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All, Common Myths, Women's Health

Can Cranberry Juice Stop a UTI?

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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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Apple Cider Vinegar

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Image from Healthline

Shreya Thiagarajan

In a world of weight loss tricks suggested on the internet there is a new fad — the apple cider vinegar (ACV) diet. It is said that drinking a teaspoon of ACV diluted with water either before or after your meals helps you lose weight more easily. Though its proponents hail it as a simple and effective way to shed a few pounds, does it really work?

There is limited science to direct us. One 2009 study of limited quality with a sample size of 175 people found that those who consumed ACV had lower levels of certain fats called triglycerides in their blood. Another small and limited study suggested drinking ACV before meals made you feel fuller so you would avoid overeating.  

ACV can harm tooth enamel if not diluted. ACV can also disrupt the activity of certain drugs like insulin and diuretics, which might affect potassium levels. ACV is safe to consume when diluted and when it is not taken in conjunction with other medication. It’s not clear that ACV can help you be healthy and achieve a healthy weight.  

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/apple-cider-vinegar-diet-does-it-really-work-2018042513703

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/expert-answers/apple-cider-vinegar-for-weight-loss/faq-20058394

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320930.php

https://www.webmd.com/diet/supplement-guide-apple-cider-vinegar

 

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Veggie Chips: A Solution for Crunchy Cravings?

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Photo from Fooducate

Madison McGuire

Many people are turning to a popular snack with the crispiness and saltiness of a regular potato chip but made from several types of vegetables. Whether it’s the shape or the striking color of root vegetables, veggie chips are presented as the ideal blend of taste and nutrition. The packaging often advertises all of the “healthy stuff” in each serving. It seems too good to be true, and in fact, chips that claim to contain a variety of vegetable ingredients aren’t any healthier than the average potato chip.

Most veggie chips found in the supermarket are only made with approximately 60-70 percent produce. While they have slightly fewer calories than potato chips, they actually have a significant amount of sodium, fat, and carbs. Many people are tricked into thinking they are eating significant amounts of beets, zucchini, or spinach, when in reality, most brands only use a combination of potato starch, tomato paste, oil, salt, spinach powder, and beetroot powder for color. Foods that are advertised as healthy are often consumed in higher quantities, but veggie chips should be treated as another guilty pleasure and enjoyed in moderate 1-ounce servings.

Veggie chips should not be considered as a substitute for vegetables, because they lose most of their nutritional benefits when they are dehydrated and processed as vegetable powders to add natural, vibrant colors to the chip. Any process that exposes food to a high level of heat, oxygen, or light causes a significant loss in water-soluble vitamins and other nutrients. If you really have a craving for chips that could actually be considered a healthy alternative, DIY baked veggie chips with minimal oil are a great option compared to munching on the packaged versions.

https://www.cookinglight.com/eating-smart/nutrition-101/are-veggie-chips-healthy

https://www.rd.com/health/healthy-eating/are-veggie-chips-healthy/

https://nutritiondata.self.com/topics/processing