In the history of medicine, super fruits have long been used for urinary tract health, and include blueberry, cranberry, and bilberry (huckleberry). They belong to the Vaccinium genus of berries and are jam-packed with phytochemical antioxidants that set them apart from your average piece of fruit.
Urinary tract infections (UTI) occur when unwanted bacteria and sometimes yeast (fungi) get into the urinary tract and begin to multiply. Bacteria such as the common E coli can adhere to cells lining the urinary tract via small hairs on the bacteria’s’ surface called fimbriae. Fructose (from the berries) can bind to fimbriae, preventing the attachment. Non sugar compounds in cranberry and blueberry are also believed to have an inhibitory effect on this process.
Another plus of the Vaccinium berries are the anthocyanin pigments. Anthocyanins are a type of plant compound that has many health benefits. Apart from the role in the urinary tract, the Vaccinium berries offer:
Further steps to help prevent UTIs include:
References available upon request