Cranberry Extract Proanthocyanidins for Urinary Tract Infections

You can stop the pain, smell, blood and doctor visits with the cranberry extract proanthocyanidins I’m going to tell you about.

About 5 out of 10 women will have a urinary tract infection, and many of them will have repeat infections. [7] You don’t have to be one of them!

Only about one in ten men actually get a urinary tract infection (UTI).

Article written by Dr. Helcio Ferreira. Comments (in green) by Richard Quick.

Benefits of Cranberry Extract Proanthocyanidins for Urinary Tract Infections

Cranberry (obtained from the Vaccinium macrocarpon plant) is known for its antibacterial and beneficial properties in maintaining urinary tract health thanks to its proanthocyanidin (PAC) content.

Proanthocyanidins (PAC) are a group of polyphenolic compounds present in most plants, especially in some fruits, such as cranberry.

A-type proanthocyanidins (PAC) have an anti-adhesive activity that prevents the adhesion of Escherichia coli bacteria to the urinary tract.

This anti-adhesive efficacy has been proven by a multitude of scientific studies. Those studies demonstrate the usefulness and effectiveness of cranberry extracts for the prevention of cystitis.  [1]

Painful Urination: What Does It Mean? How To Identify It?

Pain or burning when urinating can be a symptom of urinary infection or cystitis. Other main symptoms of urinary pain are cloudy or bloody urine, pressure or cramps in the lower abdomen, and the need to urinate frequently.

To assess urinary pain conditions, health professionals opt for a urine test or urine culture.

Urine tests are performed to evaluate the presence of white blood cells, red cells, and bacteria. Also, certain chemical elements, such as nitrites, should also be evaluated.

In contrast, urine cultures are oriented to the identification of bacteria in the urine.

If you suffer from cystitis or urinary infection, your doctor may recommend treatment with pharmaceutical preparations. The treatment is based on cranberries, which are rich in proanthocyanidins (PAC). The goal is to prevent the bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli) from adhering to the bladder. [2]

Causes of Urinary Tract Infections and Cystitis

The bacterium Escherichia coli (E. coli) is the main cause of cystitis (bladder infection). It may be due to various factors, such as the following:

  • Sexual intercourse
  • Fluid exchange during sex
  • Lack of vaginal lubrication
  • Keep underwear wet for a long time
  • Humidity and cold in the genital region
  • They can cause urinary infections.
  • Alteration of vaginal flora
  • Low insertion of the urethral meatus (where the urine exits)
  • Chronic constipation
  • Urinary retention
  • Misuse of antibiotics
  • Lack of hygiene and hydration
  • Use of tampons
  • Dress in tight clothes

Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infections and Cystitis

It is necessary that you can recognize the symptoms of cystitis to be adequately treated. The main symptoms are:

  • Pressure in the lower part of the pelvis due to inflammation of the bladder

Urinary infections can cause pain, pressure, or discomfort in the lower area of ​​the pelvis, below the navel and between the hips.

This is due to inflammation of the bladder caused by bacteria that adhere to its walls.

Occasionally, this symptom can be confused with those that appear with the menstrual cycle. So, women should pay attention to the presence of other signs to know their origin.

  • Pain or stinging when urinating (dysuria and stranguria)

It is known as dysuria and can appear both at the beginning of urination and at the end. Which makes it difficult to urinate due to the burning sensation.

Stranguria is painful urination with low volume. It occurs as a result of urethral irritation due to inflammation caused by the bacterium Escherichia coli (E. coli). This is the most common symptom of urinary infection.

  • Frequent urination

This symptom is characterized by frequent urination, but in less than average volume. If it appears at night, it is called nocturia.

It can also be accompanied by bladder tenesmus, which is the feeling of urination urgently.

The inflammation of the bladder caused by cystitis causes the patient to have a frequent need to urinate. However, it is not relieved once urination ends.

On the other hand, irritation of the urethra can also cause bladder contraction, which increases the need for frequent urination.

  • Escherichia coli bacteria in the bladder

Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria in the bladder are responsible for urinary tract infections.

The fact that cloudy or bloody urine appears when urinating is indicative of the presence of microorganisms or bacteria in the bladder.

Usually, in urinary infections, it is accompanied by pain.

As water intake increases, the color will become more transparent, indicating that the bacteria are disappearing.

  • Pain during sex

Bladder inflammation can cause discomfort at the time during sex. Sex can, in turn, increase the symptoms of cystitis and make it difficult to eliminate the causative bacteria.

On the other hand, both pain and stinging when urinating, as well as frequent urination, can reduce sexual appetite.

