Cranberries may help to fight off urinary tract infections (UTIs). They reduce the power of certain E. coli bacteria to adhere to and penetrate the walls of the bladder.

In about half the cases of UTIs, the E. coli responsible have special little hairy tips called P fimbria. The bacteria use their fimbria to attach themselves to the bladder so that they can multiply and cause an infection. That’s where cranberries–which contain a group of chemicals called proanthocyanidins—come in. They bind to the P fimbria of the E. coli and hinder them so they are unable to stick to the walls of the bladder.  As a result, the E. coli is flushed out in the urine instead of causing an infection. And because cranberries remove rather than kill the bacteria, there’s less of a chance for the E. coli to become resistant.

Photo: @Leo

It’s imperative that those who are prone to UTIs eat cranberries or drink cranberry juice on a daily basis, because once the bacteria are able to adhere to the wall, the infection sets in, and the cranberries can’t help at that point.

It’s probably best to use cranberry products twice a day if you are prone, as the effects of the cranberries wear off after about 10 hours.

You should also be diligent about drinking lots of fluids in order to flush the bladder out on a regular basis.  Citrus fruits and fresh vegetables high in vitamin C are also good, as they help boost the body’s immunity and germ-fighting abilities.  Coffee, tea and other caffeinated beverages should be avoided, as well as alcohol.  Be sure to complement your diet with plenty of foods rich in vitamin B, such as fortified cereals, lean proteins, asparagus, almonds, and bananas, as they all assist the body in the digestive process and converting food to energy, which your body will need if it’s working to fend off a UTI.

The post Cranberries- The Superfood to Stave Off Bladder Infections appeared first on Secret Menu.

Herpes outbreaks can be embarrassing, not to mention uncomfortable and painful.  And sometimes, prescription medication doesn’t fend off the flare-ups.  But with some consideration and creativity, we can add superfoods to our diet that will help our body fight off the herpes virus.

Cranberries may help to fight infection by the herpes virus, one of the most common viral infections in humans, according to recent research. Cranberries are already known to prevent urinary tract infections by reducing the power of certain E. coli bacteria to stick to the urinary tract walls, and recent studies suggest that cranberries also significantly suppressed herpes type 2 by preventing the virus to attach to and penetrate the walls.  HSV-2 or herpes simplex infection causes cold sores and genital herpes.

Broccoli fights cancer, heart disease, and other serious conditions. It’s high in vitamin C, which helps strengthen the immune system. Broccoli may also inhibit the herpes simplex virus from reproducing.

Kelp is a stellar, nutrient-dense sea vegetable that can also help eliminate herpes outbreaks.  It is also known as Laminaria and it works as a blood purifier.

Photo: @allensamuellee

Other superfoods that can help strengthen the body’s immune system to fight the herpes simplex virus are those that are high in vitamins B, C, and E, as well as lysine, an amino acid.  Fish, bean sprouts, fruits, vegetables, and whole grain complex carbohydrates are all great sources for these.  Try to avoid refined sugars, stimulants like caffeine, alcohol, excessive sun exposure, and smoking, as these all have the ability to deplete energy stores which can, in turn, compromise your immunity and your ability to fend off infections.  Stress is a major cause for herpes outbreaks, so do whatever possible to minimize stress in your life – get plenty of sleep, take time out to relax, and get plenty of fresh air and exercise.

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