Berry good cure - goodnews - urinary tract infections - Brief Article

A study published in the March 2003 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition indicates that diet may play a role in urinary tract infections (UTIs), an illness that affects more than half of women at some point during their lives.

Women who consumed fresh juices, especially from berries, were less likely to have had a recent UTI, concludes the research. And cranberry and cranberry-lingonberry juices seem to be particularly effective in preventing UTI recurrence.

UTIs are caused by bacteria, and dietary changes can affect the bacterial flora involved. Most berries are rich in flavonols, such as epicatechin. Plants produce flavonols in response to microbial infection, which suggests that these substances may play a role in defending the body against microbes.

Although apples, cherries and plums are rich in epicatechin, the flavonol content of berries is significantly higher. This may explain why berries are associated with a reduced risk of UTI recurrence.

But how do flavonols counteract UTIs? One possibility is that they make it difficult for bacteria to attach to cells, and, consequently, bacteria slide out of the bladder without causing infection.

Vitamins, minerals and herbal supplements did not have any effect on UTI risk, nor did total daily drinking volume. However, low UTI recurrence was also found with frequent consumption of fermented milk products such as yogurt. Because milk itself did not provide this protection, researchers suggested that the probiotics--or good bacteria--found in yogurt may be the protective factor.

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