Sunday, January 27, 2008

Cranberry Juice Helps Reduces UTIs Plus Raise Antioxidant Levels

From StaffNurse.com ---

Drinking cranberry juice can reduce the risk of developing urinary tract infections (UTIs), researchers reported yesterday. People who are prone to recurrent UTIs may benefit most, say Ruth Jepson of the Department of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Stirling, UK, and colleagues.

They explain that cranberries, and particularly cranberry juice, have been used for decades as a means of preventing or treating UTIs, but the evidence is still unclear. So they examined ten studies of cranberry products including 1,049 participants.

Analysis showed that cranberry juice and capsules may prevent recurrent infections in women, but there was no evidence of benefit in elderly men, elderly women, or people using catheters.

Ms Jepson said: "It’s worth noting that many people in the trials stopped drinking the juice, suggesting that it may not suit everyone’s taste, or it may be too burdensome and costly to drink the two recommended glasses a day.

Get medifast for weight loss, health, a healthy diet, and a diet plan. Medifast is a product that helps you lose weight. There are benefits to using Medifast in your diet, and can be used for weight loss. Phase 1 - 5 & 1 Program for Weight Loss 5 Medifast Meals per Day Over 50 meals to choose from - shakes, bars, drinks, oatmeals, chili, soups, pudding and more. 1 "Lean and Green" Meal per Day Lean Meat: 7 ounces of chicken, turkey of fish, or 5 ounces of lean beef, pork or lamb. Grill, bake or poach meats using non-stick spray. Salt, pepper, herbs and spices may be added if desired. You may also use 1 - 2 teaspoons of condiments such as ketchup, mustard or barbecue sauce. Salad or Vegetables: Either 2 cups of salad greens (any kind) and up to ½ cups raw vegetables, or up to 1 ½ cups cooked vegetables. You may also use 1 - 2 tablespoons of Media low-fat or non-fat dressing.Phase 2 - BeSlim™ Philosophy of Lifelong Weight Control Once you have reached your healthy weight, your Health Advisor will help transition you to the BeSlim™ philosophy of lifelong weight control. The BeSlim™ philosophy is a part of the Take Shape for Life program that incorporates key behaviors mastered by those who lost significant amounts of weight and kept their weight off for years. These key behaviors include: Breakfast (eating Breakfast every day) - High quality fuel, such as our delicious Medifast oatmeal, cappuccino, or chai latte, is essential to start your day the right way. Exercise - Continued exercise increases metabolism, provides strength, flexibility, and mental clarity. Support - Your Health Advisor is here to help you reach and maintain your goals, providing the coaching, tools, education, and caring support you will need along the way. Low-fat meals 5-6 times a day - Eating frequently, controlling portion and total calories, especially those from fat, are critical for success. Individual Plan - Create an individual plan to help you achieve an optimal healthy lifestyle and build the skills and strategies you need to cope with modern life. Monitor your weight - Weigh yourself on a regular basis to maintain optimal weight. Catch it before it becomes a challenge! Join the BeSlim™ Club today and set your life in motion! Introducing the New BeSlim Club & Rewards Program! Optimal Health is its own reward, but how about earning a bonus or two along the way? You’re on a journey to Optimal Health. You’ve made a commitment to lose weight and keep it off! You’ve earned the right to celebrate your success! The new Take Shape For Life BeSlim Club & Rewards Program is your ticket there. The BeSlim Club & Rewards Program is Take Shape For Life's progressive savings program, offering clients and Health Coaches an easy way to obtain their Medifast Meals at a savings, with exciting rewards you can earn along the way! The longer you are member of the BeSlim™ Club, the more significant your savings are and the more rewards points you’ll earn. When you join the Take Shape For Life BeSlim Club & Rewards Program, you: Enjoy your favorite Medifast Meals all month long, with orders conveniently shipped right to your door Save on your meal purchases and enjoy increased savings the longer you’re on the program Earn points towards exclusive rewards that promote healthy living Receive coupons for special savings. Enrich your life as you achieve Optimal Health Available to all, the BeSlim™ Club is a great way for individuals learning and practicing the BeSlim™ philosophy. Every time you order, you earn points towards healthful rewards. Here’s how: There’s no minimum purchase required. Redeem your reward points* for exclusive Take Shape For Life merchandise, including: Apparel, Exercise Equipment, Spa Trips, And more! Join the BeSlim Club today! Simplify Your Life -- — Receive automatic monthly shipments of your favorite Medifast Meals; Save Your Money — Enjoy savings that increase the longer you are a club member; Earn Just Rewards— Select from an array of rewards that promote healthy living and a healthy lifestyle

"We now need to discover how much a person needs to drink, and how long it needs to be used before the juice starts to have an effect."

The review is published in the latest issue of The Cochrane Library. Ms Jepson and colleagues believe that molecules in cranberry juice may make it harder for bacteria such as E. coli to stick to surfaces, making it more difficult for an infection to build up.

In an earlier analysis, Ms Jepson found that cranberry products reduced the risk of UTIs by 35 per cent, compared with placebo. Read more...

Comments: With the addition of cranberry juice to your diet, you will help raise the antioxidant levels in your system plus help reduce such things as urinary tract infections. The bladder benefits from cranberry apparently because bacteria have a harder time of surviving. With any diet, more fruits and vegetables and grapes and berries will help reduce sickness and infections, plus will support good health. If you're not getting enough fruits and vegetables in your diet, follow the banner on the right.  And look for Vineyard as well - made with 9 different grapes and berries.

The Health & Wellness Institute, DC PC