Cranberries, Catheters and convincing my kid to drink gross stuff

If you’ve ever had to convince a kid to drink something that tastes awful for their own good, you’ll know my pain. My son has an in-dwelling catheter, which sometimes makes things pretty uncomfortable for him. His specialist recommended effervescent powder which works really well… but getting him to actually drink it? It was a loosing battle.

So at this weeks specialist appointment I asked what else is there?

The answer? Cranberry capsules

Now, I had heard the whole “cranberry juice is good for your bladder” thing before, but I didn’t realise just how effective cranberries actually are. 

Why Cranberries Are a Bladder’s Best Friend

Cranberries contain proanthocyanidins (PACs)—which is a long, sciencey way of saying they stop bacteria (like E. coli) from clinging to the bladder wall. This is a huge deal for anyone with a catheter since it helps lower the risk of irritation and infections.

Basically, less bacteria sticking around = less discomfort = happy bladder.

Juice vs. Tablets: What’s Better?

While cranberry juice can help, you’d need to drink a lot to get the same benefits as a tablet. Plus, the sugar content in most juices isn’t exactly helpful when you’re trying to keep bacteria under control. That’s why cranberry tablets or concentrated extracts are often the better choice.

The best part is they will be so much easier for my son to take. No begging, no “just one more sip” negotiations—just an easy way to give his bladder the support it needs.

If you or your little one struggles with bladder discomfort, it’s definitely worth looking into!

Have you tried cranberries for bladder health? 

Drop a comment and let me know what worked for you!