Is cranberry extract good for kidneys?

Do you love a good cranberry juice cocktail? Do you prefer your cranberries dried or in a tasty sauce to pair with turkey on Thanksgiving? Well, there is something about this tart berry that may benefit your kidneys.

If you are wondering what could be hiding inside of these little berries that can help improve the health of our kidneys, let me introduce you to cranberry extract.

What is Cranberry Extract?

Cranberry extract is made by extracting the active components from the fruit using solvents such as ethanol, water or acetone. This process results in a highly concentrated form of the nutrients found within the cranberries.

One key component of cranberries that make them so beneficial for kidney health is proanthocyanidins (PACs). These flavonoids interact with bacteria in our bodies, interfering with their ability to thrive and reproduce. But what does bacterial fighting have anything to do with my kidney health?

How Can Cranberry Extract Benefit My Kidneys?

It turns out that urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by harmful bacteria are one of the leading causes of bladder and kidney infections – ouch! PACs work by preventing E.coli bacteria from adhering to cells lining our urinary tracts, effectively flushing out any unwanted build-up before it has time to cause any damage.

Research conducted at Worcester Polytechnic Institute supports this claim through its findings that “cranberries contain compounds which possess anti-adhesive activity against uropathogenic strains.” In other words: they disrupt UTIs’ abilities from sticking around.

Furthermore, ongoing studies suggest PAC’s capability in neutralizing free radicals^1 underlie additional benefits beyond helping prevent UTIs– including antioxidant effects calling for reducing oxidative stress damages throughout-which enables inflammation reduction [cite reliable sources].

Impact Of Oxidative Stress On Our Kidneys

Our kidneys play an essential role in filtering waste and unwanted materials, maintaining a healthy balance of essential nutrients within the body.

However, over time, toxins accumulated by our kidneys can lead to oxidative stress – giving rise to inflammation and cellular damage. Eventually leading to chronic renal insufficiency or failure^2: possibly requiring invasive procedures like dialysis accordingly!

How Cranberry Extract Can Help Fight Against Oxidative Stress

Thanks to high levels of polyphenols found in cranberries (i.e., flavonoids), irritation caused by oxidative stress could potentially be reduced via these natural agents.

Not only do they help protect against low-grade inflammation for people experiencing kidney troubles ^3,(Which might result in diabetic-induced nephropathy) but they also stimulate proper hydration while supporting optimal vitamin C consumption alongside vitamins A-B1-B9-B12-E-K-Mineral content like calcium-iron-magnesium-potassium-phosphorus-sodium-zinc-Choline–another potent antioxidant substance!

Linus Pauling Institute researchers explain that adequate dietary intake with supportive supplements is enough for one serving size daily use per week; continued studies recommend taking care when choosing products as some likely have added sugars which may not be ideal at all due its metabolic impact overall on health outcomes including obesity^4. In general/certain situations consulting nutrition experts helps improve choices regarding cranberry supplement dosages and possible side-effects without compromising underlying conditions.

Additional Benefits Of Cranberry Extract

The benefits don’t stop there though! Studies conducted suggest that cranberry extract may support:

  • Cardiovascular health with blood pressure regulation
  • Increased immune function/boosts natural defense hormones testosterone+increase estrogen responsiveness-an additional benefit cognitively-functional elderly women
  • Killing off cancer cells-with evidence pointing towards it inhibiting prostate growth among men^5
    -Treating peptic ulcers naturally^6

Who knew such a small berry had so much potential?

How to Get More Cranberry Extract into Your Diet?

The good news is cranberry extract is popular and widely available in tablet or capsule form from various suppliers. However, while supplementation may be tempting, it should not replace consumption of the whole food – keep that juice cocktail if you please!

Moreover,/Additionally there are other ways to ensure the benefits of this nutrient-dense fruit regularly found within most grocery stores worldwide. Regular fresh cranberries can be added as a snack between meals-thrown in with salads- siters alongside your main dish vegetables/fruits for additional taste relief.

If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, why not try blending up some frozen berries? Introduce them into yogurt smoothies or baked goods! Not only will this allow for dietary variety but also help improve /maintain optimal health outcomes collectively-overall.

Potential Side-Effects Of Cranberry Extract

It’s vital to notify readers that excess intake potentially problematic leading negatively underlying conditions’ progression depending on dosages taken regarding kidney function.

Excessive amounts could lead to any number of undesirable side effects-from stomach pain/acid reflux-gastrointestinal discomfort-or-if caffeine sensitive-insomnia-restless nights sleep [cite reliable sources].

Overall/either way make sure one consults trusted professionals/seek medical guidance before beginning any new supplement/before adjusting existing medication regimes especially controlling irreversible chronic diseases.

Wrapping Up

In conclusion: Everyone can benefit from adding more cranberries wherever possible. Be it via eating fresh fruits or taking supplements well aware that this ancient remedy helps prevent UTIs, protects against oxidative stressors involved developing renal failure-Kidney care entails proactive steps towards nurturing our organ’s wellbeing–including being mindful when selecting supplements supporting healthy choices overall within varied diets accordingly over time-honored traditions people use wisely-supporting generations-without any compromise/discomfort in everyday life.

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