Cystitis - how to fight it?
D-mannose: what is it and when is it used?
One of the most discussed ingredients in the fight against urinary tract infections is D-mannose – a natural sugar found in apples, blueberries, peaches, oranges, and other fruits.
After ingestion, it is rapidly absorbed in the upper part of the digestive tract and reaches the bloodstream in its unchanged form. Scientific sources indicate that the body does not convert it into glycogen and it does not significantly affect blood sugar levels, which makes it suitable for a wide range of users, including diabetics and people who monitor their sugar intake.
What is interesting about D-mannose is its chemical structure. It allows it to bind to E. coli bacteria, perhaps even more strongly than pathogenic E. coli attaches to human cells.
Although the mechanism of this binding is complex, theoretically, if enough D-mannose is present in the urine, it binds to the bacteria and blocks them, preventing them from attaching to the lining of the urinary tract. Thus, the bacteria are easily removed during urination.
There are few lucky people who have never suffered from a urinary tract infection (UTI). These infections are some of the most common urinary tract complications.
Why do they occur? Most often, the "bad" E. coli bacterium moves from the intestinal tract to the urinary tract, bringing with it burning and discomfort. The causes can be various - from poor hygiene, advanced age, or urological procedures, to sexual intercourse, and even pregnancy.
The E. coli bacterium, the cause of 90% of these infections, is very persistent and survives almost all attempts to destroy it, even during antibiotic treatment. That is precisely why it must be contained before it reaches the kidneys, where it causes a bunch of serious complications.
Many of us fight the dangerous bacteria with excessively prolonged use of antibiotics. However, we do not consider that this can lead to resistance in our fight against dangerous bacteria that cause UTIs. This will make solving the problem practically impossible. Antibiotics that fight UTIs are only a means of treatment and cannot serve as prevention against new infections.
This necessitated the emergence of new alternatives for the treatment of UTIs. Ones that can be both treatment and prevention, without the danger of making our body a permanent home for dangerous bacteria such as E. coli.
STUDIES SUPPORTING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF D-MANNOSE
More and more studies are looking at D-mannose, plant extracts (such as cranberry), probiotics, and other natural ingredients as part of a broader care strategy, and not as a substitute for medical treatment.
Studies have been conducted that support the effectiveness of D-mannose in the treatment or prevention of UTIs, both acute and chronic infections.
A 2013 study evaluated D-mannose in 308 women who had frequent UTIs compared to the antibiotic nitrofurantoin for a period of 6 months. In a 2014 study, D-mannose was compared with the antibiotic trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole for the treatment and prevention of frequent UTIs in 60 women.
A 2016 study tested the effects of D-mannose in 43 women with an active UTI. All these observations prove that D-mannose reduces UTI symptoms in women with an active infection, and it is also more effective than antibiotics for preventing recurring infections.
HOW AND WHEN TO TAKE MORE D-MANNOSE?
D-mannose for the treatment of UTIs is taken in the form of capsules or powder, with more fluids, every two to three hours for five days. It is good practice to continue taking the supplement even after symptoms subside to ensure the complete elimination of bacteria in the urinary tract. This treatment is safe for both children and elderly people. Symptom relief can be observed quickly, usually within 24 hours.
Additionally, taking D-mannose at times when you feel you are most susceptible to UTIs, such as before sexual intercourse or before the insertion of a catheter and urological procedures, can help prevent their occurrence. This is especially useful for those who are prone to chronic UTIs.
Various preparations containing D-mannose are already available in the pharmacy network. The rule is that the composition should contain a sufficient amount of D-mannose and a combination of other ingredients that have a similar and supportive treatment effect, while maintaining a healthy balance of the urinary tract.
SUCH ARE THE PRODUCTS FROM THE LACTOFLOR UROBIOTIC SERIES
A 100% natural product, a triple combination of probiotic bacteria, cranberry extract, and D-mannose, suitable for acute and transitioning phases of UTIs. An ideal solution for prophylaxis.
Lactoflor UROBiotic Max is a powerful combination of natural ingredients that help in dealing with urinary tract infections faster and reducing complaints, as well as lowering the risk of re-infection. The ingredients interact to enhance the final effect.
The combination of ingredients is well-balanced and provides a number of benefits for the body:
• Anti-inflammatory effect - supports the recovery process during inflammation of the urinary tract
• Diuretic effect - helps expel bacteria from the body
• Antioxidant effect - protects cells from damage caused by oxidative stress
• Immunostimulating effect - to strengthen immunity when dealing with infections.
• Anti-adhesive effect - bacteria cannot attach to the urinary tract
• Maintains intestinal and vaginal microbiota.