Cranberry Lactobacillus, is it really effective for bladder inflammation?
Recently, cranberry lactobacillus, a powder-type health-functional food, is very popular among women.
In women’s cases, the urethra is short in anatomical structures, so there is a high risk of bacteria entering easily and getting bladder inflammation, and cranberry lactobacillus not only helps prevent bladder inflammation but also prevents recurrence.
■ Health functional food effect, not scientifically proven
However, experts express serious concern.
Of course, cranberries and lactobacillus help bladder and vaginal health in part, but there is still a lot of controversy over whether they are effective when consumed as health functional foods.
For now, cranberries and lactobacillus help bladder and vaginal health in different mechanisms.
E. coli, the cause of bladder inflammation, adheres to the bladder mucous membrane and causes inflammation, while proantocyanidine in cranberry prevents E. coli from adhering to the bladder mucous membrane.
In addition, women can easily enter the bladder through E. coli, which is mixed with feces due to its close anus and urea entrance, but lactobacillus prevents E. coli from proliferating from entering the vagina.
“Cranberry and lactobacillus are partially beneficial to bladder and vaginal health, but there is still a lack of research on whether health functional foods reach quality and have a direct effect,” said Shim Bong-seok, professor of urology at Lee University Mokdong Hospital.
In conclusion, experts advise following a well-proven lifestyle.
Ko Kwang-jin, a professor of urology at Samsung Medical Center, said, “Antibiotic therapy is the priority for bladder infections, and if you rely on health functional foods, you may miss the appropriate timing of treatment.”
Professor Shim Bong-seok said, “The most basic and important lifestyle for bladder inflammation prevention is to drink enough water and pee regularly to get rid of bacteria, especially lactobacillus, which is naturally present in nitric acidity.”