Cranberry juice has been used for ages as a prevention or even a treatment for urinary tract infections. Most think that its effectiveness resides in increasing the acidic environment of the bladder and making it more hostile to bacterial growth. Recently, there has been some thought that it affects E. coli's ability to adhere to the urethra (tube which leads from the bladder to the outside). E. coli is found in all of our intestines. Women are more predisposed to urinary tract infections due to their shorter urethra and shortened length between the anus and the urethra.
Unfortunately, research has not been sufficient to make any conclusions about the efficacy of cranberry juice; therefore, at this time, success is based on an individual's perception.
Lactobacillus is also seen as having a role in treating urinary tract infections. Lactobacillus comes in a vaginal suppository which is not available in the United States. Milk products which contain lactobacillus has not been shown to be effective.
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