Cranberry juice is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, both of which are crucial for a healthy immune system. Antioxidants have been proven to lower one’s risk of cancer greatly, and vitamin C is known to be a powerful enhancer of immune function. Cranberry juice is often given to patients with kidney problems because it is a powerful kidney cleanser.
In fact, there have been cases where cranberry juice has allowed a dialysis patient to begin urinating again even after kidney failure. The reason why cranberry juice is so effective at fighting kidney infections is not just because it contains vitamin C. Health professional say it is because of the acidic nature of the cranberry juice. Bacteria cannot live in acidic environments, so cranberry juice creates a hostile environment for the bacteria in your kidneys.
As the infection begins to subside due to the unfriendly acidic environment, the swelling in your kidneys also subsides, improving the overall function of your kidneys. For these reasons, cranberry juice is also used for bladder and urinary tract infections. Often times, if not treated, urinary tract infections can spread to the bladder and then to the kidneys, causing irreversible damage to the kidneys. If you notice burning while urinating, difficulty urinating, or the constant urge to urinate you may have a urinary tract or bladder infection and you should begin drinking cranberry juice as soon as possible. Of course you need to see a doctor as well, but drinking a cranberry juice can be remedial in the meantime.