In this post, I explain when and how D-Mannose powder works in your body and when it doesn’t work.
E. coli and D-Mannose
Apparently, E. coli bacteria that causes 90% of all urinary tract infections, adheres to the sugar (mannose) that is naturally available on your bladder walls. Yes, the bacteria have a “sweet tooth”! Once they are stuck to the bladder lining, nothing can peel them off. That’s why just drinking water is not helpful. Therefore, traditionally the next step is to kill those harmful E. coli with antibiotics.
However, when D-mannose is available in abundance in urine, E. coli will “go” after it and “let go” of your bladder walls.
As soon as the bacteria are re-attached to the free-floating D-Mannose they have quickly flushed away during urination. The remainder is killed by your white blood cells and other immune cells. Because of the D-Mannose molecule’s ability to circulate throughout the urinary tract, they can even help eliminate E. coli attached to the prostate gland.
D-Mannose in your body
D-Mannose is a monosaccharide, a simple sugar but unlike glucose, your body absorbs D-Mannose eight times slower.
Because it is hard for our bodies to absorb D-Mannose, it passes straight to the bloodstream, then through the kidneys into the bladder. Your body does not metabolize D-Mannose like other sugars, and that’s why D-Mannose powder does not affect the blood sugar levels, and therefore is safe for the diabetics and does not cause weight gain.
D-Mannose does not kill the bacteria and therefore does not increase its resistance. Many pharmaceutical companies nowadays are trying to develop a drug to target those hooks that E. coli uses to hold on to the mannose of your bladder.
D-Mannose powder is a natural remedy
D-mannose powder is truly wonderful:
- It has no serious side effects (read about most frequent D-Mannose side effects).
- It will not destroy your other friendly bacteria.
- It will not cause allergic reactions.
- It is safe for most people.
D-Mannose is found in cranberries and blueberries, peaches, apples, and oranges but its natural concentration is low. You would need to consume tons of fruit to reach needed levels of D-Mannose in your urine. In comparison, you need just a teaspoon per dose if you are using D-Mannose powder.
FDA disclaimer
Some think, that if used early enough D-mannose can cure UTI without antibiotics. These claims have not been confirmed clinically and the FDA does not regulate production and formulation of D-Mannose powder. It might work for you, but there is always a chance that it won’t. So make sure to watch your symptoms and go to the doctor if you see no improvement. Self-treating a UTI could be a very dangerous thing!
If you are interested I invite you to research the work of Dr. Jonathan V. Wright on this topic and read reviews from other UTI stragglers on Amazon.
If you bought D-Mannose already, here read my post about the D-Mannose dose for UTI and how to take D-Mannose.
D-Mannose powder sources
Some manufacturers use birch tree juices to produce the D-Mannose powder. Majority manufacture it from corn.
The process to extract D-Mannose consists of two steps: first is to use a strong light to charge the ions of mannose in the sugary juice collected from the plants till D-Mannose sticks to a collector plate; second is to scrape off the sugar.
D-Mannose can be also produced in a lab. It is easy to recognize synthetic D-Mannose because it won’t dissolve in water completely leaving a chalky white mixture on the bottom of the glass. Synthetic D-Mannose is not manufactured the same way as natural D-Mannose and some think that it’s less effective than the natural one.
Natural D-Mannose powder is frequently made from birch trees’ sap
Three things to consider before you decide to try D-Mannose
1) Can you overnight it from Amazon or do you live nearby Whole foods market or Sprouts or some alternative medicine pharmacy? D-Mannose is easier to find in retail if you live in a big city.
2) Do you have any additional issues with bladder or kidneys? If yes, you could have been developing the infection for longer than you know. Do not risk a complication! You can try D-Mannose in the early stages only and if you have no other health problems.
3) You might be in that 10 % of sufferers who have UTI caused by some other (not E. coli) bacteria and D-Mannose will not help. It could be an STD. Make sure you know your diagnosis before you attempt a self-treatment protocol.
My experience
Read about my experience of treating UTI with D-Mannose for a first-hand account.
UTIs are so painful and unfortunately also popular. D-Mannose seems to have no complications so it is low risk to try. If it helped you or others I would be happy to know!
What did I do when I had my UTIs and how did I stop them from reoccurring? I share my story here.
Where to buy D-Mannose powder
I suggest you buy it in powder form because it is easier to portion and you do not need to waste your money on capsules.
1) Your local Whole Foods market or any other supermarket or a pharmacy that sells natural remedies.
2) Amazon (or any other internet retailer):
Here are two very popular products:
If you buy it, please take a minute to write me back about your experience with the product.
Best wishes and stay healthy!
