cranberries VS PACs
Researchers have widely acknowledged that cranberry extracts contain Proanthocyanidins (PACs), which play a crucial role in combating E. Coli bacteria, a major contributor to urinary tract infections (UTIs) and cystitis.
Many women still grapple with UTIs or cystitis and often resort to antibiotics, both necessary and unnecessary. Various research studies on cranberries have shown that specific components in cranberries contribute to maintaining the health of the urinary tract system, enhancing its functionality.
urinary tract infections
Urinary tract infections are a common issue, particularly among women,
as statistics from the National Institutes of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases reveal. UTIs rank as the second most common infection in the human body, with approximately 8,100,000 people seeking medical attention each year. Women are at a higher risk due to the shorter length of their urethra, making it easier for bacteria to access the bladder.
Prevention is crucial since antibiotic treatment may not offer a long-term solution, and bacteria can develop resistance over time.
Handle to the resistance of bacteria
Cranberries, unlike antibiotics, don’t kill bacteria directly but alter their structure, preventing adherence to tissues and reducing the risk of bacterial resistance.
The use of cranberries in the urinary system dates back to the 1700s, with the true mechanism remaining a mystery until the early 1980s. Research revealed that cranberries inhibit E. coli bacteria from adhering to urinary tract cells. Clinical trials confirmed this effect, and subsequent research focused on the antioxidant properties of cranberries, particularly PACs. These compounds attach to bacteria, preventing them from adhering to the urinary tract’s surface.
Recent studies, including one reported in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, suggest that drinking 8 ounces of cranberry juice daily could reduce UTIs by over 40% in women prone to frequent infections, offering an antibiotic-free prevention method.
Measuring the quantity of Proanthocyanidins (PACs)
While research emphasizes the effectiveness of cranberries coming from PACs, it’s essential for consumers to have confidence in the quality of cranberry products. Therefore, it’s advisable for the levels of PACs to be specified on the label, allowing consumers to make informed decisions.
In 2010, the BL-DMAC (Brunswick Labs-DMAC) method was developed and permitted manufacturers to assess PACs in cranberry extracts.
urinary tract infections : not only for women
If we talk about gender equality! Yes, urinary tract infections are indeed associated with “women’s health,” and women are approximately four times more likely to endure the discomfort of such symptoms compared to men. However, men also have the potential to experience urinary tract infections.
As men enter their 40s, the prostate gland undergoes enlargement, leading to various urinary symptoms such as increased frequency of urination and delayed initiation of urination. These factors increase the likelihood of urinary tract infections in men as well.