Too Much Of A Good Thing

Too much fruit juice can be too much of a good thing for spinal cord injury patients. UAB registered dietitian Beth Bussey, an instructor for UAB's EatRight Weight Management Program, says that too much consumption of fruit juice is the single largest factor in weight gain for these patients. "SCI patients are urged to drink cranberry juice to ward off urinary tract infections. But six ounces of cranberry juice is all that's needed for maximum protection. Cranberry juice contains 180 calories per cup, so patients who drink too much are getting empty calories that contribute to weight gain." Bussey suggests limiting cranberry juice intake to the needed amount, and says water should still be the beverage of choice to promote good health.