Science is finally catching up with what HysterCity has been telling our members for over 6 years. Cranberry can prevent and treat Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs). UTIs are a common problem post hysterectomy. The cause is not known but some researchers believe it is caused by the use of catheters during surgery. Approximately 50% of all women who have a hysterectomy will develop a UTI.

UTIs are cause by the microorganisms that are usually found in the digestive tract moving to the urethra. The most common bacteria is Escherichia co,I, better known as E. coli, which is normally found in the colon. Once the bacteria moves to the urethra it then begins to multiply which is the beginning of the nasty symptoms associated with UTIs. Symptoms can range from the frequent need to urinate, burning during and after urinating, passing only a small amount of urine despite feeling as if the bladder is full, flu-like symptoms and cloudy looking urine. If the infection reaches the kidneys you may experience back pain, nausea, vomiting and a fever.

About 2 months before I had my hysterectomy, six years ago, I was in my favorite herbal shop looking for herbs to take pre and post surgery so I would have the smoothest recovery possible. The woman who ran the shop mentioned cranberry capsules for post surgery UTIs. After doing a little research I found that there were several studies in progress dealing with UTIs and cranberry. We have mentioned this on our mailing list and now we have sound medical research to back up our claims. In February 2003 the National Institute of Health released a report stating "The accumulating evidence from small, non-controlled and controlled clinical trials suggests that cranberry may relieve symptoms associated with UTI and may reduce the need for antibiotics."

Herbalists and alternative medicine practitioners have used cranberry, for the treatment and prevention of reoccurring UTIs, for many years. Many of our members have reported taking Cranberry for two weeks prior to surgery through 4 weeks post surgery and having no UTIs. This is pretty amazing considering the number of women who will get a UTI after surgery. When my father was getting ready to have prostate surgery I sent him a bottle of cranberry capsules to take before and after his surgery. He did not get a UTI which is also common after prostate surgery.

There is a little controversy on what kind of Cranberry to take. We personally do not recommend Cranberry juice because of the level of fructose used in processing to give it a sweet taste. Studies show that fructose or sugar can actually aggravate a UTI. That is why physicians recommend cutting out soda, other high sugar drinks when you have a UTI. We have found that there are juices out there that are straight Cranberry but they are so tart most people will not drink the amount needed to effectively treat the UTI. For these reasons we recommend Cranberry capsules. They can be taken a few times a day with water. To get the best results take the full dose recommended on the bottle and follow that with 8 ounces of water. Drinking water will also help your body to flush out the bacteria.

Good Health to you Always
Tessa Pier
Medical Information Coordinator
HysterCity

Should you have any questions on this or any of my articles please write to me at Tessa@hystercity.com