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Cranberry juice is a home remedy that may be beneficial for getting rid of yeast infections. However, concerning the efficacy of this natural remedy as a Candida fighter, it is not very strong.
The principle way cranberry juice works to get rid of Candida is likely by its low pH. Cranberry juice is very acidic; but, when ingested, this acidity will eventually be reduced in the digestive process.
Cranberry juice that is not acidic has no antifungal ability against Candida. Even the oil of cranberries is not good at inhibiting the growth of Candida. Regular cranberry juice, which will have a naturally acidic pH, will possibly inhibit Candida due to its acidic pH alone.
However, again, when you take pH out of the picture, cranberries are not good at stopping Candida at all. Therefore, drinking cranberry juice may not do much to stop a yeast infection.
Research has shown that cranberries can effectively reduce the adhesion ability of Candida. And, when Candida cannot readily attach to a body area (such as a mucous membrane or the skin), it is not able to effectively grow. Thus, cranberry juice may assist in eliminating Candida by stopping the yeast’s ability to latch on, and bind to, a site within the body.
As will be discussed, a study shows even the urine of those who took a cranberry pill was able to stymie Candida’s adhesion process.
Overall, the main thing to consider is the sugar content of cranberry juice. Research demonstrated that drinking this juice appeared to increase the risk of a woman developing a yeast infection. The possible reason for this, is due to the sugar in the juice.
So, if you want to drink cranberry juice, try an option that is very low in sugar. Although you probably attain some benefit from the adhesion fighting ability of the juice; the excess sugar appears to provide too much food for Candida. The result is a higher risk for developing a yeast infection.
Given this, cranberry juice may be an effective topical agent for healing a yeast infection. The juice’s naturally low pH, and adhesion fighting efficacy, may greatly help to get rid of a yeast infection on the outside of the body. If you’re a woman with a vaginal infection, using the juice intra-vaginally may not be a good idea—due to the excess sugar.
Either way, a topical application should ideally utilize a low sugar cranberry juice. Overall, it is much better to select another natural remedy in lieu of cranberry juice. Diluted Apple cider vinegar may be a much better option. Just make sure not to use over a 1% concentration of this vinegar; as strong concentrations of vinegar can irritate the skin or cause chemical burns.
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Visit Official Site!Research on Cranberry Juice & Candida
A study, looking at the antifungal ability of cranberry juice, was published in Applied Microbiology [16.10 (1968): 1524]. The study was focused on determining if cranberry juice; according to the study’s own words; in its natural state (as some research may alter it with chemicals; or raise the juice’s pH) has antifungal ability.
Yet, the study altered the pH of the juice; negating, probably, the antifungal ability to a great extent. The research employed Ocean Spray cranberry juice for the tests. The study also tried to ascertain what parts of cranberry juice would cause the antifungal effect; if the juice was found to have an effect.
The unusual thing about this research, as stated, is that cranberry juice was not tested in its native state. The study made the decision to alter the juice by raising its pH. This seemed to have made the testing process easier. One thing that this probably did do, is make it easier to determine if some chemicals in the juice, without an acidic pH, had the ability to halt the fungi tested.
Yet, this does detract from the value of the study for our purposes; as pH plays a very significant role in inhibiting Candida yeasts of all kinds. Candida cannot grow well in, and is inhibited by, a low pH. Therefore, the study does not show how real, unaltered, cranberry juice will work against Candida; as the pH was raised from a natural, acidic 2.8 to a mild pH of 5.6.
Maybe if they could market cranberry juice as a high priced over the counter cure for Candida; we wouldn’t see the study modify the juice’s pH! The following quote, taken from the study, explains in the researcher’s own words, this process of altering the juice’s pH:
Because the cranberry juice from a commercial source (Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc., Hanson, Mass.) had a pH value of approximately 2.8, and thus could at least partially inhibit growth of the test fungi, it was decided to adjust the pH of the juice to one optimal for growth of fungi in order to determine whether the antifungal activity of cranberry juice is due to a factor(s) other than pH. Because Sabouraud's dextrose agar is widely used for growing fungi and has a pH value of approximately 5.6, the pH value of cranberry juice was adjusted to this level.
