D-Mannose is a simple sugar. Chemically, it is closely related (a stereoisomer) to glucose. It is a naturally occurring sugar found in cranberry and pineapple juice. When D-Mannose is ingested into the body, most of it is rapidly absorbed through the stomach and upper GI tract before reaching the intestines, emptying into the urine through the kidneys. Only a very small amount of D-Mannose is actually metabolized by the body.

Enter E. Coli

Escherichia Coli (or E. Coli) is the normal bacterium found in every intestinal tract as part of the natural microflora residing therein. These bacteria are necessary for maintaining a properly functioning intestinal tract, and when out of balance, can have a disruptive effect on overall health, especially immune system function.

The Result – UTI's

These same E. Coli bacteria can wreak havoc when they find their way into the wrong place, namely the urinary tract. In Fact, 80-90% of all bladder infections (cystitis) can be attributed to E. Coli entering the urinary tract, a problem 50 times more common in women and girls than in men. E. Coli bacteria present in the vagina migrate into the urethra and onward to the bladder, which is why many women end up with a bladder infection every time they have intercourse. The reason E. Coli bacteria present such a persistent problem is that their physio-chemical makeup enables them to stick like glue to the inner walls of the urinary tract and bladder.

Symptoms of Bladder / Urinary Tract Infections

A variety of symptoms may indicate the presence of a bladder / urinary tract infection, and the intensity of those symptoms may range from mild to severe or even life threatening in some cases. Symptoms may include:

* Incontinence
* Burning sensation upon urination
* Sensation of urgency to urinate without the ability to void completely
* Reddish or cloudy urine
* Foul smelling urine
* Lower abdominal pain
* Frequent urination

Symptoms of Kidney Infections (acute pyelonephritis)

Kidney infection is a potentially dangerous form of urinary tract infection that results when a bladder infection is left untreated and bacteria continue to migrate up the ureters to the kidney. Symptoms of kidney infections include:

* Burning sensation during urination
* Frequent urination
* Increased urgency to urinate
* Lower back pain
* Chills
* Nausea
* Vomiting
* Diarrhea

Treatment of UTIs

Most often, antibiotics are prescribed by doctors for the treatment of bladder or kidney infections . Bladder or kidney infections can become a recurring problem or they can stop responding to the antibiotics. Long-term or often repeated antibiotic use can lead to major disturbance in normal body microflora, and sometimes to major disruption in health. Antibiotics successfully kill the unwanted micro-organisms, but they also kill many useful micro-organisms as well. Use of antibiotics have caused many women to end up with yeast infections, as the "good" bacteria are killed off along with the "bad" bacteria. Once that happens the antibiotic insensitive yeast can then grow out of control.

Cranberry Juice?

D-Mannose is naturally occurring and is found in cranberry juice. However, the amount in the juice is insignificant compared to the 1 tsp. adult dose of D-Mannose, and is substantially less effective. D-Mannose is 10 times more active than the fructose in cranberries when it comes to dislodging the sticking of the E.coli bacteria from the urinary tract.

The Advantage

What makes D-Mannose effective in supporting urinary tract/bladder health is the fact that its chemical structure enables it to attach to E. Coli bacteria. Normal urination then eliminates d-mannose and any attached E. coli bacteria from the body.

D-Mannose does not kill bacteria, friendly or unfriendly. D-Mannose simply helps to remove misplaced E.coli from inside of the urinary tract by the natural process of urination. Use of D-Mannose is ecologically sound. The small amount of D-Mannose metabolized by the body and not excreted into the urine is harmless. It also tastes good!

D-Mannose…

* has no side effects
* is naturally occurring
* does not kill friendly bacteria
* does not disrupt normal body function
* does not interfere with blood sugar regulation
* is safe for pregnant women and small children
* is hypo-allergenic
* is dye free
* is preservative free
* is yeast free