For years, women have been told to drink cranberry juice to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs), but it was considered a myth with little scientific evidence to support it.
However, a recent study published in Cochrane Reviews has found that consuming cranberry products, including juice and supplements, can reduce the risk of repeat symptomatic UTIs in women by more than a quarter, in children by more than half, and in people susceptible to UTIs following medical interventions by about 53%.
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Dr. Gabrielle Williams, the study's lead author, shared her personal experience with cranberry products, saying, "Even back in 1973, my mum was told to try cranberry juice to prevent her horrible and frequent UTIs, and for her, it's been a saviour. Despite me niggling in her ear about evidence, she's continued to take it daily, first as the nasty sour juice and in recent years, the easy-to-swallow capsules. As soon as she stops, wham the symptoms are back. As usual, it turns out that Mum was right! Cranberry products can help some women prevent UTIs."
While antibiotics can effectively treat most UTIs, prevention is the best approach to reduce the risk of complications.
The study found that cranberry products can help prevent UTIs in women with recurrent cases, in children, and in people susceptible to UTIs following medical interventions such as bladder radiotherapy.
However, the study did not show any benefit for elderly people, pregnant women, or people with bladder emptying problems.
It is also unclear if cranberry products are more or less effective than antibiotics or probiotics in preventing further UTIs.
Cranberry Juice in Singapore: Where to Buy
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Are you looking for a reliable source of cranberry juice in Singapore? Look no further!
Here are some places where you can buy it:
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RedMart. This online grocery store offers a variety of cranberry juice brands that you can easily order and has delivered to your doorstep.
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Cold Storage. One of the largest grocery chains in Singapore, Cold Storage carries several brands of cranberry juice in its stores.
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FairPrice. Another popular grocery store chain in Singapore, FairPrice has a wide range of cranberry juice options for you to choose from.
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Watsons. This health and beauty retailer carries a selection of cranberry juice and supplements that you can purchase in-store or online.
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iHerb. If you prefer to shop online, iHerb offers a vast selection of juice and supplements that you can have shipped directly to you.
Overall, the study's findings provide scientific evidence to support the long-standing advice of drinking cranberry juice to prevent UTIs. While researchers need to conduct more studies to determine who would benefit most from cranberry products, individuals who frequently experience UTIs should consider it as a safe and easy option.
So go ahead, grab a glass of cranberry juice and enjoy the benefits of this natural preventive measure.
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