Alternative Therapies for Early UTIs

"Clear Tract" is available over the internet, and is 100% D-Mannose formula.

  
       I still stand behind my contention that a deep seated fulminant urinary tract infection needs the attention of a licensed physician, but for the sake of completeness, both of my friends Kymber and Marion wish to have me place a post which includes more alternative information.   Those who are beginning a urinary tract infection or who have urethral irritation may benefit from a regime in which they use something called D-Mannose.     D-Mannose used for early bladder infection is urged by Jonathan Wright, who holds both an MD from Harvard, as well as an honorary degree in Naturopathy.   Dr. Wright practices medicine and also naturopathy in Renton, Washington.  He can be a controversial figure in medicine.     D-Mannose is a simple sugar, and therefore is harmless to us, in itself.  However, my main concern was and is, that incomplete treatment could allow a urinary tract infection to move higher toward the kidneys while we are using a less proven treatment, and this is why I decline to recommend it myself, without careful guidelines.  D-Mannose, according to pharmacists, can only improve urinary tract infections which are caused by E-Coli, and since most are, for some, this may be worth a trial of a couple of days.

How fascinating that such a simple chemical formula impedes the ability of the bacteria E-coli to adhere to certain internal areas of the urinary tract.

 

     Here is the information from:  


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 Cate Sibley, Pharm.D.

February 23, 2010

I am super stoked to be sharing this particular post with you!  Not only does it fall into our natural/home remedies series, but it provides information about an OTC treatment option for urinary tract infections (UTIs).
I cannot begin to tell you how many patients approach me with discomfort written all over their faces, looking for a way to rid their bodies of the classic symptoms of a UTI.  Upon conversation with a good friend of mine, I became introduced to a very decent natural remedy that helps prevent AND treat UTIs.
The natural supplement name: D-Mannose!
What is D-Mannose?
It’s simply a sugar that is similar to glucose (a component of table sugar) and a natural substance found in our bodies, particularly in the urine.
How does D-Mannose work to treat or prevent UTIs?
D-Mannose passes through our bodies mostly unchanged, with the rest being excreted into the urine.  When it reaches the walls of the urinary tract, the D-Mannose molecules attach to certain target spots that would normally be occupied by the bacteria causing the UTI.  In other words, the D-Mannose molecules remove the bacteria from their target spots, which helps clear up the bacterial infection.  The displaced bacteria is washed out of the body by our urine.  
D-Mannose also appears to prevent the bacteria from attaching to their targets, which in turn, helps to keep the infection from occurring in the first place.
The catch is that D-Mannose seems to only work for the E. coli bacteria; there are several types of bacteria that cause a UTI.  The good news is that E. coli causes a majority (about 80-85%) of the cases of urinary tract infections.  If D-Mannose does not seem to be working for you, then you can assume that your UTI may be caused by a non-E. coli bacteria and an alternative treatment option should be considered.
What is the recommended dosage for D-Mannose?
The simple sugar is available on the market as a capsule and powder.
A typcial dosing regimen to treat a UTI using the powder would be one teaspoon dissolved in a liquid and taken every 3 to 4 hours for 2 to 3 days.
To prevent a UTI, a common guideline is to dissolve one teaspoon of powder in a liquid and drink it up once a day!   
The capsule form may have directions like: take one to two capsules by mouth twice a day with water.
NOTE: These directions are going to vary from person to person and on the product that is purchased!
Is it okay to take D-Mannose if you have diabetes?
It sure is!  I know, sounds funny because it is a natural sugar, but because D-Mannose pretty much goes straight to your urinary tract (unlike glucose, which is metabolized), it will not affect your blood sugar levels.
Since D-Mannose is not regulated by the FDA, is it safe to take?
So far, it appears that D-Mannose is a safe alternative to your traditional antibiotics.  A couple of side effects include loose stools and bloating.
Please do remember that since it is a supplement and not regulated by the FDA, the product may contain significantly more or less of the active ingredient per dose than what is listed on the product label!
Where can I find D-Mannose?
Since D-Mannose is pretty much an unknown entity in the world of pharmacy or traditional medicine, it may be difficult to find.  If you’re lucky, you may find it at a health food store, but your best bet is to locate it online!
That just about wraps it up!  Just be cautious when trying to self-treat a UTI.  It may still be in your best interest to take a trip to your doctor’s office -keep that in mind anyway.
I would love to hear about your experience with D-Mannose.  Definitely leave a comment below to share your thoughts!  Yup, you can always e-mail me at Cate@getpharmacyadvice.com too!
http://www.getpharmacyadvice.com/d-mannose-for-uti-prevention-and-treatment/

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(The work inside the undulating double lines in the sole work product of Cate Sibley, PharmD )
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             Adding lactobacillus acidophilus to your regime is also beneficial, in this case helping to restore bacterial balance.

Other authoritative information regarding the use of D- Mannose in uncomplicated urinary tract infectiion is available by:  Dr. James Pendleton at:

  http://jamespendleton.suite101.com/d-mannose--uncomplicated-urinary-tract-infections-a334901



Ordering D-Mannose can be done by going to:

http://www.amazon.com/Clear-Tract-Capsules-60/dp/B0007DHM9M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1335362525&sr=8-1

http://www.amazon.com/Clear-Tract-Powder-50-gms/dp/B005P0SZHK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1335362525&sr=8-2

http://www.fubaohealthstore.com/DiscoverNutrition.html

or many other sources.

This is an enlargement of one variety of Escherichia Coli (E-coli) which is most often the causative organism in urinary tract infections.  D-Mannose will only aid in the urinary tract infections caused by E-coli.        Urinary tract infections can also be caused by Proteus mirabilis,  Klebsiella, Pseudomanas sp., Mycoplasma, Staphylococcus, Chlamydia, Neisseria sp,  Serratia sp. and many others.  Urinary tract infections which are caused by organisms other than E-coli comprise 20% of such infections.

UPDATE:      I wish to reiterate this point, since I get a lot of questions about this.Although most urinary tract infections are in fact,  caused by E-Coli.,   D-Mannose may be effective in early treatment of this, prior to an antibiotic being required.     HOWEVER: D-Mannose has been studied and WILL NOT aid in urinary tract infections caused by any other organisms.  This is an important distinction.
                     See your physician quickly for urinary tract infections that do not respond to an increase in fluids, or D-Mannose.