  • Vaginal itching during cystitis

Bladder irritation can cause redness and vaginal itching, also related to stinging or painful urination.

  • Fever episodes in urine infections

As in any bacterial infection, fever may appear, although, in the case of cystitis, it is usually low. If the fever is high with chills, you should immediately consult your doctor, because of the possibility of the infection progressing. [2]

What is Escherichia coli (E. coli)?

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a bacterium present in the intestines and feces. This bacterium inhabits the human intestinal bacterial flora, and helps the absorption of specific vitamins. [3]

Why can Escherichia coli Bacteria Cause Urinary Tract Infections?

Some of the strains of Escherichia coli (E. coli) can act as an opportunistic pathogen and cause infections. The most common diseases are urinary tract and gastroenteritis.

The Contagion of Escherichia coli (E. coli): How Does It Reach The Urinary Tract and The Bladder?

Escherichia coli (E. coli) can contaminate the urinary tract due to poor hygiene after defecation.

Proper intimate hygiene is essential to prevent this type of infection.

As the rectum is closer to the urethra in women, it is necessary to clean “from the urethra to the rectum. Never the other way around,” to avoid contaminating that area.

Why Does Escherichia coli (E. coli) Cause A Urinary Tract Infection?

When Escherichia coli (E. coli) reaches the urethra, it can rise to the bladder. Once there, this bacterium adheres to the walls of this organ and begins to parasitize it; this causes inflammation of the bladder generating inflammation and pain.

Escherichia coli (E. coli) has a grip and adaptation mechanism that makes it difficult to expel it through the urine.

Which is why you need cranberry supplements with proanthocyanidins in order to get rid of the E. coli bacteria.

Also, it can generate recurrent cystitis. That is, at least three episodes of cystitis a year, or two episodes of cystitis in the last 6 months.

Recurrences will depend on the inflammatory state of the urinary tract after a sporadic urinary infection. It is also dependent on the innate immunity of each person.

You should also consider bacterial resistance due to antibiotic abuse as a cause of infection.

Treatment of Urinary Tract Infections By Escherichia coli (E. coli)

Antibiotics are the right treatment to eliminate bacteria and cure a urinary disease caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli)

Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared that excessive use of antibiotics is one of the main causes of bacterial resistance.

The use of antibiotics may increase the risk of cystitis due to the infection of Escherichia coli. For this reason, alternatives should be considered that naturally help prevent the adhesion of the bacteria to the urinary tract. Such as using a cranberry extract. [4]

How To Get Rid of Escherichia coli From Urine?

The cranberry extract, thanks to the proanthocyanidins (PAC), which are condensed tannins, prevents the adhesion of Escherichia coli (E. coli) to the bladder walls. It thus facilitates their expulsion with urine.

Proanthocyanidin concentrates on helping decrease bacterial adhesion by preventing urinary tract infections.

What Is The Effectiveness Of Cranberry Proanthocyanidin Extract To Cure Cystitis?

Cranberry Proanthocyanidins (PAC) is a group of polysaccharides that help minimize the activity of the Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria in the bladder.

This bacterium, is typical of the digestive and colonizing apparatus of the urinary and female reproductive tract. Due to fecal contamination. Which is why it is responsible for 70% of cases of urinary tract infection.

Within the bladder, Escherichia coli (E. coli) clusters together with other bacteria. Thus, forming sets of bacteria that are difficult to eliminate during urination.

Cranberry extract, rich in proanthocyanidins (PAC), inhibits the constitution of these groups of bacteria. Thus, preventing the bacterial flagellar H antigen from attaching to the bladder walls. Thereby facilitating their expulsion through the bladder during bladder contraction. [4]

Cranberry Proanthocyanidins (PAC) Prevent Bladder Adhesion Of Cystitis-Causing Bacteria

Most women a likely to suffer a urinary infection or cystitis during the year.

The intake of cranberry extract, or pharmaceutical preparations based on this red fruit, can prevent this.

However, the level of protection against urinary infections, such as cystitis, varies from person to person. Depending on the level of proanthocyanidins (CAP) present in the body.

The linear increase in the amount of cranberry extract taken contributes to improving prevention against urinal tract infections or cystitis.

Thus, a higher concentration of milligrams of proanthocyanidins (PAC) in the human body, will increase protection, reducing microbial action.

High Concentrations Of Cranberry Improve Prevention Against Infections Or Cystitis

Performing complete and adequate intimate hygiene is one of the most critical aspects to prevent the occurrence of recurrent episodes of cystitis.

