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Are Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) a common problem?
UTI is a common infection that effects more women than men. National Kidney and Urological Diseases Statistics for the United States of America show that between 1988 and 1994 an estimated 34% of adults 20 years old and up (61 million people) self-reported having at least one UTI. More recent statistics also state that up to 60% of women will suffer a UTI sometime in their life, with one third of them experiencing a recurrence during the following year.
What causes these recurring UTIs?
Infectious bacteria enter the opening of the urethra and begin to multiply, and the infection begins. Unless immediately removed, the bacteria migrate upward, causing a bladder infection. If left untreated, the infectious bacteria can cause damage to the ureters and the kidneys. E. coli is the bacteria responsible for about 80% of UTIs in adults. The high rate of recurrence may be partly due to antibiotic resistant strains of E. coli formed by overuse of antibiotic medications.
How do cranberries help support urinary tract health?
Cranberries contain compounds that have the ability to prevent foreign particles from sticking to the surface tissues of the urinary tract. It was once believed that cranberries’ mechanism of action was limited to acidifying the urine. Recent scientific studies suggest that there’s more to Cranberry than just pH lowering.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine (339:15, 1085-1086, 1998) has shown that certain tannins found in Cranberry juice called proanthocyanidins (OPCs) are actually responsible for inhibiting foreign particles from adhering to the surface of the urinary tract. This causes the foreign particles to be suspended in the urine to be flushed down the drain. NOW’s Cranberry Maximum Strength contains one gram of Cranberry solids per serving, which has been shown to be an effective dose.
Cranberries also contain a natural sugar called d-Mannose, which enhance the actions of cranberries to inhibit the formation of colonies on the urinary tract surfaces. However, though cranberry may help the body to control the spread of colonies, it is unlikely to remove already-existing colonies that may have formed on those surfaces in the urinary tract. Mannose is available from NOW as a separate supplement, too, for those seeking to maximize their intake of this nutrient.
What is the purpose of the Uva ursi and the Grapeseed extracts?
Uva ursi contains a component called 'arbutin’ that releases a substance that may inhibit foreign particles. Grapeseed is high in polyphenols and adds to the OPC content of the cranberries in this formula.
Do these ingredients treat infections?
No! While certain nutrients or herbs may reduce colony adhesion of bacteria related to urinary tract infections or inhibit the growth cycles of undesirable organisms, they are not antibiotics and will not remove existing colonies of bacteria that may have colonized the urinary tract. If you have a persistent urinary tract infection, please consult a physician for proper treatment and inform him/her of what supplements you are taking.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
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