The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
D-Mannose
Posted by Art (California) on 09/07/2013
★★★★★
A friend of mine had a recurring bladder infection with e coli as the common culprit. His doctor prescribed many different antibiotics over the years and eventually they no longer worked to eradicate the infection and on the last antibiotic, his doctor told him that this was the last antibiotic that he could try for the infection as all of the others were no longer effective.
This last round of antibiotics seemed to work, but two days after completing the course, the bladder infection came back and the symptoms were worse than before.
I recommended d mannose dissolved in a 500ml bottle of water, taken at one bottle three times per day. Within 24 hours of starting, the symptoms had diminished significantly and after 72 hours, the symptoms were gone.
Since this is a recurring problem that the doctor told him he is prone to, he will likely need to use d mannose again, but at least he won't have to deal with the negative side effects of taking antibiotics anymore and e coli will never become resistant to d mannose because d mannose does not actually try to kill e coli, it merely binds to it and then allows the body to flush it out naturally. Also, d mannose has an excellent safety profile and is the ingredient in pineapple juice and cranberry juice that is effective against UTI's, however when you mix it with water, you get the positive effects without all of the sugar contained in the juices and it is much stronger than the small amount available in the juices. D mannose in water is almost tasteless, so it is easy to swallow.
The downside is that d mannose is only effective against e coli based UTI's, but the greater majority of UTI's are caused by e coli, so d mannose is probably a good first choice before resorting to antibiotics. If you don't notice improvement within 24 hours, then your uti may not be caused by e coli and you will have to look elsewhere for a resolution.
Art
D-Mannose
Posted by Art (California) on 09/12/2013
Hi Baldev,
It was 3 capsules @ 700mg each dissolved into a 500ml bottle of water @ 3 bottles per day. If you are using bulk powder I would imagine 2 grams/2, 000mg per bottle would work just fine. It dissolves quickly and is pretty much tasteless.
I think I may have worded the dose improperly in my initial post, so to clarify, it is 3 bottles spaced out throughout the day with approximatelly 2 grams of d mannose in each bottle for a total of 6 grams of d mannose per day.
Btw, his bladder infection has not returned, but he is well stocked on D-mannose now just in case! This turned out to be perfect timing for him since he had no more options as far as antibiotics go.
Art
Alkaline Diet
Posted by Mystikat (Lv, Usa) on 11/04/2012
★★★★★
Been having a terrible time with the UTI symptoms and same as everybody else doctors try one thing and then another. Finally found a good doctor who took a lab test for kidney, did not show anything major, just a slightly elevated creatinine, not considered anything to worry about. I give all the credit to the doctor for at least focusing on the cause of the problem. I read all about kidneys on my own, came across renal tubular acidosis (does not show a high BUN or creatinine) and the explanation and cure is very simple and it is highly treatable--just raise the pH to 7.5, but for awhile go on an 80%/20% alkaline to acid forming foods diet. After achieving proper balance maintain 60/40 alkalinity. Important thing, potassium citrate very important to work with calcium and to prevent kidney stones which can cause burning like uti. Only about a week and feeling much better. Hope this helps along with the other alkalizing remedies etc. people say are helping them.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Heather (Edmond, Ok) on 11/01/2012
★★★★★
I've suffered from UTI issues for most of my adult life. I've followed every suggestion from my doctor and other women & I just believe it's something i'm just prone to. I've spent my time, money & energy back and forth from the doctor getting antibiotics that also have harsh side effect for me. I even had a hospital stay due to one that got out of hand & gave me a massive kidney infection. A couple of years ago, I started seeing a doctor that also gave me alternative options to help prevent infections. First I tried the cranberry capsules, it helped speed up my healing, but it was always in conjuction to antibiotics. I tried taking them as a preventative, but this didn't seem to work for me. What did work was Uva Ursi. Now, the minute I feel the urgency, pain & low fever I do the following (only use the following at the first signs of an bladder infection - do not use with kidney infections):
1 500mg Uva Ursi 3x per day (Capsules any health food store)
1 1000mg Vitamin C 2x per day (if you can get one of those immune system boosters that you dissolve in water - that works the easiest. But minimum, Vit C)
Water, Water, Water - I will carry a bottle of water with me throughout the day & just keep drinking so I go to the bath room as much as possible.
Bananas - eat a couple a day
Online there is alot of information on uva ursi - it flushes your kidneys & acts as an antiseptic. It also comes in the form of a tea, but i've only done the capsules. DO NOT TAKE IT IF YOUR INFECTION IS ALREADY CAUSING LOWER BACK PAIN OR YOU SUSPECT YOU ALREADY HAVE A KIDNEY INFECTION - GO TO THE DOCTOR. This supplement can be toxic if over done. Look at the back of the bottle & follow the directions exactly.
