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> D-Mannose |
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D-MANNOSE
Articles by a Naturopathic
Doctor ( N.D.)
Do you suffer from recurring urinary tract infections? Are you sick of antibiotics? Is the thought of drinking another glass of unsweetened cranberry juice about enough to throw you over the edge? Look, over there? Is it a bird? A plane? No! It's D-Mannose to the rescue!!! |
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D-Mannose Supports the bladder and Urinary tract |
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| Cranberries are a natural source of D-Mannose, which supports a healthy urinary tract. |
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What Is It?
D-Mannose is a member of the sugar family, so many people may find it odd that it has the power it does in terms of treating urinary tract infection (UTI). It is mildly sweet in taste and occurs naturally in certain fruits, such as cranberries, peaches and apples. D-Mannose has, based on some research, performed equally as well as or better than antibiotics in treating UTI. |
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Why we use it?
UTI's or Bladder infections, are a common problem , especially among women. They are the most common complication of pregnancy and are also common in men with prostate enlargement, as these conditions can prevent the bladder from emptying completely. When urine is left stagnate in the bladder there is a higher risk of infection. Urine is normally quite sterile, but it is possible for bacteria, viruses, and fungi to enter the urethra and travel up into the bladder.
Over 90% of UTI's are caused by a specific bacteria called E-coli,which is naturally present in other areas of the body, such as the digestive tract and colon, but does not belong in the urinary tract. Our body will try to flush the E-coli out with urine, but these clever bacteria have evolved, and have developed a binding mechanism, to adhere to residues (of mannose) on the wall of the bladder and save themselves from being flushed away. This is where D-Mannose comes in...
How it works
D-Mannose when present in the urinary tract, acts as a decoy. Bacteria bind to it, instead of the bladder epithelium and are then much more easily removed from the urinary tract, both treating and preventing (in cases of recurring infection) UTI's from developing or spreading to the kidney, which can be a much more serious problem.
How do I use it?
D-Mannose is available in both tablet and powder options. The powder can be mixed with water (to help increase fluids, which is also recommended during UTI). Whether in powder or capsule form, 1-2 g every 3-4 hours is the typical recommended dosage for acute treatment of UTI. A lesser dosage may be recommended for prevention. It is important to remember that although it is the most common cause, not all UTI's are caused by D-Mannose and therefore there are some UTI's that D-Mannose will not be effective in treating. D-Mannose has an excellent safety profile and can be used during both pregnancy and breastfeeding. It will not effect blood sugar in individuals with diabetes. |
D-MANNOSE – QUICK
FACTS
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FOOD SOURCES |
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Cranberries, peaches and apples |
INDICATIONS
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Urinary tract infection/ Bladder infection |
OPTIMUM DOSAGE
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1-2 g every 3-4 hours for acute infection. ~ 1 g/day for prevention. |
WORKS WELL WITH |
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Uva ursi (bearberry), goldenseal, cranberry, acidophilus/probiotics |
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IMPORTANT
INFORMATION
click for products |
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There are no safety concerns or interactions associated with the use of D-Mannose. If using D-Mannose as described above to treat acute UTI and there is no relief of symptoms within 72 hours, discontinue use and see your healthcare practitioner. It is possible that the UTI you are treating is not due to E-coli bacteria. |
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