Applied Microbiology [16.10 (1968): 1524]
The study used Candida albicans (C. albicans) and other dermatophytes (fungal species that cause other skin infections). Two components of Cranberry juice were also tested: benzoic acid and iodine. These two components were tested against the fungi.
Concerning the results of the study, a 67% (the study’s errata stated 40% should be changed to 67%) concentration of pH adjusted cranberry juice had no effect on the growth of C. albicans. Benzoic acid performed much better, this acid inhibited all the fungi tested.
Iodine, by itself, had little or no antifungal ability. The good news is, that the altered cranberry juice did inhibit other dermatophyte fungi. The juice totally inhibited all the other fungi, except for Trichophyton tonsurans and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. T. tonsurans and T. mentagrophyte were reduced by a good amount in their growing capacity; however; by the altered cranberry juice.
A 67% of the juice inhibited the following fungi:
- Trichophyton rubrum (the most common cause of ringworm, jock itch, nail fungal infection, and athlete’s foot)
- Microsporum audouini (causes scalp ringworm and ordinary ringworm)
- Epidermophyton floccosum (causes athlete’s foot and jock itch)
- Trichophyton schoenleinii (causes ringworm, jock itch, and athlete’s foot; and, some skin and nail infections)
Another study also examined cranberry juice, via processed fractions, to determine how it would affect C. albicans and C. glabrata. The research was published in Pathogens and Disease [70.3 (2014): 432-439]. Unfortunately, as with most studies, the raw material (in this case cranberry juice) is diluted in various solvents before testing.
Rarely in scientific research, such as this, does a pure, 100% sample of the material get tested. Thus, we can only infer, to a degree, the anti-Candida activity cranberry juice possesses from this research. However, due to the fact nearly all studies utilize similar procedures, we can get a comparative idea (compared to other natural items—such as essential oils) about the efficacy of this juice in relation to other natural items.
The study used fractions of cranberry juice, that had been derived from water and methanol. Methanol and water both have a pH of around 7. Therefore, the pH of the cranberry juice was, no doubt, severely elevated; and, probably comparable to pure water. Yet, we can still see how, aside from pH, cranberries will affect Candida.
Strains of Candida were either purchased or isolated from patients with the fungal pathogens. When the various water and ethanol mixtures of cranberry juice were tested on C. albicans and C. glabrata, no relevant antifungal action was observed.
Although the cranberry juice fractions could not inhibit these two species, cranberry extract significantly stopped C. albicans ability to adhere to surfaces; regardless of the tested concentration. C. glabrata was more resistant to the juice concerning adhesion ability.
The study also found that surface pretreatment with cranberry extract reduced the metabolic activity for half of the C. albicans strains and 100% of the C. glabrata strains. The study concluded by stating the ability of cranberry extract to reduce the metabolism, and the other literature on the topic, suggest that this juice has fungistatic (it stops the growth but does not kill) activity.
Yet, concerning the ability of the juice fractions to actually inhibit Candida, there was none. Cranberry juice fractions therefore were shown to have no antifungal ability.
Adhesion ability is very relevant for Candida infections. If the yeast cannot attach to a surface; it stands little chance to grow and cause infection. And, current infections can be helped by removing yeast from the surfaces of the body where they have colonized.
So, it is seen that, even altered Cranberry juice mixtures, will help to remove Candida from the body. Thus, there is some medicinal value to them; despite having their pH drastically raised.
One study sought to see how the urine of individuals, who ingested cranberry extract, would affect Candida. This can be important to know, of course, if you have Candida in the urinary tract. The study was published in Biochemical Pharmacology [(2019): 113726].
In the research, two different cranberry pills were evaluated. The brand of both pills was Anthocran®. The Anthocran® capsules contained 36mg proanthocyanidins (PACs) per capsule and 12mg PACs per capsule were used. Primarily, the study sought to see how the urine of the individuals, who took the cranberry products, would affect C. albicans adhesion ability.
Participants in the study were instructed to limit their consumption of certain foods at least 72 hours before the experiment. The foods they did not eat were those rich in polyphenols; including items such as: berries, vegetables, purple or red fruits, tea, wine, coffee, fruit juice, and chocolate.
