Can Cranberry’s Bioactive Ingredient Prevent UTIs?
The urgent battle against recurrent UTIs and antibiotic resistance requires a fresh look at cranberries for UTI prevention.
Recurrent urinary tract infections ( UTIs) have a large impact on patients’ quality of life. They account for some 10 million office visits a year and up to 60% of all antibiotic prescriptions.A frustrating “revolving door” of appointments often includes a treat-and-repeat cycle of antibiotics. Perimenopausal women suffer the most from recurrent UTIs, and these troublesome infections can lead to more serious medical problems.
Antibiotic Overuse
At least 30% of outpatient antibiotic prescriptions in the United States are not needed, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Global health agencies have asked healthcare providers to curb antibiotic use in light of the widespread concerns over side effects and antibiotic resistance. Resistance occurs when the bacteria is stronger than the antibiotics. Drug-resistant rates for the most common UTI-associated bacteria E coli, for example, are rising at an alarming rate.
