Thanks for making this forum for us! I want to know: what's a common health 'hack' or home remedy that pharmacists wish people would stop trying and ask an expert about instead?
What do you wish we'd stop doing?
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I know this might ruffle a few feathers, but one home remedy I wish people would stop relying on is cranberry juice for treating urinary tract infections (UTIs).
There’s a common belief that cranberry juice can cure a UTI, but that’s a misconception. Some research suggests that certain cranberry extracts may help prevent bacteria, especially E. coli, from sticking to the bladder wall. But that’s prevention, not treatment. And even then, most cranberry juices don’t contain enough of the active compound (called proanthocyanidins) to be effective. What they do contain is a lot of sugar, which isn’t doing your body any favors, especially if you're drinking multiple glasses a day hoping it’ll help.
The real concern is that delaying proper treatment gives the infection time to worsen or spread to the kidneys. In severe cases, this can lead to a dangerous condition called urosepsis, which is a life-threatening immune response to infection.
UTIs are painful and disruptive, but the good news is they’re typically easy to treat with antibiotics. In many cases, symptoms begin improving within a dose or two (though it’s important to finish the full course). And even without insurance, the generic versions of most UTI antibiotics are affordable at many pharmacies.
If you think you have a UTI, skip the juice and see a doctor or urgent care provider. Prompt treatment can save you a lot of discomfort—and potentially something much more serious.
Be well.
~ Pharmacist Eddie
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