Cranberry juice is well known for its ability to treat UTIs. But is that reputation warranted? Or is the idea that drinking cranberry juice will help prevent or treat urinary track infections just an old wives tale?

The difficult thing about this question is that the science is a bit conflicted on the answer. There are some studies which show a positive correlation between drinking cranberry juice or taking cranberry pills and lower UTI. However, there are also studies which claim no positive correlation.

However, none of the studies suggest that cranberry juice is harmful for you. So, it makes sense to err on the side of caution and use cranberry juice or cranberry pills in an effort to help UTIs.  The important thing is to make sure that you’re choosing the right source of cranberries. Not all juices are helpful and will be of benefit.

What I’ve done here is to outline the major concepts regarding cranberry juice and UTIs. First, I’ve covered why cranberry juice is considered good for preventing and treating UTIs. Second, I’ve gone over the type of cranberry juices that are available and which ones you should avoid.

There is also a section discussing cranberry pills and if these are a good choice for you.

 

Why Does Cranberry Juice Help UTIs?

The first thing to address is the question of why cranberries are thought to be good for UTIs to begin with. The reason is proanthocyanidins. These chemicals are found in foods, mainly fruits. They are responsible for the deep rich red color of cranberries. They are also found in wine and are one of the components that are thought to be responsible for preventing heart disease.

In regards to UTIs, these proanthocyanidins prevent bacteria from attaching itself to the urinary tract. So, by consuming high doses of foods rich in proanthocyanidins, the belief is that you are preventing or at least greatly reducing the chance that bacteria will be able to attach itself and linger in the urinary tract wall.

 

What Type of Cranberry Juice is Best For UTI?

Once you’ve come to the conclusion that you should be drinking cranberry juice, the next step is to decide which type of cranberry juice is best for UTIs. Because, not all cranberry juices are equal.

Basically, you will want to avoid the super sugar “cranberry cocktails” as they are loaded with sugar and light on the cranberry juice. Instead, you will want to focus on the cranberry juices made either with fresh cranberries, or else buy a cranberry concentrate or an undiluted cranberry juice.

 

Option 1- Make Your Own Cranberry Juice

This would be my recommendation for anyone looking to juice cranberries. If you want real cranberry juice, then the answer is to juice real cranberries yourself. It’s simple enough. You can buy bags of cranberries cheaply (a bag of ocean spray cranberry is super affordable). Then you wash them, and juice them. That’s it.

You can cut the cranberry juice with water or seltzer if you want. It’s all up to you and what you find palatable.  I would suggest that if you’re going to juice cranberries, then you should try and buy organic. The price difference is not that much, and you won’t have to worry about pesticides and other harmful chemicals being used.

Cranberries are relatively easy to wash, which is good news. You can soak them in a bowl of warm water and use a natural vegetable soap. Then make sure to rinse them and dry them (you don’t want to get that water into your juice). Then you are ready to juice. You do not have to peel them or pit them, cranberries are set to go.

 

Option 2- Buy a Cranberry Concentrate or Pure Cranberry Juice

The two terms here are often times used interchangeable, but they essential mean the same thing. Basically, you will be getting unsweetened cranberry juice. The cranberry juice that is sold in most supermarkets is filled with sugar, or worse, high fructose corn syrup. Instead, opt for something that is labeled as having just cranberry juice and maybe water.

Some brands you can look at include Lakewood. I do recommend that you steer clear of any brands of cranberry juice that is sold in a plastic container. The probability of plasticides being leached into the cranberry juice is too likely an outcome, so I would suggest that you stick with a glass bottle.

Some of the brands such as Lakewood, sell pure cranberry juice in glass bottles, which would be my choice if you’re going to buy cranberry juice.

 

Do Cranberry Pills Work For UTIs?

Another option to consider are cranberry pills. Many people end up using these pills to treat UTIs because they are concentrated forms of the anti-bacterial ingredient in cranberries. The important thing to look at when buying cranberry pills is to make sure that they are free of any fillers that are unhealthy.

The last thing you want to get is a cranberry pill that has a bunch of unhealthy binders and fillers in it.

Ideally, you should look for a cranberry pill that is made with cranberry powder. Some of the best cranberry pills for UTIs will also come with vitamin C, however, that’s not necessarily essential. It doesn’t hurt though.

 

Final Thoughts On Cranberry Juice and Cranberry Pills for UTIs

Whichever approach you take (either cranberry juice made from fresh cranberries, or cranberry pills) it’s important to consume enough water.
Drinking enough water is key to fighting, treating, and preventing UTIs. So, try for 8 glasses of water a day.

Below are some products that I’ve mentioned throughout the article. I’ve included the Lakewood Cranberry, which comes in a glass container and is my pick for the best cranberry juice for UTIs. Also, I’ve added cranberry pills.

My personal pick would be PURE. PURE is one of the best supplement companies in the entire world. It’s consistently ranked as making the best and purest supplements. Along with Throne, PURE is the brand I recommend most. However, it is pricey, so I understand it if you’re looking for a less expensive options. So I added two brands that are also pretty good and have a ton of great reviews.