[tri-med] FYI - Ear Infections

I am forwarding this article or URL for your information (FYI) as I believe
it may be of interest and is from a reliable source. As always, check the
information with your own doctor or health care professional before starting
or changing any treatments.

http://channels.netscape.com/ns/news/ns/ftecontent.jsp?file=/news/cranberry/
cranberry.jsp

Who Knew Cranberry Juice Does THIS?

Is there anything more pitiful and heartrending for a parent than trying to
comfort a toddler screaming in pain with an ear infection? There may be a
way to prevent them: cranberry juice.

The research is still preliminary, but it's promising. Scientists from the
University of Michigan in Ann Arbor have determined that cranberry
juice--already known as a natural deterrent for urinary tract infections in
women--inhibits a type of bacteria that is a common cause of ear and
respiratory infections in children. The bacteria cause infection when they
stick to red blood cells or mouth cells. Cranberry juice prevents infection
because it seems to interfere with the bacteria's pili--the hair-like
structures that let the bacteria stick. If they can't stick, they can't
infect.
Reuters reports that in the laboratory, cranberry juice inhibits certain
strains of Haemophilus influenzae, which is a type of bacteria found in the
nose and throat of 75 percent of healthy children and adults that could be
the cause of almost half of all bacterially-derived middle ear infections.

"We found that both cranberry juice and active chemicals in cranberry juice
called proanthocyanidins do bind to and block these respiratory
bacteria--Haemophilus influenzae--in the test tube," lead author Dr. Kirk
McCrea told Reuters.

So should you replace the ubiquitous apple juice with cranberry juice?
Maybe. But McCrea cautions parents not to immediately assume that cranberry
juice is some magic medicine that will prevent or treat illness.
Unfortunately, just because it worked in the laboratory doesn't mean it will
work in humans.

Still, eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables has been proven to be
healthy. "This is really on the fringe of looking at one of those health
benefits and giving us more of an edge over infections," McCrea explained to
Reuters. "We've got a long way to go, but this study is a start."

But do note this: As with anything else, too much of a good thing can be
bad. The American Academy of Pediatrics has long been concerned that kids
drink too much fruit juice. When consumed in excess, it can contribute to
obesity, the development of cavities, and diarrhea and other
gastrointestinal problems, such as excessive gas, bloating, and abdominal
pain.

--Cathryn Conroy

                  Building ___ooOOoo__ Rainbows
                       www.trisomyonline.org
                  Families Helping Families On-line

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