D-Mannose: The Wonder Sugar
Have you ever had a UTI? If you have, then you know how incredibly painful they can be. And if you haven't had one yet, just know that they're basically the worst. But there is hope! D-mannose is a type of sugar that has been shown to be effective in treating and preventing UTIs. In this blog post, we'll learn all about d-mannose and how it can help keep those pesky UTIs at bay.
What is D-Mannose?
D-mannose is a type of sugar that is found naturally in some fruits, including cranberries, apples, and pears. It can also be made synthetically in a laboratory. When taken in small doses, d-mannose is safe for most people.
How Does D-Mannose Work?
UTIs are caused when bacteria gets into your urinary tract and starts to multiply. D-mannose works by coating the lining of your urinary tract, which prevents bacteria from sticking to it and causes them to be flushed out when you urinate.
Clinical studies have shown that d-mannose is effective in treating and preventing UTIs. In one study, women who took d-mannose had a UTI recurrence rate of only 5%, while the recurrence rate for women who took an antibiotic was 20%.
D-mannose is also thought to be effective in preventing recurrent UTIs in men. In one study of men with recurring UTIs, those who took d-mannose had a recurrence rate of only 8%, while the recurrence rate for those who took an antibiotic was 30%.
Are There Any Side Effects?
D-mannose is generally well tolerated and side effects are rare. The most common side effect is diarrhea, which usually goes away after a few days. If you experience any severe side effects, stop taking d-mannose and talk to your doctor.
If you're someone who suffers from recurrent UTIs, then d-mannose may be worth a try. It's a natural sugar that has been shown to be effective in treating and preventing UTIs, with few side effects. So next time you're feeling the first signs of a UTI coming on, reach for the d-mannose instead of the antibiotics!