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Foods as Medicine
Cranberries and their effect on cells bacteria continue to pique the interests of researchers. Recent reports add to the medical gossip about cranberries being helpful in preventing urinary tract infections. A group of bacteria, named e.coli bacteria, are actually altered by cranberries in concentrate, not juices. The cranberries seem to change the shape of the bacteria, alter the cell membranes and make it difficult for the bacteria to adhere to the cells they might attack.
Other news from the UCLA Center for nutrition indicates that the tannins found in cranberries may alter cancer cells and their ability to spread ( metastasize). The presence of alcohol may be another factor to consider. As sure as there may benefits, there are warnings about cranberries and related "food products" that will be over-promoted:
Cranberry products can increase the risk of kidney stones, especially in concentrated forms. The offending chemical found in the cranberries is named oxalate which can bind with calcium to form kidney stones
Cranberries can prolong the bleeding time for people on blood thinners including wafarin sodium, prescribed by many cardiologists. The offending chemical in the cranberries is salicylic acid
One cranebrry product has been reported as causing a false positive test for marijuana in a patient. The factor is unknown.
Other news about food as medicine:
Orange juice contains citrate which can diminish the possibility of kidney stones. This compares favorably with lemonade and plain water ina recent study at the Charles and Jane Pak Center for Mineral Metabolism and Clinical Research in Dallas.
Chitosan, a sugar found in the cells of crabs and shrimp, is a non-offensive material used in nutritional supplements as chitin and some wound products. It is being viewed as a possible film over materials used for implants and catheters and seems to fend off the bacteria which can colonize on these impalnts. This is especially good news for catheterized patients who often suffer major infections from such bacteria.
EEA 09-18-06
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