Cranberry supplements are formulated to alleviate various health problems. People take them to prevent urinary tract infections and stomach ulcers, lower lipid values, and even prevent cancer. The most advanced research shows that they prevent the onset of urinary tract infections. However, choosing these and other supplements can be difficult. There are different brands, methods of use and dosage. Therefore, you need to make sure you get the ones that suit your health needs.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Choose the Cranberry Supplement
Step 1. Choose a reputable source to purchase your supplements from
There are many shops where you can find supplements containing vitamins, minerals and plant-based extracts (you can even buy them on the Internet). However, since (like other supplements) these are food products intended to supplement the normal diet in pre-dosed forms, you must be careful where you buy them.
- Avoid buying them online. You will probably not know the company that produces or supplies them, nor will you have the possibility to choose them physically and check all the information on the packaging. Many websites can provide misleading information, so it is preferable to buy them in-store.
- You can choose them in pharmacies and herbalists, but also in an organic food store that has shelves dedicated to herbal products. You can also ask your pharmacist if a particular supplement is suitable for your health condition and does not interact with the medicines you are taking.
- Look for safe products. By effect of article 10 of the legislative decree 21 May 2004 n. 169, the Ministry of Health publishes and periodically updates a list of food supplements, once the notification procedure by the company concerned has been favorably concluded. The list is available on the website of the Ministry of Health.
Step 2. Read the label
Whether it is a drug or a supplement, it is essential to consult the information on the packaging or in the package insert. You will find the ingredients, doses and methods of use written.
- Take a look at the ingredients first. Is it really a blueberry supplement or does it contain other ingredients?
- Look for a supplement made with juice, not cranberry peel. This way, it will contain a greater amount of antioxidants (known as proanthocyanidins), which are necessary to prevent the growth of bacteria.
- The recommended daily dose varies according to the purpose of intake. Make sure you buy a cranberry supplement with a dosage that's right for your needs.
- Review the dosage and instructions for use. You will likely need to take one or more tablets to reach the recommended dose. Also, check if you need to take them on an empty or a full stomach.
Step 3. Take supplements in tablet form
Cranberry supplements are usually sold in tablet form in drugstores and health food stores.
- Many health experts recommend tablets because they don't contain more sugar and calories than cranberry juice or powdered supplements. Therefore, they are preferable if you need to pay attention to calorie or glycemic intake.
- Be sure to read the package insert to understand if a particular supplement contains cranberry peel extract or juice.
- A 1g tablet of concentrated cranberry juice can help prevent urinary tract infections, while 240mg can help reduce lipid values and prevent helicobacter pylori.
Step 4. Mix the blueberry powder into the drinks
In addition to tablets, cranberry supplements are produced in the form of a powder. You can easily add it to drinks and then lightly flavor them.
- The powder offers the same benefits as tablets. It can be even more useful as, when mixed with drinks, it encourages you to increase your fluid intake.
- Again, make sure the supplement is made from the juice extract, not the peel.
- In some cases, powdered supplements may contain added sugars. Read on the packaging to make sure the product you have chosen is suitable for your diet.
Step 5. Drink cranberry juice
While it's not necessarily a supplement (such as sold in tablet or powder form), it can be used as a viable alternative. Typically, it brings benefits similar to those of supplements.
- To prevent urinary tract infections, drink about 90-170ml of pure cranberry juice or 290ml of cranberry juice blend and other beverages every day. If you want to prevent other health problems, such as helicobacter pylori, or lower cholesterol, about 60ml of cranberry juice per day is enough, but a larger amount, such as 170ml, is also acceptable.
- Watch out for cranberry juices. 100% cranberry juice is quite tart, so many food companies add sweeteners (such as sucrose) to increase the sugar and calorie content. So, opt for 100% pure juice or dietary cranberry juices that contain low calorie sweeteners instead of sucrose.
- The juice is also cheaper and easier to find than cranberry supplements.
Step 6. Avoid supplements made overseas
When shopping for a cranberry supplement, you will most likely notice that there are several brands on the market. In addition to checking the dosage and ingredients, you also need to pinpoint where it is actually produced.
- According to some studies, supplements produced overseas may contain ingredients that are toxic or harmful to health. Countries outside the European Union do not have the same laws and regulations provided for within the adhering members and, therefore, you risk ingesting something prohibited in Italy.
- Look for the words "Country of origin" or "Made in". This way, you will know exactly where the supplement you intend to take comes from. It is best avoided if it is imported from China or Mexico. However, if it is made in Canada, the United States or an EU country it may be indicated.
Part 2 of 3: Take Cranberry Supplements Properly
Step 1. See your doctor
Whenever you are planning to take a dietary supplement, do not hesitate to consult your doctor first. You must inform yourself about what you are taking and make sure that it has no contraindications for your health condition.
- Ask him if you are safe by adding a cranberry supplement to your diet. You should take it with you so that you can control the doses, the mode of intake and the other ingredients present in the composition.
- Let him know why you intend to take him. For example, if you want to prevent a urinary tract infection, they may offer you more advice on this.
- Make sure you remind him of the other medications you are taking or your health condition. Cranberry juice and supplements can interact with some medications.
Step 2. Determine the benefits that cranberry can give you
There is a lot of research done on supplements containing cranberry juice applied to various health problems. The dosage and the type of supplement c may vary according to the benefit you would like to see.
- Supplements and juice are frequently used to prevent or treat urinary tract infections. There is valid evidence to support the prevention of this type of condition, while there is little evidence to support the "treatment" based on supplements.
