Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1.) What is Cranberry?
2.) Any other names besides Cranberry?
3.) What is UTI?
4.) What are the causes for UTI?
5.) How much CranUT could I consume?
6.) What are the side effects?
7.) How is CranUT different from urinary alkalinisers such as Citravescent? Can both products be used simultaneously?
8.) What is the recovery percentage after consuming CranUT
9.) Where can I buy CranUT from?
10.) Can pregnant women take CranUT?
11.) How do you take it?
12.) Where is it from?
1.) What is Cranberry?
The ripe cranberry fruit (Vaccinium Macrocarpon) was used by Native Americans as a natural remedy for bladder and kidney ailments. Early European settlers in America then called the fruit “craneberry” because its stem and flower resembled the head, neck and beak of a crane.
Therapeutic applications of cranberries were then documented during the 17th century including the relief of blood disorders, stomach ailments, liver problems, vomiting, appetite loss, scurvy and cancer. Before the advent of antibiotics, cranberries were a popular treatment for Urinary Tract Infection (UTI).
Today, cranberry has become widely available in supermarkets, restaurants and cafes. Cranberry muffins are now commonplace throughout the world, so too is cranberry juice. However it should be noted that these are both poor sources of cranberry if the goal is to fight UTI. A lot of the natural properties are lost during the baking process in cranberry muffins. As for cranberry juice, most products available in the market are diluted, with a high sugar and water component (plus other additives and preservatives) since 100% pure cranberry juice would be too tart and unpalatable for regular consumption.
2.) Any other names besides Cranberry?
Cranberries are know is in Chinese as 果越橘 (hanyu pinyin: guo yue ju) or 蔓越橘 (hanyu pinyin: man yue ju). Otherwise other languages generally borrow the English word “cranberry”.
3.) What is UTI?
Bladder and urinary tract discomfort is often the result of a urinary tract infection (UTI). These infections can occur along any part of the urinary tract, most often in the bladder or kidney.
Urine passing through the tract consists of fluids, salts and other waste products from the blood and is normally sterile. If bacteria enters the bladder or kidney, it can multiply whilst in the urine and result in a urinary tract infection.
UTI is a very common problem which can affect adults and children although women have been shown to have a predisposition to such infections. Antibiotics are frequently prescribed to help treat the problem as a remedy however there has been recent scientific debate over concerns that abuse of antibiotics might result in increasingly virulent bacteria that are resistance to the current antibiotic medication.
UTI is also a common complaint for pregnant women and senior citizens as a result of natural changes in the body for these people.
UTI is the second most common type of infection in the body. It accounts for about 8.3 million doctor visits each year. Sometimes, the infection can spread to the kidney or the prostate.
Do you know how cranberries work against UTI?
Cranberries contain hippuric acid that helps acidify the urine, making it a potent anti-bacterial agent that also prevents the bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract wall.
Proanthocyanidin, an antioxidant-enzyme, is another component in cranberries that contributes to the fruit’s anti-adhesion powers against E. coli and other bacteria.
The combined anti-adhesion properties of the hippuric acid and the proanthocyanidins in cranberries can help stop UTI by preventing E. coli and other bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract wall. Proanthocyanidins are also known be hard-working antioxidants that help fight free-radical damage and aging in the body.
4.) What are the causes for UTI?
UTI can be the result of a number of different conditions, however exposure to bacteria is common to all of them. These conditions are:
Bacteria from the bowel: Bacteria that live on the skin near the rectum or vagina can spread and enter the urinary tract through the urethra. Once the bacteria enter the urethra, it travels upward and can cause infection. The inherently short length of the urethra in women makes them prone to UTI, however men are not immune from such infections.
Bacteria that naturally reside in the digestive system, such as Escherichia coli, are the cause most urinary tract infections. Other bacteria that can cause urinary tract infections include Staphylococcus saprophyticus, proteus, klebsiella and enterococcus. In recent years, an increasing number of urinary tract infections in both men and women have been linked to two sexually transmitted organisms: Chlamydia trachomatis and mycoplasma.
Waiting too long to urinate: The bladder is a muscle that stretches to hold urine and contracts when the urine is released. Waiting too long after you feel the need to urinate causes the bladder to stretch beyond its capacity. This can weaken the bladder muscle over a period of time. When the bladder is weakened, it may not empty completely, leaving some residual urine in the bladder. If E.coli or other bacteria enter the bladder or kidney any residual urine might provide the perfect environment for them to multiply thus resulting in a UTI.
Not drinking enough fluids: Our bodies need adequate intake of water for good health. Furthermore our urinary tract is dependant on water to flush out waste and toxins. Besides being dehydrated, poor water intake results in less acidic/more sugary urine making it a potential breeding ground for bacteria.
Poor hygiene habits: Women in particular need to be aware that poor “toilet habits” increase the risk of UTI. Fecal matter from the anus might get caught in the vagina and thus start a chain of events leading to a UTI. Another contributing factor is the use of underwear made from synthetic fibers (such as polyester or nylon) which trap heat and encourage the proliferation of UTI-causing bacteria.
5) How much CranUT could I consume?
Take 1 capsule daily to help maintain a healthy bladder and urinary tract and for improved all-round well-being.
A maximum of 2 capsules can be taken daily if experiencing symptoms of urinary tract discomfort or irregularity.
Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Regular daily intake of CranUT is recommended and should be consumed everyday as part of a healthy and well-balanced diet.
6) What are the side effects?
CranUT is 100% natural with no additives, preservatives or flavourings. No known side effects have resulted from regular consumption of CranUT.
7) How is CranUT different from urinary alkalinisers such as Citravescent? Can both products be used simultaneously?
Urinary alkalinisers are commonly used to help reduce the symptoms of dysuria (burning sensation during urination) that are usually associated with UTI. Unlike cranberry, these alkalinisers do not necessarily address the root cause of the infection which is the growth of bacteria along the urinary tract. Using both products simultaneously may be counter-productive and it is advised to seek medical advice before use.
8.) What is the recovery percentage after consuming CranUT?
Consumer feedback and testimonials confirm a high rate of success and reduction of urinary ract discomfort and irregularities within 24-72 hours of regular intake of CranUT.
Did you know?
Cranberry is scientifically recognized as a viable alternative for preventing UTI.(1)
Clinical studies have found that cranberry significantly decreased the number of patients suffering UTI per year.(2)
9) Where can I buy CranUT from?
CranUT is available from Guardian, Watsons, NTUC Unity and selected pharmacies. Call the DKSH consumer hotline on +65 6471 0888 for information on your nearest stockist.
10) Can pregnant women take CranUT?
Yes. CranUT is safe for pregnant women and breast-feeding mothers.
11) How do you take it?
CranUT is best taken once a day, preferably with food. Sufficient daily intake of water is recommended.
12) Where is it from?
CranUT is made from raw ingredients imported from the United States and Australia. CranUT is repacked in the Philippines and shipped worldwide.
References:
(1) – Lynch, D. Cranberry for Prevention of Urinary Tract Infections. American Family Physicians 2004; 70:2175-2177.
(2) – Stothers L. A randomized trial to evaluate effectiveness and cost effectiveness of naturopathic cranberry products as prophylaxis against urinary tract infection in women. Can J Urol. 2002 Jun;9(3):1558-62.