One group of the participants took two of the 36mg PACs Anthocran® pills once a day. Another group took two of the 12mg PACs Anthocran® pills once a day. Both groups took these pills for a total of 7 days. Urine samples from the people in these groups were taken before supplementation started, and after the last dose of the cranberry pills was taken on day 7.
After one week, the study was repeated again; this time with some individuals receiving a placebo that had the same characteristics as the Cranberry pills. The participants were instructed to take one pill in the morning, and another before dinner. Urine samples were collected as before; and, this was done to provide a control for diet and circadian rhythm.
The study found that the Anthocran® product with 36 mg PACs at a concentration of 0.1mg / mL was able strongly reduce the adhesion of the Candida, and the yeast’s biofilm formation. Concerning the urine samples; urine of the participants before taking the cranberry pills were inactive against Candida.
The urine samples from those who took both types of cranberry pills was able to significantly reduce Candida’s adhesion ability—compared with the control (urine from participants not taking cranberry pills). Thus, taking a cranberry extract pill may help to dislodge Candida from tissue in the body; even the tissue of the urinary tract.
Another study, discussed briefly, looked at cranberry oil. The research was published in Phytotherapy Research [25.8 (2011): 1201-1208]. This study should elucidate better, the anti-Candida ability of cranberries; as the cranberry oil will contain many phytochemicals present in the juice.
The study’s design was to see how well grape seed oil and cranberry oil worked at healing wounds. Fortunately, these oils were also tested against various pathogens; one of which was C. albicans.
Concerning the results of the microbiological tests of these oils, the study showed cranberry oil was not active against C. albicans. A 1 to 20 dilution of the cranberry oil did not inhibit C. albicans. And, a full strength, undiluted cranberry oil did not stop the growth of C. albicans either.
Therefore, the research shows that cranberries do not possess good phytochemicals; that are not related to the low pH of the juice; for stopping the growth of C. albicans. It can therefore be inferred, that the benefit cranberry juice may bring in regards to yeast infections, is due nearly entirely to its low pH.
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Visit Official Site!Drinking Cranberry Juice & Candidiasis
A research article, published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology [190.3 (2004): 644-653], found that drinking cranberry juice may, in fact, encourage yeast infections to occur. The study’s design was to investigate the risk factors for vaginal yeast infections among women who experienced recurrent episodes of this condition (defined as 4 or more vaginal infections in a year’s time).
The study was able to evaluate 65 women, all at least 18 years old, for the research. One behavioral factor examined, was how consuming cranberry juice would relate to yeast infection occurrence.
The study looked at cranberry juice consumption in the same week a woman had a vaginal yeast infection, and in the week before this infection. The study found that drinking cranberry juice was associated with significantly higher rates of vaginal yeast infections in both weeks. Thus, the week before a yeast infection, drinking this juice appeared to raise the risk of a woman developing a yeast infection.
The odds ratio (OR) for a yeast infection, if a woman drank cranberry juice in the week before the infection, was 2.7. This means, that the women who drank cranberry juice the week before a yeast infection, had a 2.7 times greater likelihood of developing a vaginal yeast infection.
A few other variables the study associated with episodes of vaginal yeast infection included using pantyhose (week before OR: 2.2), pantyliners (week before OR: 1.8), and a history of bacterial vaginosis.
Concerning why drinking cranberry juice might predispose women to infection, the study stated the sugar content may be the key reason. Although the juice’s acidifying properties may help combat Candida, the high sugar content may increase risk.
Therefore, if you are wanting to drink cranberry juice to help prevent, or treat, a yeast infection, you are going to want to opt for a variety that has very low, or no sugar. This may also hold true for probiotic, live-culture yogurt.
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Visit Official Site!A Natural, 12 Hour Yeast Infection Solution
Many women do not suffer from just one yeast infection; many get women develop 4 or more of these infections in the course of a year. Men can also suffer from systemic Candida problems, and develop repeat penile infections. Although women are typically thought to suffer from Candida; many men, of course, do as well.