Poor hygienization of the rectum can lead to the transfer of germs from the rectum to the vaginal and bladder areas. Thereby leading to bacterial colonization of the vagina, urethra, and, finally, the bladder.

The administration of a cranberry extract over a period of three months is required. The extract must have a high concentration of proanthocyanidins (PAC) to be effective. Which reduces the recurrence of urinary tract infections. Thereby improving the discomfort caused by the disease. [5]

The reduction in the incidence of recurrent urinary infections was significant (> 90%). Also, there were no observed adverse reactions related to the intake of the cranberry .

Urinary tract infections, according to various investigations, were able to be reduced after the intake of a high concentration of PAC. Which allowed improving the quality of life, health, and comfort of affected patients.

The Cochrane Institute recommends the continued intake of concentrated cranberry extract in cases of urinary tract discomfort.

The consumption of concentrated cranberry extract has no contraindications or side effects described.

So, it is ideal as a prolonged treatment, in those people who have urinary tract discomfort.

Efficacy Of Cranberry To Prevent Bacterial Infection

Cranberry extract (vaccinium macrocarpon) decreases the adhesion of bacteria to uroepithelial cells. That is, according to a study developed by the Department of Microbiological and Gynecological Sciences of the University of Catania (Italy). [6]

The anchoring of E. coli bacteria strains to uroepithelial cells is responsible for 90% of cases of recurrent cystitis in women. It is a pathology treatable by ingesting cranberry extract.

Cranberry fruit helps prevent infection of the urinary tract thanks to the anti-adhesive capacity of proanthocyanidins (PAC).

The investigation, which used twenty-four women between 18 and 65 years as subjects. They were divided into two groups of twelve members.

One group, formed by women with a history of cystitis and, another, composed of women who had not suffered the infection.

They were treated with a cranberry extract in the first group. Whereas a placebo was given to the second group. Members of each group were selected randomly.

The study revealed a significant reduction in bacterial adhesion in women who had been treated with cranberry extract (50.9%). While the subjects who had been given a placebo experienced minimal changes (0.29%).

Sex can multiply the risk of recurrent cystitis, according to a report from the Cystitis Information Center.

That report includes preventive recommendations. Including extreme hygiene in sexual intercourse, hydration and consumption of cranberry.

The report reveals, from a survey of 2,400 people, that almost half of the population links urinary tract infections with sexual practice.

Preventive Measures Against Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) and Cystitis

Symptoms of cystitis such as itching, stinging, or urinary urgency, impair the quality of relationships and may decrease libido.

As a measure to prevent bacterial infections in the urinary tract, it is necessary to have adequate intimate hygiene.

Drink enough water to stay hydrated. Empty the bladder before and after intercourse to eliminate bacteria.

Use lubricants, avoid contraceptive consumption, and consume cranberry extract.

How To Prevent Urinary Tract Infections and Cystitis?

  • Water and other drinks intake (hydration)

Ingest at least one and a half liters of water a day, to eliminate bacteria from the urinary system faster.

Drinking the recommended daily amount prevents the onset of cystitis.

Avoid exciting drinks (alcohol and caffeine) and carbonated drinks.

  • Urinate to prevent bacteria in the bladder

Urinate every two to three hours, since bacterial growth is greater when urine remains in the bladder. Also, urinate especially before and after having sex to decrease the risk of infection.

  • Washing with neutral soaps

Wash with neutral soaps, from the urethra to the rectum, to avoid fecal contamination. Dry in the same direction. 80% of the bacteria that cause urinary infections come from feces.

Vaginal showers are not recommended.

  • Avoid wearing sweaty underwear

Avoid wearing wet clothes from sweat.

  • Clothing

Wear cotton underwear and avoid tight clothes.

  • Excretions

If you suffer from constipation, treat it properly to prevent bacteria from colonizing the tissues near the urinary tract.

  • Daily hygiene

Shower at least twice a day to maintain proper hygiene.

  • Diaphragm and Cystitis

Reconsider the use of the diaphragm, since it presses the urethra and makes it difficult to empty the bladder.

Its use is associated with a higher frequency of infection.

Buffers can also increase the risk of urinary tract infections during the menstrual period.

  • Cranberry extract consumption

Consuming cranberry pills will ensure you get the necessary proanthocyanidins to prevent urinary tract infections.

Cranberry extract pills contain the necessary dose to obtain all the benefits of proanthocyanidins. Thus, allowing to reduce the risk of bacterial infections in the urinary tract

Urinary Tract Infection During Winter

Changes in temperature, seasons, and, in particular, the alternation between cold and heat, is a risk factor for contracting urinary tract infections or cystitis.

