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Cranberries, anyone ?

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Posted 6/30/2011 4:31 PM (GMT 0)
Earlier today my wife was watching some 'doctor' show on the tely when I overheard a discussion about bladder infection. Got my attention alright, since just last week I was transported by ambulance from one hospital to another one, 65 miles away. The reason was a bladder infection causing me to pee a lot of blood, which turned into a clot and then stopped me from peeing. A urologist had advised me to drink a lot of water, which I did but with not peeing and yet a very full bladder, I came oh so close to a bladder rupture. I now have a catheter again until Monday and after a week of an antibiotics (Cipro) I'm now urinating clearer than tap water.

Back to the TV show. According to these "Docs" they highly recommanded cranberies in just about any form, fresh, dried, pils or juice, to reduce the risk of a bladder infection. I'm now chewing dried ones as I'm typing this.

Anyone got any experiences with these

or what might you have done or heard?

.

Posted 6/30/2011 6:57 PM (GMT 0)
Here's a small section from a long article:

There is potential benefit of cranberry juice consumption against bacterial infections in the urinary system. Laboratory research shows that a possible effect may occur from a component of the juice inhibiting bacterial attachment to the bladder and urethra.

Although promising for anti-bacterial activity, long-term consumption of cranberry juice has not been proven to reduce urinary tract infections in whole populations. However, there is preliminary evidence for possible effects against urinary tract infections in women.[31] Similar applications have not been successfully proven in other clinical trials of consuming cranberry juice or tablets by people with spinal cord injury associated with bladder catheterization, neurogenic bladder or infrequent urination, any of which may be associated with increased susceptibility to bacterial infections.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cranberry

But I've heard many times over the years that the suff is good for you.

Posted 6/30/2011 8:28 PM (GMT 0)
People have been using cranberries for bladder and kidney issues for years.
This is the first time I've ever seen it mentioned in writing. My family has been using cranberries ever since I was a kid for these types of issues. I just took it for granted, and every time I had a bladder issue or kidney pain I drank cranberry juice.
JT
Posted 6/30/2011 9:06 PM (GMT 0)
Jerry, as you know, as the result of severe radiation damage to my bladder, my bladder was bypassed in an Urtostomy surgery last September. Since I no longer have the use of my bladder to help protect from UTI, I am extreme risk for dangerous UTI's. I have already had 3 since that operation.

Even though my Uro is not big on supplements or vitamins, he has had me on Cranberry Juice Extract pills since then. Each pill I take is equal to 5 glasses of juice, but saves a lot of calories from the sugar they add to the juice. BTW, I don't like the taste of cranberry juice.

I take 2 pills a day, one in the morning, one in the evening, they are cheap to buy at Walmart and drug stores in generic form.

I have to be real careful not to get any more infections, as they would travel quickly to my kidneys.

David in SC
Posted 7/1/2011 1:51 AM (GMT 0)
I take the daily cranberry extract pill as well, and drink variations of cranberry, pom, and cherry juice in the morning to replace the OJ that I had to give up.

My physical therapist and uro are big on cranberry to hold down the UTIs (I had several with and just after the catheter phase).

My GP likes cherry for the gout.

Pom is just for fun, I guess, although it costs more than fun.

But to "evaluate the effects" - no UTIs since I started the cranberry, gout attacks dropped a quantum level after adding concentrated cherry juice, but even with pom extract I have a 45-day psa doubling time.

Posted 7/1/2011 2:26 AM (GMT 0)
I often drink some cranberry combo juice, I especially like the blueberry or pomegranate mix. I don't know how much it helps, but I doubt it hurts, I would take it intravenously if it would cure my PC.
Posted 7/1/2011 2:38 AM (GMT 0)
My doc told me to drink cranberry juice for my urethral infection back in the 1980s. Like other juices, it can have side effects. Otherwise, I do like the taste, along with cherry and pomegranate. Trader Joes superfruit spread is pretty good.

DJ
Posted 7/1/2011 4:15 AM (GMT 0)
Good thing IO like cranberries
Posted 7/1/2011 1:16 PM (GMT 0)
Much like some of the other posts Cranberry Juice has been a "go to" at the first sign of UTI.  We even grab some at the onset of a cold.  There is always have a bottle or two in the pantry.  As my wife has allergies to grape juice, and additives, such as sugar, we always buy the pure cranberry juice, like that made by Knudson.  It will make your eyes cross when you drink it, but it gets the jobe done.
Posted 7/1/2011 1:31 PM (GMT 0)
Hi 142!  How have you been? 

Yes, the cranberry juice is also good for us gals!  Now, will the cherry juice help arthritis if it helps gout?

Posted 7/1/2011 2:08 PM (GMT 0)
My uro said the extract pills I take are more effective than the juice, as you would have to consume such large amounts of juice to equal the pills. I think I only pay 6-7 dollars for a bottle of 100.
Posted 7/1/2011 8:12 PM (GMT 0)
Aimzee,

I'm hanging in there - watching the PSA creep up.

Can't say if Cherry is good for arthritis, although I am heading off in a few weeks to do a scan, and suspect that will be of great interest very soon (am having a few "may be arthritis" issues, and the docs are ready to test).

Hope all is well for you.

Posted 7/1/2011 9:17 PM (GMT 0)
I am having asparagus, 2 tablespoons + twice a day, blended with the can water. Won't hurt and some studies suggest that it helps. Mom always told me to eat my veggies so.........
Posted 7/2/2011 6:27 PM (GMT 0)
David, am I allowed to tell you that Puritan Pride (vitamins) is having a "Buy 2, get three free" sale, plus they are offereing free shipping this weekend.  I think I might check that out.  I do follow your posts whenever I can and you are in our thoughts and prayers!

142, I am sadden to hear about the PSA creeping up!  Prayers continue for you, too.

I would say having arthritis in the back and knees would be the worse.  I have it in every bone I have ever broken since childhood.  I was really into sports and broke fingers, toes, and even the top of my foot.  Also, at times I get aches above my broken nose.  Been a bit clumsy throughout my life.   I can tolerate the pain by using Alieve.  It is nothing compared to what Ron is going through with his testicle.

Trepidation, I have never heard of the use of asparagus, but you right - it can't hurt!  Moms are almost always right!  I have wondered if we spend too much on vitamins.  Is there a thread which discusses this.  I do remember the hint about Vitamin D somewhere here.

Posted 7/2/2011 6:51 PM (GMT 0)
I take D-3 but am tested a few times a year via OH-25* with PSA blood deal to insure that the limits are within a helpful range.

* also goes by 25-hydroxy

Thanks for reminding me as I have just ordered more pomegranite extract liquid that I mix in water daily.

Post Edited (Trepidation) : 7/2/2011 1:11:06 PM (GMT-6)

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