The Case of Cranberry Juice vs. UTIs

What’s the first thing that comes to mind if you acquire a urinary tract infection (UTI)? For many it’s to pick up a bottle of cranberry juice—the legendary natural remedy for a bladder infection. Caused by bacteria (most commonly E. coli), UTIs are common and treatable with antibiotics, but have a high recurrence rate. The cranberry plant was used as a folk remedy for bladder and kidney diseases by the Native Americans and the Pilgrims. Despite its long history, what does the research show? While some studies have shown promising results, the research has been conflicting.