TheraCran^®

Our standardized, high-potency cranberry supplement formulated to support and to maintain normal urinary tract health.* TheraCran is the only cranberry product that is independently certified by NSF International for proanthocyanidin and other flavonoid content.

(For preferred customer pricing, enter your Provider Referral Code (PRC) on the next page.)

* This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

HEALTH FORUMS

Talk and learn more about your health concerns.

EMAIL UPDATES

Keep up to date on the latest information from Theralogix.

Prevention of Urinary Tract Infections

Bladder Infection Causes:

Urine is normally sterile. An infection occurs when bacteria get into the urine and begin to grow. The bacteria enter at the opening of the urethra, where the urine leaves the body, and move upward into the urinary tract.

If a bladder infection is not treated appropriately, the infection can spread further as the bacteria travels through the ureters to the kidneys. If the bacteria reach the kidney, they can cause a kidney infection (pyelonephritis), which can become a very serious condition if not treated promptly.

The bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli) cause approximately 90% of all bladder infections in adults. These bacteria are normally present in the colon and may enter the urethral opening from the skin around the anus and genitals. Women are more susceptible to bladder infections because their urethral opening is near the source of bacteria and their urethra is shorter, making it easier for the bacteria to reach the bladder.

Males are less likely to develop bladder infections because their urethra is longer. There is also a drier environment where a man's urethra meets the skin, and in addition, fluid produced in the prostate can fight bacteria.

Risk factors for bladder infections include the following:

• Menopause
• Frequent intercourse
• Bladder outlet obstructions (e.g.; kidney stones, BPH)
• Conditions that cause incomplete bladder emptying (e.g.; spinal cord injury or bladder prolapse after menopause)
• Congenital (present at birth) abnormalities of the urinary tract (e.g.; vesicoureteral reflux)
• A suppressed immune system such as in those with AIDS and diabetes. People who take immunosuppressant drugs also are at increased risk.
• Urinary catheterization (i.e.; insertion of a small tube into the bladder through the urethra to drain urine) can cause a bladder infection by introducing bacteria into the urinary tract. The risk for developing a bladder infection increases with long-term catheterization.

Reducing your risk of infection

• After urinating or having a bowel movement, women should always wipe from front to back. This helps keep bacteria away from the urethral opening.
• Drink lots of water to help flush out bacteria.
• Drink 10-12 ounces of cranberry juice daily or take a cranberry supplement such as TheraCran to block bacteria from attaching to your bladder wall.
• Urinate after sexual intercourse. Sexual intercourse leads to bladder infections in some women because bacteria can enter the urethra. Women who use a diaphragm develop infections more often, and condoms with spermicidal foam may increase risk as well.
• Take showers instead of baths.
• Urinate when you feel the need, rather than "holding it" until the urge becomes strong.
• Use tampons instead of sanitary pads and change them every three to four hours.
• Wear clean cotton underwear which will allow air circulation and discourage the warm, moist environment necessary for bacteria growth.
• Avoid products that may irritate the urethra (e.g.; bubble bath, scented feminine products).
• Change soiled diapers in infants and toddlers promptly. In infants, bacteria from soiled diapers can enter the urethra and lead to a UTI.
• Don't keep a wet bathing suit on after swimming. Change into dry clothes as soon as you can.
• Change out of sweaty, damp clothing after exercise.
• Avoid wearing very tight pants.

Antibiotics for Bladder Infection Cystitis Prevention?

Sometimes, doctors will prescribe the regular, ongoing use of a low-dose antibiotic to help prevent bladder infections. Some women are given a supply of antibiotic, and instructed to take a single dose after sex. This method can be useful for women who notice that bladder infections often start after intercourse. Other women will be instructed to take a low dose antibiotic every night at bedtime.

These regimens are usually very effective at preventing further infections, but they have certain disadvantages. The first is the development of antibiotic resistance. Bacteria, when they are continually exposed to the same antibiotic over time, will lose their sensitivity to that antibiotic. So, ongoing use of a low-dose antibiotic for prevention will often lead to the development of resistant bacteria.

The second concern is that many antibiotics can have side effects, particularly after prolonged use.

How Cranberries Work

Cranberries naturally contain a group of compounds called proanthocyanidins (PACs). The PACs in cranberries are different than the PACs found in other berries and foods. The PACs in cranberries alter the biological activity of E. coli, making it difficult for the bacteria to attach to the bladder and cause a UTI. PACs in other foods are not effective at blocking the adherence of E. coli. Research shows that these PACs are active in the body for about 10-12 hours, so it is important to consume cranberry juice or a standardized cranberry supplement such as TheraCran twice a day (morning and evening). The total PACs needed per day are 30-35 mg, which is found in approximately 10-12 ounces of cranberry juice cocktail (27% juice) or two capsules of TheraCran.

TheraCran capsules do have some benefits over juice. TheraCran contains only a few calories per daily dose whereas 10-12 ounces of cranberry juice cocktail contains more calories than a can of soda, due to the large amount of added sugar. TheraCran contains no added sugar.

TheraCran is also more stable than juice. The PACs in juice can lose their effectiveness the longer juice sits on the shelf.