All posts by Vishnu Dubakula

All, Common Myths, Women's Health

Can Cranberry Juice Stop a UTI?

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Image result for cranberry juice

Photo from Organic Facts

Vandana Dubakula

Around 65% of women will experience a urinary tract infection (UTI) in their lifetime. There are many myths about what will alleviate UTI symptoms or get rid of the UTI all together. At the top of this list is cranberry juice, which many women claim cured their UTI. Clinical studies however,  offer conflicting results on the effectiveness of cranberry juice.

UTI’s are caused by bacteria such as E.coli. They can affect the urinary system including kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. The infection usually starts in the lower urinary tract (urethra and bladder) and causes symptoms such as a burning sensation during urination, frequent urge to urinate, and cloudy or strange-smelling urine. The real danger, however, is with untreated UTIs which can affect the kidneys and lead to kidney damage or–in very severe instances– infections spread through the blood. UTI’s tend to affect women more than men due to their anatomy.

Cranberries come into play through an active ingredient—A-type proanthocyanidins (PACs)—that can keep bacteria from sticking to the bladder wall. Since cranberry juice also increases urination, it might wash bacteria out of the bladder which might reduce the pain and burning associated with UTIs. However, the active ingredient usually does not stay long enough in the bladder to cure the infection. Thus, cranberries can help with the symptoms of a UTI but should not be depended upon to cure it.

Moreover, cranberry juice  has low concentrations of A-type proanthocyanidins (PACs), so it takes large amounts of juice to have an effect.  A major drawback is that cranberry juice contains substantial sugar. Even cranberry juice with no added sugar (such as Oceanspray 100% cranberry juice) has 28 grams of sugar in 8 fluid ounces of juice. Cranberry capsules are concentrated with the antioxidants and active ingredients and are thus a better alternative to cranberry juice.

However, don’t rely on cranberry juice/capsules to fully cure your UTI. It is important to consult with your doctor and you may need antibiotics.

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/can-cranberry-juice-stop-uti/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-tract-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20353447

https://www.webmd.com/women/news/20160225/cranberry-juice-for-urinary-tract-infection

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Is Red Wine Actually Heart Healthy?

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Photo from Crate and Barrel

Vandana Dubakula

It is a widely held notion that red wine is healthy for the heart. The links between red wine and a decreased number of heart attacks aren’t fully understood. Regardless, there are some doctors that think red wine prevents plaque build-up and decreases the risk of heart disease. But exactly how valid are these statements? And how much wine is necessary to get the benefits while not risking liver damage and the other harmful effects of alcohol?

One theory regarding red wine and its positive impacts on the heart is that substances in the wine (such as resveratrol) are  healthy for the heart. Resveratrol is an antioxidant that has been suggested to protect the lining of blood vessels thus hindering coronary blockages and conditions that cause heart attacks. Some research indicates that there may be a correlation between resveratrol and lower risk of heart disease but none of them are definitive.

If you’re thinking about adding red wine to your nightly routine in the name of health, be informed not just about the benefits but also the risks of drinking alcohol. Despite red wine’s potential in leading to better health, wine is still an alcohol and should be consumed cautiously. Those who are pregnant, have liver or pancreas disease, or have a history of alcoholism should avoid drinking entirely, while healthy adults should drink red wine in moderation. That means limiting yourself to one glass a day if you choose to follow the hype and start drinking red wine.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/in-depth/red-wine/art-20048281

https://news.usc.edu/134536/yes-its-true-wine-is-good-for-you-but-dont-drink-too-much-alcohol/

https://www.everydayhealth.com/longevity/is-red-wine-good-for-you.aspx

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Hot Yoga: Beneficial or Unnecessary Sweating?

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Photo from Elite Daily

Vandana Dubakula

Studios that offer hot yoga say that benefits include flexibility, strength, reduction of stress, and “cleansing impurities from the body”. The first 3 are available in many forms of exercise, heated or not.

The rise in popularity of hot yoga is in part due to the presumption that the heat “melts” your waistline.  Studies indicated that while hot yoga leads to a higher heart rate due to more blood vessel dilation–which makes individuals feel like they’re working harder–it doesn’t really affect the amount of calories burned. So the notion of practicing yoga in the heat primarily to lose weight is not useful.

To look at whether yoga in a hot room is healthier, a researcher compared results of participants who practiced yoga in a 105 degree room, in a 73-degree room, or did not practice yoga. The researcher assessed any changes in vascular health of these individuals by observing the amount of blood flow throughout the body. He found that there was no difference to heart health by room temperature indicating that those who did the exercises in a hot environment did not accrue anymore benefits that those who practiced yoga in room temperature setting.

Other claims asserted that the high heart rate induced by hot yoga results in a stronger heart, cleared veins, cleansed body impurities, and boosted immune system, but these claims are difficult to verify experimentally.  

For those who are new to hot yoga, or exercise in general, there is some concern regarding heat intolerance. If you decide to try hot yoga, start slow and make sure to stay hydrated. Keep in mind that the benefits of flexibility, core strength, and heart health are achieved by yoga at any temperature.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/the-heat-of-hot-yoga-can-be-very-good–but-also-risky-for-some-people/2017/12/29/150db00a-e1a3-11e7-bbd0-9dfb2e37492a_story.html?utm_term=.ca375356a079

https://www.healthline.com/health-news/hot-yoga-booming-but-it-may-be-bad-for-you-051515

https://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2016/12/16/is-hot-yoga-good-for-you/

http://time.com/5107737/hot-yoga-not-better-than-room-temperature/