Drink that can make you thirstier might not be magic cure after all

Cranberry juice is something of an acquired taste.

Some swear by it as a mixer for their vodka, while others think the more you drink the thirstier you become – like some sort of magical cursed beverage from a fairytale.

The jury is out on it medically, at least.

Some people find cranberry juice helps protect against or treat a dose of the painful condition cystitis, a troublesome infection in the bladder. It’s a very common condition which typically affects women, but can also more rarely trouble men.

What happens is some bacteria, usually some E.coli from the bowel, travels up the urinary tract into the bladder.

A bladder full of urine is sort of like an Ibiza for bacteria – it’s party time as they thrive, multiply and generally cause a nuisance.

Typically those affected need to rush to the toilet to pass water but the urge to go doesn’t disappear, somewhat frustratingly.

Only small amounts of urine can be passed, and often it burns and stings.

Often I hear patients use the words “like broken glass” when it comes to describing their symptoms, so it’s not particularly pleasant.

The body takes to fighting off the infection, so those affected tend to feel like rubbish too.

In women cystitis is relatively common, but other things can make it more likely.

If you’re pregnant, sexually active, menopausal or if you have diabetes, a catheter or an immune system that isn’t working so well, it can all contribute.

If a woman comes in with the typical symptoms, there’s no need for me to do further tests.

Providing the symptoms are mild, cystitis can be left untreated, but often I’ll send them away with a three-day supply of antibiotics. Painkillers can help with the soreness.

There’s a lot of advice out there telling people to drink plenty so they can “flush out” the bacteria – but we’re not sure if this works, and might just cause more wince-inducing trips to the bathroom.

Cranberry juice is a popular treatment too, but there’s not much evidence it works.

What I would say is if it works for you then go for it.

Some women need to come back to the surgery if they find their cystitis is recurring, they might need different antibiotics.