Elderly Care in Lancaster City, PA – Benefits of Cranberries
The studies showing cranberry juice helps prevent bacteria from starting a urinary tract infection have already been established for a few years now. It’s still new to some people though. Since taking cranberry extract or drinking lots of cranberry juice is such a benefit to urinary health, it’s good for everyone to know about it.
Cranberries fight infections
There are active ingredients in cranberry juice that aren’t destroyed in your digestive system when you drink the juice. Once inside the body they target bacteria, including E. coli. The evidence has been supported by the American Chemical Society in Boston as well as well as other trustworthy sources.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are more common in females than males. There isn’t always pain or other symptom at the beginning, so an elderly loved one can have a UTI for quite some time before it becomes so serious it causes other problems, or becomes debilitating.
When to see your doctor
Physicians warn people not to self-medicate if you suspect a UTI, you should go and get tested. A simple urine test can give a definite result as to whether an infection exists. Antibiotics will be prescribed and should be taken as instructed.
Cranberries are beneficial for keeping bacteria at bay. In other words, if your loved one is prone to UTIs, put them on a regular cranberry regimen to avoid infections from developing as quickly or as easily.
Cranberries can be taken in multiple forms. You can consume the berries, although they are almost too sour to eat plain. Cranberry juice is a popular drink and is quite pleasant and tasty. You can also buy cranberry extract in supplement form (as a pill or a capsule) and it’s quite easy to take if swallowed with juice or water.
Using cranberry-containing foods and products
Cranberries can be purchased year-round in most places. They are found in juice concentrates, ready to drink juice blends, processed into sauce, berries fresh or frozen, and in fruit bars. All these forms are good as long as you be careful of the sugar intake. Some cranberry products are over-board on the amounts of sugar that have been added.
History of cranberry use
Native Americans valued cranberries and used them for medicinal purposes. They were used for stomach ailments, blood disorders, and fever or liver problems. German doctors in the 1880s did studies on the effect cranberries had on urine. Throughout history results have been published on antibacterial agents excreted through the urine after cranberries were eaten. The benefits of cranberries for urinary health has been known for a very long time.
An elder care provider can help your elderly loved one eat a healthy diet each week, including cranberries and other foods to ensure good health.
If you or an aging loved one are considering elder care services in the Lancaster City PA area, contact the caring staff at Extended Family Care of Lancaster. Call today and we will answer all of your questions about elder care services in the home. Call (717)205-2174
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