Managing a UTI or cystitis with D-Mannose

TL;DR

D-Mannose, a natural sugar, offers a promising solution for those battling recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by E. coli. By mimicking the cells E. coli attaches to, it allows for the bacteria to be flushed out during urination, potentially preventing and treating UTIs effectively. Including insights on its effectiveness and how it compares to cranberry, this article explores D-Mannose as a natural alternative for managing UTIs.

Mannose is a naturally-occurring sugar found in human tissue, in particular the mucous membranes of the urinary tract.

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is the main bacterial species responsible for urinary tract infections, and part of its adhesive capacities are directly linked with mannose found in your cells.

The E. coli hooks into the mannose, keeping it attached and able to proliferate in your urinary tract, resulting in an infection.

D-mannose, a form of mannose, can be taken in dietary supplement form and create a biological trick whereby E. coli thinks its sticking onto a cell, but it’s not – it then is excreted with your urination.

Mannose is also found in cranberry; however, cranberry also has other urinary tract-supporting features as a herbal medicine. When we say, “cranberry stops the bacteria sticking onto your bladder”, this is what we mean. D-mannose may be a preventative for recurrent E. coli-based UTIs and may be useful as an acute treatment.

If you find you have recurrent UTIs, you may benefit from a biofilm-busting treatment. Supplementation with D-Mannose may resolve a mild UTI caused by E. coli in two to three days, but treatment should be continued for five.

If your symptoms don’t get any better, see your healthcare provider because it is probably not caused by E. coli, but by Staphylococcus saprophyticus or others.

E. coli causes 70-90 per cent of all UTIs, with Staph causing another 5-10 per cent, and then a small per cent caused by others. Learn how to protect your urinary tract from bacteria that travel from your colon.



Jessica Lloyd - Vulvovaginal Specialist Naturopathic Practitioner, BHSc(N)

Jessica is a degree-qualified naturopath (BHSc) specialising in vulvovaginal health and disease, based in Melbourne, Australia.

Jessica is the owner and lead naturopath of My Vagina, and is a member of the:

  • International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease (ISSVD)
  • International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health (ISSWSH)
  • National Vulvodynia Association (NVA) Australia
  • New Zealand Vulvovaginal Society (ANZVS)
  • Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS)
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