The cranberry capsules

The use of cranberry in medicine

The cranberry is also called cranberry in German. Cranberries have been used in medicine for several centuries. Since the berry or its plant only occurs in America, this was for a long time limited to the native people there. In recent years the cranberry has enjoyed increasing popularity in the treatment with natural products.

The cranberry is said to have positive effects on urinary tract infections. Even with a high cholesterol level in the blood, this should decrease with regular consumption. In cosmetics, the cranberry is considered a protection against aging of the skin. In addition, the cranberry has an anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, antipyretic and, above all, antioxidant effect due to various ingredients such as vitamin C or flavanoids. The berry can be consumed raw or in a tea, for example. So far, studies have shown neither a benefit nor an ineffectiveness.

The indication

The best known and most common indication for the use of cranberries is urinary tract infection. Due to its different ingredients, the disease progresses better.

Furthermore, problems with the cardiovascular system can be an indication for the consumption of cranberries. Due to its high antioxidant effect, it serves as a protective factor against the progression of diseases that are related to the cardiovascular system. This concerns, for example, calcification or stenosis of vessels such as the coronary vessels of the heart.

Cranberry against urinary tract infections

Cranberries are said to have a positive effect on the healing of urinary tract infections. If this is eaten frequently in acute illness, healing is accelerated.

If the berry is eaten in a healthy state, this is a protective factor against urinary tract infections. The effect is mainly based on the ingredient proanthocyanidin. This inhibits the growth and attachment of harmful bacteria in the urinary tract and thus supports the immune system in its work. Thus the cranberry has an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect.

Find out more about the topic here: The urinary tract infection.

The effect

The effect of cranberries in relation to the effect on urinary tract infections is based on the ingredient of anthocyanidins or their precursors. Anthocyanidins are bitter substances that have an antibacterial effect. This substance is found in high concentrations in cranberries. Even with problems in the gastrointestinal tract, the symptoms can be relieved by using cranberries for the same reason.

The exact mode of action is not known, however. However, it is known how anthocyanidins have a protective effect on the cardiovascular system. They are an effective scavenger for free radicals, which create oxidative stress in the body and damage the blood vessels. By catching free radicals, there is less damage. This process is supported by the high content of vitamin C, also called ascorbic acid. Vitamin C is also a reducing agent. This means that it also catches free radicals, so there is less oxidative stress and the vessels are less damaged.

Read more about the topic here: Vitamin C.

The side effect

In general, thanks to their natural origin, cranberries are healthy and easy to digest, which is why they have few side effects. The side effects are also very rare. Most of these also come from excessive consumption, which is why the short-term waiver alone usually promises an improvement.

The anthocyanidins are bitter substances that some people do not tolerate well and that show symptoms of intolerance. This is for example stomach pain, gas or nausea. With high intake, kidney stones may also develop more frequently. Most of them are harmless. With a spontaneous departure, however, it can lead to severe pain. If you eat more cranberries when you already have kidney stones, this can worsen the condition. The danger here is that the kidney stones will overgrow and block the urine drainage paths.

Cranberries can also slow down blood clotting. In some cases this can have serious consequences such as bleeding in the brain, for example. In particular, people with a coagulation disorder or drugged blood coagulation should discuss this with their doctor before taking cranberries.

The effects of cranberries on the child during pregnancy and breastfeeding have not been clarified, which is why they should not be consumed during this period. Overall, all of the side effects described are rare.

When should cranberries not be given?

In some conditions, the use of cranberry is not advisable and should not be given. If kidney stones are already present, they should be avoided to prevent them from growing further. Even if cranberries or their ingredients such as anthocyanidins are intolerant, their use is not advisable, as this can cause problems.

However, special counter-signs for the administration of cranberries are pregnancy or breastfeeding as well as an already existing coagulation inhibition or a coagulation disorder. This is necessary because the effects of an anticoagulant or a coagulation disorder can be very serious. The effects on the child during pregnancy and breastfeeding are not yet known.

Also read the article: The coagulation disorder.

Other forms of application besides capsules

In addition to capsules, the ingredients of the cranberries can also be absorbed into the body via a number of other forms of application. Eating fresh or dried cranberries is easiest. These can easily be bought in grocery stores. They can also be taken in the form of tablets or powder.

If you pour hot water over dried cranberries, you can enjoy them as tea after a few minutes. Cranberries are also used as juice.

The dosage

The dosage or the daily dose cannot yet be determined in a well-founded manner. There are no generally accepted dosages that have been verified in studies. In addition, the maximum daily dose depends heavily on individual circumstances. This means that heavy people can receive a higher dose than lighter people. The active ingredient is also broken down more quickly in some people than in other people. If in doubt, it is worthwhile to read the instruction leaflet for the respective product carefully or to ask a doctor for advice.

Do high-dose cranberry capsules make sense?

The usefulness of high-dose cranberry capsules must be questioned. This is because, on the one hand, the intestine can only absorb a certain amount of the cranberries or their ingredients at one time. This means that some of the ingredients in the capsules are not absorbed by the body and are excreted without being metabolized. On the other hand, the body can only metabolize a limited amount of the active ingredient at one time. This means that not all of the cranberries that have been removed into the body via the intestines can be used effectively. Maybe a small part of it can be saved for later use.

The price

The price of cranberry products can vary greatly. The price of these products depends, among other things, on how the cranberries were processed or how and in what quantity or dose it is available.

The cheapest products, such as the unprocessed berry itself, can be purchased in smaller quantities from around three euros. The most expensive products are around 40 Eure, but are then available in larger quantities and, for example, in capsules.

Alternatives to cranberry

As an alternative to the cranberries, in contrast to the natural products, conventional medicine with its medicines can be considered. However, some of these are not based on natural active ingredients and can show other mechanisms and side effects.

In case of doubt, each person should decide for themselves which type of therapy is most suitable for them. For example, there are special antibiotics that are suitable for use in bacterial urinary tract infections. Statins also exist. These reduce the proportion of fats in the blood and thus have a protective effect on the cardiovascular system.

There are also various preparations or juices for vitamins and other ingredients.

Can you take cranberry capsules during pregnancy?

There are no studies that prove that cranberry capsules are harmful to mother or child during pregnancy. However, this is suspected from time to time, which is why it is advisable not to take cranberry capsules. If you still want this, you can talk to your doctor about it.

Find out all about the topic here: The pregnancy.