3 Juices that Prevent Urinary Tract Infections

For whatever reason, I tend to be prone to urinary tract infections-- as do many women in my family. However, this recurrent problem always stays at bay when I make a point of including antioxidant-rich fruit juices in my diet. These natural fruits contain beneficial compounds that protect the body in a variety of ways, providing essential nutrients while also combating infection.

Several fruit juices may help to prevent and treat urinary tract infections, but only three have been the subject of enough scientific research to support their use. Here are my favorite medicinal fruit juices for preventing and treating UTIs.

Cranberry Juice

Perhaps the most famed fruit juice for treating urinary tract infections, cranberry juice has an extensive history of use as a treatment for problems involving the kidneys, bladder, and urethra. Native Americans traditionally used it as a urinary tonic, and it remains a popular home remedy well into the modern era. Today, scientists understand that compounds in cranberry prevent bacteria from adhering to the walls of the urinary organs. Cranberry juice may also help to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia and chronic fatigue, and limited studies support its use as a prevention for cancer. Drink up!

Blueberry Juice

Blueberries contain medicinal antioxidant compounds similar in action to those found in cranberries. Like cranberry juice, blueberry juice inhibits the bacteria that can cling to the urinary tract and cause infection. It's also an extremely rich source of immune-stimulating compounds known as anthocyanins, also found in blackberries and elderberries. Blueberry juice's benefits don't end there.Preliminary evidence suggests that it can prevent and treat ulcers, diarrhea, circulation problems, hemorrhoids, constipation, fever and sore throat. As the most potent antioxidant fruit grown in North America, blueberry is a true superfruit-- and a perfect holistic prevention for urinary tract infections.

Pomegranate Juice

Pomegranate's antioxidant matrix contains many compounds similar to those found in blueberry and cranberry. Anthocyanins, like those in blueberry, and carotenoids, like those found in cranberry, combine to create a delicious superfruit experience that is perfect as a health-boosting juice. Like similar superfruits, pomegranate may help to stimulate immune function and reduce oxidative stress in the body. This can, in turn, help to prevent and treat recurrent urinary tract infections. Pomegranate appears to also prevent several forms of cardiovascular disease, so it might even increase your life expectancy if you drink it on a regular basis. By including these healthy fruits in your diet, you not only strengthen your urinary system, but also help to nourish all the other key organs in your body.