processed diet, systemic oxidative stress, and breach of immunologic tolerance; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34399404/#:~:text=The%20nutritional%20profile%20of%20an,signaling%20pathways%20of%20immune%20cells.