One woman who had a systemic Candida problem, like so many others, was Linda Allen. Linda went through a difficult battle to regain her health. In all, Linda spent about 12 years of her life suffering from Candida. The repeat yeast infections, and the toll systemic Candida took on her body, reduced her quality of life drastically.
At a time when Linda should have been able to afford a house, she found herself living in a tiny apartment due to her medical bills. Linda wanted to be free of the poor health that seemed to be somewhat inexplicable.
Linda’s life changed one day, when she saw a naturopath about her miserable health. Linda had tried repeatedly using prescription drugs from regular medical doctors; but, these never worked long term—her yeast infections and health problems did not stop.
Fortunately, the naturopathic practitioner knew what was wrong with her: systemic Candidiasis. It was, in fact, the yeast Candida that had invaded her body and was causing her poor health.
Armed with this new insight, provided by the naturopath, Linda began to search for a solution to her problem. Linda diligently read an extensive amount of material, and tried an assortment of various Candida remedies.
After a great deal of work, Linda put together a treatment protocol she hoped would finally help her Candida problems. She would spend about a year’s time refining her new approach; before trying it on herself. And, eventually she did.
After Linda used her new approach, she found that her health began to improve. The yeast infections went away; and stayed gone. After more time passed, Linda began, at last, feeling wonderful again. She had finally removed the Candida from her body; and, was living a normal, healthy life. And, it was all due to her hard work, and the power of natural medicine.
Linda decided to show a medical doctor her new treatment, and the doctor thought Linda may have developed something quite interesting. The physician suggested giving her treatment plan to others and seeing how it would work on them. Linda, through her personal research, knew where to find people struggling with Candida; and, showed them her treatment plan.
Before long, Linda was getting testimonies back from these individuals; and, they were seeing excellent results.
Since Linda initially shared her findings, she has gone on to publish a book detailing this same treatment plan for Candida. Linda Allen’s book has helped over 100,000 people from around the world permanently end their recurrent yeast infections, and get free from systemic Candidiasis.
Linda also includes a 12 hour cure plan in her book; which allows you to clear up the symptoms of a yeast infection in about half a day’s time.
Linda has published her book in an electronic format; and you can download it on your smartphone, computer, or other device quickly and easily. Linda’s book is also backed by a 60 day, 100% money back guarantee from her publisher. So, if you find her book unsatisfactory, you can quickly get a refund of all your money. Linda’s publisher is a subsidiary of Keynetics Inc.; a firm based in Boise, Idaho. Linda’s publisher is a large online retailer with a reputation for excellence.
You can be assured of an easy, and secure, purchase process if you decide to give Linda’s book a try. And, getting your money back if you’re not satisfied is also quick and easy as well.
For more information about Linda Allen’s book, or to learn a little more about Linda’s personal story, you can find out more at Linda Allen’s website.
Author: Mr. Nicholas Gross
Nick Gross is a natural medicine enthusiast who has been researching and writing about natural medicine since 2008. Nick is primarily a web developer but also researches and authors written and video content about natural health. Nick has a bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems from the University of Northern Iowa.
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SOURCES:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC547696/ — Swartz, Jacob H., and Theodore F. Medrek. "Antifungal Properties of Cranberry Juice." Applied Microbiology [16.10 (1968): 1524].
- https://doi.org/10.1111/2049-632X.12168 — Girardot, Marion, et al. "Promising results of cranberry in the prevention of oral Candida biofilms." Pathogens and Disease [70.3 (2014): 432-439].
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bcp.2019.113726 — Baron, Giovanna, et al. "Profiling Vaccinium macrocarpon components and metabolites in human urine and the urine ex-vivo effect on Candida albicans adhesion and biofilm-formation." Biochemical Pharmacology [(2019): 113726].
- https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.3363 — Shivananda Nayak, B., et al. "Wound healing properties of the oils of Vitis vinifera and Vaccinium macrocarpon." Phytotherapy Research [25.8 (2011): 1201-1208].
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2003.11.027 — Patel, Divya A., et al. "Risk factors for recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis in women receiving maintenance antifungal therapy: results of a prospective cohort study." American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology [190.3 (2004): 644-653].
