Natural Therapy: UTI Prevention
Principals
Enhance defenses against the infection by providing immune support
Restore vaginal and bladder microflora
Enhancing the flow of urine
Promote a proper pH
Prevent bacteria from adhering to the bladder epithelium
Immune Support
Proper sleep
Stress management
Echinacea
Cordyceps
Maintain adequate vitamin D levels
Restore Vaginal Microbiome
Probiotic – oral and vaginal
Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus fermentum appear to be the most effective
Maintain proper vaginal pH
Enhance Flow of Urine
Increase water consumption to increase volume and flow of urine
Recommend 64 oz. per day
Prevent Bacterial Adherence to Bladder Epithelium
D mannose
Cranberry extract
Uva ursi (Arctostaphylos uva ursi) - bearberry or upland cranberry
Antiseptic, antibacterial and astringent activity
Diuretic properties.
May be used to prevent recurrent bladder infections
Corn silk may sooth bladder epithelium
Marshmallow root can also sooth bladder epithelium due to its content of mucilage
D Mannose
D-mannose is a type of sugar that’s related to the better-known glucose. These sugars are both simple sugars. That is, they consist of just one molecule of sugar. As well, both occur naturally in your body and are also found in some plants in the form of starch.
Several fruits and vegetables contain D-mannose, including:
cranberries (and cranberry juice)
apples
oranges
peaches
broccoli
green beans
This sugar is also found in certain nutritional supplements, available as capsules or powders. Some contain D-mannose by itself, while others include additional ingredients, such as:
cranberry
dandelion extract
hibiscus
rose hips
probiotics
D-mannose is thought to block certain bacteria from growing in the urinary tract.
Once bacteria enter the urinary tract, they latch on to cells, grow, and cause infection. Researchers think that D-mannose might work to treat or prevent a UTI by stopping these bacteria from latching on.
After you consume foods or supplements containing D-mannose, your body eventually eliminates it through the kidneys and into the urinary tract.
While in the urinary tract, it can attach to bacteria that may be there. As a result, the bacteria can no longer attach to cells and cause infection.
There isn’t much research on the effects of D-mannose when taken by people who have UTIs, but a few early studies show that it might help.
A 2013 study evaluated D-mannose in 308 women who had frequent UTIs. D-mannose worked about as well as the antibiotic nitrofurantoin for preventing UTIs over a 6-month period.
In a 2014 study, D-mannose was compared to the antibiotic trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole for treatment and prevention of frequent UTIs in 60 women. D-mannose reduced UTI symptoms in women with an active infection. It was also more effective than the antibiotic for preventing additional infections.
A 2016 study tested the effects of D-mannose in 43 women with an active UTI. At the end of the study, most women had improved symptoms.
How to use D-mannose
D-mannose is typically used for preventing a UTI in people who have frequent UTIs or for treating an active UTI. It’s important to know which of these you are using it for because the dosage will differ.
The best dose to use isn’t entirely clear, however. For now, only the doses that have been used in research are suggested:
For preventing frequent UTIs: 2 grams once daily, or 1 gram twice daily
For treating an active UTI: 1.5 grams twice daily for 3 days, and then once daily for 10 days; or 1 gram three times daily for 14 days
D-mannose comes in capsules and powders. The form you choose mainly depends on your preference.
Side effects of taking D-mannose
Most people who take D-mannose don’t experience side effects, but some might have loose stools or diarrhea.
If you have diabetes, talk with your doctor before taking D-mannose. It makes sense to be cautious since D-mannose is a form of sugar. Your doctor might want to monitor your blood sugar levels more closely if you take D-mannose.
If you have an active UTI, don’t delay in talking with your doctor. Although D-mannose might help treat infections for some people, the evidence isn’t very strong at this point.
Delaying treatment with an antibiotic that has been proven to be effective for treating an active UTI can result in the infection spreading into the kidneys and blood.
D mannose Conclusions
More research needs to be done, but D-mannose appears to be a promising nutritional supplement that may be an option for treating and preventing UTIs, especially in people who have frequent UTIs.
Most people who take it don’t experience any side effects, but higher doses may cause health issues yet to be discovered.
Talk with your doctor about appropriate treatment options if you have an active UTI. Although D-mannose might help treat a UTI for some people, it’s important to follow medically proven methods of treatment to prevent the development of a more serious infection.
Links to Supplements