Cranberry juice prevents UTI and improves health

PREGNANCY is considered one of the most memorable, joyful and fulfilling experiences a woman can have. However, it also comes as a time when she is susceptible to urinary tract infection (UTI).
The Women's Health Association Taiwan (WHAT), together with Ocean Spray Cranberries (Ocean Spray is an agricultural co-operative of growers of cranberries and grapefruit) recently came up with a questionnaire posed to the public, on "Knowledge and Behaviour of Pregnant Taiwanese Women on Urinary Tract Infection".
The findings divulged that nearly 30% of the 350 women who replied, had urinary tract infections during their pregnancies, with a staggering 40% recurrence rate. The survey also learned that over 40% of pregnant Taiwanese women were prone to irregular micturition and experienced symptoms like "consistent urination" and burning or painful sensation when urinating.
Taipei Medical University professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and WHAT vice-chairman Dr Cheng-Chieh Cheng explained that the pressing of the uterus on the bladder in the early stages of pregnancy and the downward-facing position of the foetus' head in the later stages of pregnancy, are the causes of frequent urination. Aside from this, the incomplete release of urination, the burning sensation during urination and the presence of blood in urine, are all possible symptoms of UTI.
More than 50% of the surveyed women were unaware they were within the high-risk group of contracting UTI. Over 90% had no idea of the impact UTI had on pregnancy and the health of the foetus. About 60% were also oblivious about how to treat UTI with antibiotics during pregnancy and if it would affect the health of the foetus/baby. Additionally, more than 50% were unaware of how to guard against UTI.
Advice from Cheng to pregnant women: to conform to a more balanced and nutritious diet, while decreasing the intake of stimulating foods besides drinking more water, plus not withholding urination and consuming more cranberry juice.
Research shows that the amount of A-type proanthocyanins (PACs) found in cranberries makes it the best fruit to help prevent UTI. Studies indicate that consuming cranberry products containing 72 milligrammes of A-type PAC prevents E. coli from attaching itself to the urinary tract and causing infection. A 300 ml cup of classic original-flavoured cranberry juice, such as Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice Cocktail, can contain as much as 111 milligrammes of A-type PAC. Besides preventing E. coli from sticking to urinary tract walls, cranberry helps reduce UTI recurrence and prevents drug-resistance caused by frequent use of antibiotics.
The effects of consuming cranberry juice are also abiding and long lasting. It is said to prevent the "attaching" of E. coli just two hours after consumption. To maintain a healthy lifestyle and prevent UTI, 300ml of cranberry juice is recommended daily. To get started on improving health, try Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice Cocktail and Dried Craisins which are available at all major supermarkets and hypermarkets in Malaysia.