Blueberries for cystitis

After decades of debate over whether cranberry juice is really effective in preventing and treating urinary tract infections, U.S. scientists have recently submitted an essay that reveals the mechanisms by which this fruit can prevent cystitis. And they have done in the last meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS, its acronym in English) which is being held in Boston (USA).
Apparently, most cases of urinary tract infection and cystitis is caused by 'Escherichia coli', a bacterium found in the intestines. Urine helps remove bacteria from the bladder, but sometimes they grow so fast that some remains in that organ.
The new test, conducted by Terri Anne Camesano, Worcerster Polytechnic Institute (USA) and his team showed that cranberry juice works at the molecular level. 'E. coli 'is capable of adhering to the urinary tract and form thin' biofilms' that make the bacteria thrive in the body. The juice, however, has the "virtue" to prevent bacteria from sticking to urinary tract cells and 'make' the aforementioned 'biofilm'.

Blueberries cure the  cystitis

Thus, it is easier for the bacteria are expelled with the urine and reduce the risk of infection. In fact, the authors found that the protective substances of cranberry juice were able to coat the urinary tract and prevent bacterial adhesion only eight hours after consumption in a group of volunteer women with recurrent cystitis in which the urine was analyzed before and after ingestion of cranberry juice cure the cystitis.

Javier Angulo, head of the department of Urology, Hospital Universitario de Getafe (Madrid), recognizes that "the test data are interesting because they provide a possible mechanism by which cranberry may be beneficial: to reduce and prevent bacterial adherence biofilm formation. It is the first demonstrated in vivo, since it compares the characteristics of bacteria isolated from people who have taken juice with those isolated in people who have not swallowed, thus giving an idea of the effects getting the cranberry. However, these results can not yet be extrapolated to the clinic. "
Camesano scientist admits that "there is a large number of studies have been controlled well designed and carried out with exquisite care, concluding that cranberry juice is really effective in preventing systitis and the urinary tract infections. This has important implications Since the disease has a high incidence and generates high costs. "
According to the Spanish Urological Association, the "urinary tract infections, and more specifically of uncomplicated lower tract (cystitis) are, after breathing, the second largest group of community-acquired infections and are a frequent cause of consultation in primary care .
Despite the new evidence, the principal investigator shows its "reservations to those affected by this type of infection is 'self-treat' and invites them to see a doctor at the slightest suspicion. Urinary tract infections can progress rapidly and if not treated with antibiotics, can cause serious illness, especially in children, the elderly or individuals with chronic health problems. "
The same view shows the doctor Angulo, who insists that "urinary tract infections are a serious problem, but has been treated with great disdain. It is important that women know that the three existing mechanisms that have proven their effectiveness in reducing cystitis are to support the urinary stream (with increased fluid intake), maintaining a pH of acid urine (which is achieved with an orange juice a day or eating a tin of sardines, the preservative that is) and keep oily skin mantle. In other words, excessive use of soap is bad for these women because it eliminates bacteria from the vagina normal genitals and causes the colonization of those who do are bad. "