Traditional Food becomes Modern Medicine

Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) is a unique vine fruit from North America, which was traditionally used by Native American Indians as a food, fabric dye and as a medicine for the treatment of bladder and kidney diseases. Whalers and mariners took Cranberry on sea voyages, as these berries prevent scurvy. More recently, Cranberry Supplements has been used in the management and treatment of urinary tract infections (UTI’s) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with Prostatitis and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). There is also evidence suggesting that Cranberry may help in the prevention and treatment of Helicobacter pylori infections in the digestive system.

How does Cranberry Supplements work?

Cranberry contains powerful active components called proanthocyanidins, which prevent bacteria such as E. coli from attaching and multiplying in the lining of the urinary tract wall and bladder. So while Cranberry does not possess specific antibacterial properties, it works by reducing the number of bacteria that can survive and flourish in the urinary tract and bladder. This gives Cranberry the unique ability to reduce the risk of recurrent UTI’s and it may be useful in the treatment of UTI’s. Cranberries are a rich source of the antioxidant vitamin C. Vitamin C, as an antioxidant, helps protect against free radical damage and oxidative stress and helps to maintain a healthy immune system.

Why should you use Cranberry Supplements?

Problems associated with the urinary tract, bladder, kidneys and prostate respond well to Cranberry Supplements:

• Prevention and treatment of UTI’s with Cranberry has been well documented. UTI’s are far more common in women than men, typically characterised by bacterial infection, inflammation of the urinary tract and burning, stinging pain on urination. Fast symptom relief has been achieved using concentrated Cranberry supplements. Whereas quite often antibiotics are prescribed for chronic UTI’s and bacterial prostatitis, and this may lead to antibiotic overuse and resistance.
• Prostatitis can occur in men of all ages and involves either a non-bacterial or bacterial infection of the prostate gland, causing inflammation and pelvic pain. BPH is a non-cancerous enlarging of the prostate and affects about half of all men over the age of 50. Both prostatitis and BPH are linked to undesirable LUTS. Researchers have found significant improvements in LUTS and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in men with prostatitis and BPH who took Cranberry.
• Cranberry has a deodorising effect that helps mask urinary odours associated with incontinence and reduces uric acid levels in the body, beneficial for gout sufferers.

Mr Vitamins recommends:

One of Mr Vitamins trusted suppliers is Herbs of Gold. Their high strength Cranberry 60 000 is formulated to support urinary tract health.

Recommended Dose:

Adults – Take 1 tablet daily or as directed by your healthcare practitioner. Children (under 12 years) - Only as professionally prescribed. Find out more about Herbs of Gold Cranberry 60 000

Article References about Cranberry:

Cranberry History Cranberry for Prostate Health Braun, L & Cohen, M, 2010, Herbs & Natural Supplements: an evidence-based guide, pp. 710-717, Elsevier, Australia. Bone, K, 2003, A Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs, pp. 352-356, Churchill Livingstone, St Louis, Missouri. Vidlar A. The effectiveness of dried cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon) in men with lower urinary tract symptoms. British Journal of Nutrition. 2010;104:1181-1189.