D-Mannose for Urinary Tract Infections: A Natural Approach

D-mannose is a simple sugar found in some fruits and vegetables, including cranberries and pineapples. According to Dr. Jonathan V. Wright of the Tahoma Clinic in Washington state, d-mannose is used in the treatment of E. coli bacterial urinary tract infection, as an alternative to antibiotics. D-mannose is available in health food stores and sold online as a nutritional supplement. Dr. Wright states, "Women are also advised to call back for a 'regular' antibiotic prescription if their infections are not substantially better or completely gone in 24 hours."



This article is intended as an educational resource. Please consult with a health care professional before taking any new medicine or starting a new exercise program.

Things You'll Need

• 3 oz. d-mannose powder
• 1/2 tsp. measuring spoon

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Instructions

• 1

  Purchase a home testing kit, called a urinary tract infection dipstick, from your local pharmacy.

• 2

  Use the first urination of the morning when testing.

• 3

  Treat an infection immediately with d-mannose if the dipstick test results are positive.

• 4

  Purchase d-mannose from your local health food store or obtain it from a naturopathic physician or other healthcare professional.

• 5

  Take 1/2 tsp. of d-mannose powder every two to three hours, as directed by Dr. Wright. Take the dose with water, juice, milk or plain.

• 6

  Call your physician immediately if symptoms do not subside within 24 hours.

• 7

  Continue taking 1/2 tsp. d-mannose for several days.