Although cold is not a determining factor, it corresponds to a risk factor in the development of repeated urinary infections.

Cold exposure may increase episodes of urine infection during winter.

The arrival of low temperatures associated with winter, changing habits, such as lower fluid intake, and wearing wet clothes, may increase the risk of urinary tract infections.

Cystitis frequently affects women between twenty and sixty years old.

Its most common causes are:

  • Changes in the vaginal flora
  • Temperature changes
  • The misuse of antibiotics.
  • Lack of vaginal lubrication
  • Frequency of sexual intercourse
  • Retention of urine
  • Chronic (constant) constipation

Cystitis is a type of bacterial infection, caused by the action of the bacterium Escherichia coli (E. coli). Which is anchored to the urinary tissues with its fimbriae (cilia), thus preventing them from being expelled with urine.

Preventive Measures Against Urinary Infections and Cystitis During Winter

  • Drink a minimum of 1.5 or 2 liters of liquid (not sugary) per day

Lack of hydration is a risk factor in the development of recurrent urinary infections.

Ingesting at least 1.5 liters of water has an important role in preventing the appearance of cystitis. Several studies have confirmed that dehydration is one of the main triggers that can result in severe kidney problems.

Consume between 1.5 and 2 liters of water (or other liquids, such as infusions. Although you should avoid the intake of sugary sodas and alcoholic beverages. On a daily basis, adequate water consumption keeps the body free of toxins.

  • Urinate frequently and after sex

Go frequently to the bathroom to urinate every 3-4 hours, without retaining urination at any time.

Urinating will help you to “complete bladder emptying”. This means that urinating will help you completely empty your bladder, reducing the risk of bacterial contamination by residual urine.

The presence of urine residues, both in the urinary tract and in the bladder, can lead to the environment necessary for the development of the Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria.

  • Maintain proper hygiene of the genital area; avoid constipation

Performing complete and adequate intimate hygiene is one of the most important aspects in order to prevent the occurrence of recurrent episodes of cystitis,

The defecation must be complete and the cleaning being carried out “from front to back”. Thus, avoiding in this way, the transfer of germs from the rectum and the anus to the woman’s urinary tract.

  • Consume cranberry extract to obtain the necessary proanthocyanidins (PAC)

Performing a preventive treatment with cranberry minimizes the incidence of Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria on the urinary tract.

Cranberry Proanthocyanidins (PAC) prevents the bacterial flagellar H antigen from adhering to the bladder walls. Preventing the formation of clusters of bacteria, which is nearly impossible to eliminate through urine.

Increasing the consumption of red cranberries instead of antibiotics is important.

That is, in addition to being free of side effects and contraindications of the antibiotics.

Both of these actions will increase the protection of the urinary tract against bacteria that cause cystitis.

The linear increase in the amount of cranberry improves prevention against urinary infections or cystitis.

Conclusions On Cranberry Extract Proanthocyanidins and Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections and cystitis affect many women during the year, especially during the winter season due to temperature changes.

Urinary infections can trigger severe infections that can cause kidney problems.

Excessive consumption of antibiotics can increase bacterial resistance, increasing the risk of infections.

The administration of cranberry supplements with proanthocyanidins extract has high effectiveness in reducing urinary tract infections. As stated by numerous investigations.

Standardized cranberry supplements with proanthocyanidins can offer protection against bacteria. Because it prevents bacterial adhesion and deactivates various virulence factors of bacteria.

Proanthocyanidin concentrates (PAC) are a non-antibiotic alternative to prevent urinary tract infections. Doing so naturally and without adverse effects, such as bacterial resistance.

The recommended dose of cranberry for the prevention of urinary infections is based on human trials that have proven its effectiveness.

During these tests it was found that a standardized amount of 300 ml of pure red cranberry juice contains 36 mg of proanthocyanins. Which is enough to reduce the effect of bacterial infection in the bladder.



2. Urinary tract infections: epidemiology, mechanisms of infection and treatment options

3. Pathogenic Escherichia coli.

4. Proanthocyanidins: A comprehensive review

5. Cranberries for preventing urinary tract infections

6. Effect of Canadian cranberry in the prophylaxis of recurrent cystitis

7. What is a bladder infection?

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Cranberry Extract Proanthocyanidins for Urinary Tract Infections
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Cranberry Extract Proanthocyanidins for Urinary Tract Infections
Stop suffering from urinary tract infections by taking these proven cranberry extract proanthocyanidins. It's much easier, and more effective to take this extract than to eat cranberries or drink cranberry juice - here's why...
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