honeywolf7
<font color=teal>I don't get in cars with strange
- Joined
- Mar 1, 2001
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This is from Netscape News:
Who Knew Cranberry Juice Does THIS?
Is there anything more pitiful and heartrending for a parent than trying to comfort a toddler screaming in pain with an ear infection? There may be a way to prevent them: cranberry juice.
The research is still preliminary, but it's promising. Scientists from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor have determined that cranberry juice--already known as a natural deterrent for urinary tract infections in women--inhibits a type of bacteria that is a common cause of ear and respiratory infections in children. The bacteria cause infection when they stick to red blood cells or mouth cells. Cranberry juice prevents infection because it seems to interfere with the bacteria's pili--the hair-like structures that let the bacteria stick. If they can't stick, they can't infect.
Reuters reports that in the laboratory, cranberry juice inhibits certain strains of Haemophilus influenzae, which is a type of bacteria found in the nose and throat of 75 percent of healthy children and adults that could be the cause of almost half of all bacterially-derived middle ear infections.
"We found that both cranberry juice and active chemicals in cranberry juice called proanthocyanidins do bind to and block these respiratory bacteria--Haemophilus influenzae--in the test tube," lead author Dr. Kirk McCrea told Reuters.
So should you replace the ubiquitous apple juice with cranberry juice? Maybe. But McCrea cautions parents not to immediately assume that cranberry juice is some magic medicine that will prevent or treat illness. Unfortunately, just because it worked in the laboratory doesn't mean it will work in humans.
Still, eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables has been proven to be healthy. "This is really on the fringe of looking at one of those health benefits and giving us more of an edge over infections," McCrea explained to Reuters. "We've got a long way to go, but this study is a start."
But do note this: As with anything else, too much of a good thing can be bad. The American Academy of Pediatrics has long been concerned that kids drink too much fruit juice. When consumed in excess, it can contribute to obesity, the development of cavities, and diarrhea and other gastrointestinal problems, such as excessive gas, bloating, and abdominal pain.
Who Knew Cranberry Juice Does THIS?
Is there anything more pitiful and heartrending for a parent than trying to comfort a toddler screaming in pain with an ear infection? There may be a way to prevent them: cranberry juice.
The research is still preliminary, but it's promising. Scientists from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor have determined that cranberry juice--already known as a natural deterrent for urinary tract infections in women--inhibits a type of bacteria that is a common cause of ear and respiratory infections in children. The bacteria cause infection when they stick to red blood cells or mouth cells. Cranberry juice prevents infection because it seems to interfere with the bacteria's pili--the hair-like structures that let the bacteria stick. If they can't stick, they can't infect.
Reuters reports that in the laboratory, cranberry juice inhibits certain strains of Haemophilus influenzae, which is a type of bacteria found in the nose and throat of 75 percent of healthy children and adults that could be the cause of almost half of all bacterially-derived middle ear infections.
"We found that both cranberry juice and active chemicals in cranberry juice called proanthocyanidins do bind to and block these respiratory bacteria--Haemophilus influenzae--in the test tube," lead author Dr. Kirk McCrea told Reuters.
So should you replace the ubiquitous apple juice with cranberry juice? Maybe. But McCrea cautions parents not to immediately assume that cranberry juice is some magic medicine that will prevent or treat illness. Unfortunately, just because it worked in the laboratory doesn't mean it will work in humans.
Still, eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables has been proven to be healthy. "This is really on the fringe of looking at one of those health benefits and giving us more of an edge over infections," McCrea explained to Reuters. "We've got a long way to go, but this study is a start."
But do note this: As with anything else, too much of a good thing can be bad. The American Academy of Pediatrics has long been concerned that kids drink too much fruit juice. When consumed in excess, it can contribute to obesity, the development of cavities, and diarrhea and other gastrointestinal problems, such as excessive gas, bloating, and abdominal pain.
