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Urinary tract infections are the 2nd most common form of infection in the body, affecting over 8 million people annually in the U.S. Women are more susceptible to UTIs, and it is estimated that over 50a5 of women will develop a UTI at certain point.
Current UTI Treatment
Antibiotics are the most recommended treatment by conventional medicine. For people with recurrent infections, low doses of antibiotics are typically prescribed daily for 6 months, which increases the risk of antibiotic-resistant strains.
In addition to this, antibiotics kill off even the beneficial microorganisms, leading to increased risk of yeast infections and many other health issues.
D-Mannose for UTI Treatment Without Antibiotics is as Effective at Preventing UTI Recurrence
In a study involving 300 women with recurrent UTIs, researchers treated them with 2 grams of D-mannose, 50 milligrams of antibiotic, or no treatment for 6 months.
D-Mannose: A Natural Cure for UTI
About 15% of those taking D-mannose experienced a recurrent UTI compared to 20% for the antibiotic group. Also, the incidence of adverse side effects was much lower in the first group compared to the latter.
Dr. Jonathan Wright was the first one to start using D-mannose for UTIs about 20 years ago, and the treatment proved successful in 85-90% of the cases.
D-mannose works for treating acute UTIs, for prevention of post-intercourse UTIs, and for prophylaxis in those prone to recurrent infections. Dr. Wrights recommends the doses below:
- For treatment of UTIs: 1 teaspoon (about 2 grams) for adults, ½ to 1 teaspoon for children, dissolved in a glass of water and repeated every 2-3 hours
- For prevention of post-intercourse UTIs: Take 1 tablespoon one hour before intercourse and another tablespoon immediately afterward
- For preventing recurring infections: Start with the dosages listed above for treatment, then gradually reduce the dose
Why Does D-Mannose for UTI Treatment Work?
Over 90% of UTIs are caused by E.coli, that is typically found in the intestinal tract. Problems occur when this bacterium is present in higher numbers and in places where it shouldn’t appear, such as the urinary system. When it multiplies in the urinary tract, you experience symptoms like cloudy urine, burning with urination, blood in the urine, lower abdominal pain, and frequent urges to urinate.
The cells of each E.coli are covered with fimbria, which allows them to attach to the inner walls of the bladder and eventually reach the uretar and kidneys.
Since they cling to the urinary organs, they can be washed out by urination.
As Dr. Wright explains, when you take D-mannose it sticks to the E. coli so it is can be effectively washed out by urination:
“Unfortunately for the E. coli, D-mannose ‘sticks’ to E. coli lectins even better than E. coli lectins ‘stick’ to human cells. When we take a large quantity of D-mannose, almost all of it spills into the urine through our kidneys, literally ‘coating’ any E.coli present so they can no longer ‘stick’ to the inside walls of the bladder and urinary tract. The E. coli are literally rinsed away with normal urination!”
If You Have a UTI, Try D-Mannose First
In most cases, UTIs can be treated without antibiotics by using D-mannose. This is the reason why you should try D-mannose first if you have a UTI. Note that D-mannose works for UTIs caused by E.coli only.
As Dr. Wright explained,
“D-mannose is very safe, even for long-term use, although most women (or the very occasional man) with single episodes of bladder or urinary tract infection will only need it for a few days at most. Although D-mannose is a simple sugar, very little of it is metabolized. It doesn’t interfere with blood sugar regulation, even for diabetics. It creates no disruption or imbalance in normal body microflora. It’s safe even for pregnant women and very small children. In the less than 10% of cases where the infection is a bacteria other than E. coli, antibiotics can be started in plenty of time.”
What About Cranberry Juice for UTIs?
Cranberry contains less D-mannose, which makes it less effective. In addition, it is packed with sugar, which stresses the immune system and increase the growth of bacteria in the gut.
Natural Steps to a Healthy Urinary System
- Cleanse your genital area before each sexual intercourse
- Avoid using feminine hygiene sprays, which may irritate your urethra
- Wipe from front to back to prevent bacteria from entering your urethra
- Take showers instead of tub baths