According to Dr. Shalabh Agrawal, Director of Urology & Andrology at CK Birla Hospital (Gurugram, India), urinary tract infections (UTI) are one of the most common infections, especially in women. The disease occurs when bacteria, mainly Escherichia coli (E. coli), invade and develop in the urinary tract, causing symptoms such as itchy urine, frequent urination, pain in the lower abdomen and cloudy urine. In cases of repeated recurrence, patients often seek supportive measures other than antibiotic treatment.
Dr. Agrawal said that the main benefits of blueberries come from the compounds proanthocyanidin. These compounds are not capable of killing bacteria but help inhibit the ability of bacteria, especially E. coli, to stick to the urinary tract lining. When bacteria cannot stick tightly, the risk of developing and causing infection will be reduced, thereby supporting the prevention of recurrent urinary tract infections.
However, cranberry juice does not have the effect of treating urinary tract infections that are occurring. When symptoms have appeared, using antibiotics as prescribed by a doctor is still a necessary treatment method. Just drinking cranberry juice instead of medical treatment may slow down the treatment process and increase the risk of complications.
Another noteworthy issue is the quality of cranberry juice products on the market. Most juices, even those advertised as unsweetened, still contain significant amounts of sugar or are diluted with other fruit juices. Consuming too much sugar can reduce the potential benefits of cranberry, and is not beneficial for people with diabetes or people who are frequently infected with urinary tract infections.
According to experts, cranberry extract supplements may be a more suitable choice than juices. These products are often standardized for active ingredient content, do not contain sugar and do not provide excess calories. For people with a history of recurrent urinary tract infections, using cranberry supplements under the advice of medical staff can help reduce the risk of recurrence.
Dr. Agrawa affirmed that blueberries cannot replace medical treatment but can play a role in supporting the prevention of urinary tract infections if selected and used properly.
(The article is for reference only, not for professional advice. Always consult a doctor or medical expert if you have questions).