- Usually, cranberry supplements are taken to lower lipid values or cholesterol. However, there is very limited evidence to support this belief.
- You can also consider using supplements to prevent stomach ulcers from helicobacter pylori, but keep in mind that there is not much evidence to support their effectiveness in these cases.
- Additionally, there is little evidence to support the use of cranberry supplements for the following issues: diabetes management, oral health care, prevention of metabolic syndrome, and prostate health.
Step 3. Follow the instructions regarding recommended daily allowances
Each type of supplement contains its indications for use. It is important to read the package insert carefully and understand the quantities to be taken.
- You will find information about doses on the package leaflet in the bottle or box. If it is a capsule or a tablet, it may say "1 tablet per day" or "2 capsules per day".
- Make sure you take the recommended amounts to prevent a urinary tract infection, reduce the risk of getting an infection caused by helicobacter pylori, or lower cholesterol levels.
- Do not increase the recommended daily dose. If it is higher, it does not necessarily mean that it increases the benefits. It can also cause further side effects or interfere with the medications you are taking.
Step 4. Watch out for side effects
Virtually all supplements cause unwanted side effects. Therefore, you may experience nausea or a mild headache. Often, they can also interact with medications and produce side effects. So, check for any alterations while taking.
- Most healthcare professionals believe that cranberry supplements have no contraindications in healthy adults. Additionally, many studies have shown few side effects associated with supplements.
- Due to the presence of oxalates, there is a close connection between high doses of supplements or cranberry juice and the increased risk of developing kidney stones.
- When consumed in large quantities, cranberry juice, especially 100% pure, occasionally causes diarrhea and stomach upset.
- If you notice any of these symptoms, stop taking the supplements and consult your doctor.
Step 5. Do not take the supplements if you have a urinary tract infection or other infection
Although cranberry supplements help prevent urinary tract infections, they should not be taken to treat existing ones. Don't take them if you suspect you have it.
- Cranberry supplements acidify the urine and, as a result, prevent infections in the urinary tract. However, recent research shows that the substances contained in the juice prevent bacteria from adhering to the cell surface and causing an infection.
- There is no research or evidence to support that cranberry supplements help treat a urinary tract infection. So, if you've already been diagnosed, avoid taking them.
- If you think you have a urinary tract infection, see your doctor right away and get a urinalysis. If it is positive, the only treatment is an antibiotic cure.
Part 3 of 3: Taking Care of Urinary System Health
Step 1. Increase your fluid consumption
Taking cranberry supplements can help prevent urinary tract infections, but also encourage other eating habits, including having an adequate fluid intake. So, be sure to drink constantly throughout the day if you are sensitive to a urinary tract infection.
- Most healthcare professionals recommend drinking at least 2 liters of clear, moisturizing fluids every day. However, if you are sensitive to urinary tract infections, you can consider increasing your daily consumption (2.5-3 l).
- The more water you drink, the more diluted your urine will be. Also, by emptying your bladder more frequently, you can get rid of bacteria in your urinary tract.
- Do not drink sugary or sweetened drinks. Limit yourself to clear, calorie-free ones, such as still water, sparkling water, flavored water, decaffeinated coffee, and decaffeinated tea.
Step 2. Include cranberries in your diet
In addition to taking cranberry supplements or drinking the juice extracted from these fruits, you can get the same benefits by eating them directly. Try incorporating them into your diet as an additional source of antioxidants for the well being of your health.
- You can buy them fresh, frozen or dried. Whichever way you take them, they will retain their healthful properties and all the antioxidants and vitamins needed to prevent urinary tract infections.
- If you opt for dried cranberries, buy ones that don't contain added sugar. You can add them to yogurt, oatmeal or salads, or mix them into a homemade dried fruit salad.
- Fresh and frozen blueberries can be eaten indifferently. You can eat them raw, even if they are quite sour. Use them in cooking and add them to your desserts or use them to make a sauce.
Step 3. Consider taking probiotics
Other substances that allow you to prevent urinary tract infections are probiotics. These "good bacteria" have been shown not only to help alleviate stomach problems, but can also be healthy for the urinary tract.
- Health professionals note that bacteria in the urinary tract (eg, urethra) are typically "good" bacteria. However, these areas can also contain "bad" bacteria, which cause urinary tract infections.
- By increasing the amount of healthy or good bacteria, you can prevent an overgrowth of the bacteria that cause infections.
- You can take probiotics in supplement form or eat yogurt and kefir, as these are foods rich in probiotics.
Step 4. Take precautions to prevent urinary tract infections
In addition to nutrition and supplements, there are great habits that help prevent these kinds of problems. Don't neglect your personal hygiene if you don't want to have recurring urinary tract infections.
- Take care of intimate hygiene. Faecal material can easily contaminate the urethra, which is quite close to the intestine. Women must take care to clean the private parts always proceeding from the front to the back. Furthermore, it is possible to avoid contamination of the stool by preventing the occurrence of constipation or diarrhea episodes.
- Do not use potentially irritating feminine hygiene products. Women should also avoid using harmful or irritating products, such as spray deodorants, douches, detergents, or harsh powders. They can easily irritate the urethra and cause urinary tract infections.
Advice
- While there is evidence to support cranberry supplements being useful in preventing urinary tract infections, they have no therapeutic efficacy if they are already overt.
- Try to prevent a urinary tract infection early on.
- If you suspect a urinary tract infection, see your doctor right away.
