Does Tart Cherry Juice Help Prevent or Treat Urinary Tract Infections?

What is a UTI?

A UTI, or urinary tract infection, is an infection of any part of the urinary system. The urinary system includes the urethra, bladder, ureters, and kidneys. The most common type of UTI is a bladder infection, also known as cystitis.

UTIs occur when bacteria, usually E. coli from the gastrointestinal tract, gets into the urethra and travels up to the bladder. The infection causes uncomfortable symptoms like:

• Burning sensation when urinating
• Needing to urinate frequently
• Pelvic pain or pressure
• Cloudy, bloody, or foul-smelling urine
• Low grade fever and chills

While both men and women can get UTIs, they are much more common in women due to their shorter urethras. Sexual activity, using diaphragms or spermicides, and changes in vaginal bacteria after menopause increase UTI risk in women.

Complications of UTIs

Most uncomplicated lower UTIs can be treated effectively with antibiotics. However, without treatment they can spread to the kidneys and cause more severe infections. Complications include:

• Pyelonephritis - kidney infection that causes fever, back pain, nausea.
• Sepsis - a life-threatening complication if infection spreads to bloodstream.
• Permanent kidney damage from recurring UTIs.

Seeking prompt medical treatment for a suspected UTI is important, especially if you are at higher risk for complications like pregnant women, diabetics, elderly, or those with weaker immune systems.

Can Tart Cherry Juice Help Prevent or Treat UTIs?

Tart cherry juice has gained attention as a potential beneficial drink for treating and preventing UTIs. Tart cherries contain certain compounds that may help fight bacteria and reduce inflammation.

Active Compounds in Tart Cherries

Tart cherries are rich in polyphenols, carotenoids, and anthocyanins that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. In particular, tart cherries contain:

• Anthocyanins - plant pigments that reduce inflammation and oxidative damage.
• Quercetin - a flavonoid that may inhibit growth of E. coli.
• Melatonin - a hormone that provides antioxidant effects.

Research on these compounds indicates they have antimicrobial effects against various bacteria as well as the ability to prevent bacteria from attaching to the bladder lining.

Studies on Tart Cherries and UTIs

While there are no human clinical trials yet, some emerging research on tart cherries for UTIs includes:

• A 2019 study found tart cherry juice reduced E. coli growth in vitro and improved survival in infected mice.
• Another 2019 study showed tart cherry extracts inhibited bacterial growth of common UTI pathogens like E. coli and Proteus mirabilis.
• An animal study revealed tart cherry juice reduced bladder inflammation in rats with UTIs.

Overall the research is promising, but more clinical trials are still needed specifically looking at tart cherry juice for UTI treatment and prevention in humans.

Other Potential UTI Home Remedies

In addition to tart cherry juice, some other natural remedies may help prevent recurrent UTIs. However, always talk to your doctor before trying these options.

Probiotics

Taking oral probiotic supplements may help restore healthy bacterial balance in the urinary tract and vagina. Probiotics reduce E.coli levels and adhesion in the urinary tract.

D-Mannose

This is a natural sugar that may prevent bacteria from attaching to the bladder walls. Talk to your doctor before trying D-Mannose.

Cranberry Products

Cranberries contain proanthocyanidins that may prevent bacteria from adhering and cause them to flush out in urine. Cranberry juice or tablets may help.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant and helps boost immunity against infections. Supplements may help fight bacteria.

Garlic

Garlic has antimicrobial properties and may block adhesion of bacteria. It can be eaten raw or taken as a supplement.

Discuss trying any new supplements with your doctor to make sure they are safe for you and will not interact with any medications you take.

Other Ways to Help Prevent UTIs

While tart cherry juice may offer some benefits, it should not replace standard UTI prevention strategies like:

• Practice good hygiene - wipe front to back, urinate before and after sex, avoid douches and irritating products.
• Stay hydrated - drink plenty of fluids like water to flush out bacteria.
• Urinate when needed - don't hold it in, completely empty bladder each time.
• Consider low-dose antibiotics - your doctor may recommend taking them as UTI prevention if you are prone to chronic UTIs.
• Avoid spermicides - they can alter vaginal bacteria balance.
• Wear breathable cotton underwear - avoids trapping moisture that bacteria thrive on.
• Take showers instead of baths - avoids exposing the bladder to bacteria.

Making lifestyle modifications can often help prevent recurrent UTIs without needing to rely solely on cranberry juice or antibiotics.

Is Tart Cherry Juice Safe?

For most healthy individuals, drinking 8-12 ounces of tart cherry juice daily should be safe. However, potential side effects can include:

• Abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, bloating - due to the sorbitol in cherries.
• Interactions with certain medications - talk to your doctor.
• Allergic reactions - discontinue use if any symptoms develop.
• Sleep disturbances - cherries contain melatonin that may disrupt sleep cycles.

Avoid drinking tart cherry juice if you have diabetes, since it is high in natural sugars. Tart cherry juice also has higher oxalate levels, so people with kidney stones or gout should use caution.

Introduce tart cherry juice slowly and monitor your response. Discontinue use if you experience negative side effects.

The Bottom Line

So does tart cherry juice help with UTIs? The compounds in tart cherries may offer some protective benefits based on preliminary research. However, human clinical trials are still lacking to confirm effectiveness and optimal dosage for UTI prevention and treatment.

Tart cherry juice is likely most beneficial when combined with other UTI prevention methods like probiotics, hydration, hygiene practices. But always check with your doctor first before using tart cherry juice or other supplements to treat a UTI.

While promising, tart cherry juice should not replace conventional UTI treatment. Seek medical care if you experience any symptoms of a UTI like burning urination, pelvic pain, or fever so proper diagnosis and management can be instituted.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.