Vitamin C will help boost your immune system to help knock out the infection.
Water will help flush out the infection and bacteria causing the infection, plus help the uva ursi do it's job. The bananas will help resupply your body with potassium. I understand uva ursi can cause potassium deficiency. So keep up foods rich in potassium to avoid this. I've done this for 6 months now & it's worked!! I was going to the doctor at least every other month with UTI issues, now I'm feel great.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Jr (Av, Mn) on 08/27/2012
★★★★★
After yrs of UTI and antibiotics, I found what works for me. I do have to start with an azo pill, just to stop the pain and contractions. Then I take 1 Tablespoon Collidal silver or sometimes 1 teaspoon 3x a day. I take 3 cranberry pills 3X per day. Then at night, several hours after collidal silver I take a probotic, so the good stuff is there to work thru the night. ( make sure you do not take Collidal silver and probotics at the same time, they nix each other). Also, drink 64 oz. or more of water per day to flush your system. NO, sugar stuff and lay low on caffeine.
I feel better within a day or two, but continue this for 3 days to a week depending on how bad you have it.
I've done this for the last several yrs now, they are getting fewer and farther apart. I've have not needed any antibiotics since I started this.
Ball Stretch
Posted by Bony (Austin, Texas) on 04/25/2012
After years of bladder infections dr sent me to physical therapy (????) I could not understand this but since I had my kids thru cesarian section, she said my pelvic muscles were too tight and I had scar tissue etc so this would prevent me from emptying my bladder thoroughly. She gave me a ball which I am to lay on to loosen the tight muscles. I went about 3 times to therapy (it was embarassing because they stretch you ). Anyway, I really never did the exercises at home until today because I got another infection. I'm laying on the ball, have taken cranberry pills, vit c, yogurt, and I had to take antibiotic (have several refills). But I never want to have this infections again. I am also reading my Bible and praying for divine healing. God is awesome! Has anyone heard of this therapy? I'm gonna get probiotics tomorrow. Thank you all. God Bless you!
D-Mannose
Posted by Laura (Rochester, Mn) on 02/17/2012
★★★★★
All I can say is D-Mannose, D-Mannose, D-Mannose!!! I suffered for years with UTI's. Antibiotics were a temporary fix. Finally, I got a really bad UTI. After yet another round of antibiotics, I was still suffering. I kept going back for testing & the tests came back negative. Well, SOMETHING was wrong, for I was suffering. Drowning myself in cranberry juice did nothing.
Finally read about D-Mannose. Hit it hard for a day or two & it was gone!!! I continued a maintenance dose for weeks to be sure it was gone for good. Knock on wood, that was several years ago & all has been fine since. If I do feel a bit "off", I just take D-Mannose for a day & all is good. It truly is a miracle.
I have also used it on both of my dogs with raving success. With just one day of intense dosing, they are back to normal (though I continue them on a low dose for about a week).
D-Mannose
Posted by Amber (Little Rock, Ar) on 07/10/2012
★☆☆☆☆
I took over the reccomended amount every 3 hrs for 2 days and it didn't work I had to get on antibotics. I kept taking it while on antibiotics and the bladder infection still didn't go away. I took the powder and pill form. My mother tried D-Mannose as a preventative and it didn't work for her either. It helped with symptons but didn't cure the infection. Cranberry and ACV didn't work for me either. Next time I get an infection I'm going to try colloidal silver.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda
Posted by Tupelohonee (Tupelo, Ms) on 02/02/2012
★★★★★
Thank you for this site! I don't take any prescription medicines unless absolutely necessary (pain med for tooth extraction - only needed it for one day), so I really didn't want to have to do antibiotics for a bladder infection. I was having painful urination, and there was mild discomfort before and afterward.
I tried the baking soda in the morning and noticed that my frequency cut down first, from an hour to two hours between bathroom visits. By that afternoon the discomfort that stayed with me after a "visit" had diminished. I took another dose in the afternoon, and this morning there are no symptoms at all! I can imagine the acidity in my system came from too many desserts. I'd also had a shot of ACV mixed with lemon juice, water, and Stevia after something sweet yesterday, to keep my blood sugar from rising. I hadn't been doing that for a while.
Today, I'll continue both, since I've seen sites since then that said to mix the two. I'll rinse with water afterwards, (to protect tooth enamel), and skip two days after 5 days, as suggested on one of these sites. I need to make sure my ph level is more alkaline.
Thanks, Earth Clinic, for having such a great place to go for natural remedies. I'm adding you to my favorites bar!!
Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda
Posted by Molly (London) on 11/05/2014
★★★★★
I never usually write comments on websites.. BUT in this case I just wanted to write a huge thank you to everyone who has put their advice on about UTIs. It has been such a help with my battle, both emotionally and practically to know that others are also going through the same thing. So thank you for all the tips. For those just starting with their UTI: I would suggest if taking antibiotics, to firstly make SO sure you are also taking probiotics. In conjunction, I used a combination of diluted hydrogen peroxide in baths, and as a wash (check label for dilution required), apple cider vinegar in diluted water daily, drunk lots of water, (did not drink cranberry juice due to high sugar levels, ) cutting out all caffeine and cut down significantly on sugar, took probiotics - the ones specifically designed for women. I also made sure not to use any shower gels etc? There is hope! It has got much better and am waiting to go get final check with the doctor. Good luck everyone. Also as one final note, although the doctor will be helpful in prescribing an antibiotic - they do not seem particularly interested in recommending alternative solutions.. so don't be surprised if they ignore anything that you quote that is not 'prescription medicine'!!! Stay strong!
Acidophilus
Posted by Countrygirl (North Caroilna) on 06/19/2017
Hi,
Prioris, is this Forskolin a prescription drug or what? I never heard of it. THanks
Dietary Changes
Posted by Rose (London, Uk) on 01/15/2012
★★★★★
Never had this condition before and had frequent urination (no discharge) for over 6 weeks (all during Xmas) and 3 lots of antibiotics. Finally, found this website and started taking own action. Thanks ladies for your advice. One more thing to add to the discussion in addition to all the other remedies. I decided to drastically change my diet. Cut out all foods with added sugar (yeah, all the nice stuff - cakes, chocolate, etc. ), cut down all yeast foods and replaced with rye bread/flat bread/crackers etc. Replaced regular tea/coffee with decaff and mint tea. Used honey instead of refined sugar. Cranberry juice and water instead of alcohol. It's a toughy but I have to say it's working. I've been free for over a week.. Not long I know but it feels better than nothing. What's more, the weight is coming off too! Don't recommend this forever, but was tired of seeing doctors and thought it time to take myself in hand! Hope this helps. Good luck to you all.
Cranberry
Posted by Fabiola (Florida) on 07/23/2020
★★★★★
This literally works in less than 15 mins for me. My husband and I were shocked to see how fast this works. I stopped peeing right away.
Uva Ursi
Posted by Meadow (Tampa, Florida, Usa) on 03/01/2011
★★★★★
I have not seen the herb Uva Ursi mentioned to help clear women's bladder infections. Uva Ursi leaf (an herbal dietary supplement) is effective with stubborn lower urinary tract infections and kidney (pyelonephritis) infections. Uva Ursi has antimicrobial activity. Uva Ursi contains a glycoside called arbutin, which has an antiseptic effect on the membranes of the urinary tract. As a natural diuretic this herb drains excess water from cells and promotes an antiseptic effect on the kidneys.
It is best to take Uva Ursi leaf as directed on the bottle, with a large glass of water and the juice of half a lemon, lime or baking soad. Fresh lemon juice has alkalizing and anti-bacterial properties. Bacteria can not live an an alkaline environment. Uva Ursi and a cranberry supplement will work in synergy to clear the infection. The enclosed link is a non profit women's health website that includes:
D-Mannose
Posted by Tasha (East Coast, Usa) on 09/01/2010
★★★★★
D-mannose 100% works. Not only will it blast a UTI away, but it seems to help with other female problems. Minor yeast, etc. I suffer from chronic volvodynia-like symptoms and this really helps it. Works even better in conjunction with citrical(for oxalate levels)and lots of h20. I highly recommend using the powder as the results are better than with the pills. VERY good stuff.
D-Mannose
Posted by Traveler (Santa Barbara, Ca, Usa) on 04/30/2010
★★★★★
I got turned onto D-Mannose by a former roommate, and while I was sucking down Apple Cider Vinegar straight and water, I was having NO LUCK!
So I bought D-Mannose from the local big-chain health food store for about $35, and while it was expensive, it worked so good and immediately! I ended up getting some $25 stuff off of Amazon, and have used that occasionally if I feel "off" to good effect, though not all the time (like right now I thought I was treating BV and it's not responded expect a little, so I treated it like trich with tea tree oil and coconut oil and that really worked-- but it's only been a few hours.
But yes- D-Mannose is a necessity for a woman's medicine cabinet.
Alka Seltzer
Posted by Rice (Nyc, Ny) on 10/02/2009
★★★★★
a lot of people asking for the alka seltzer cure for uti - i googled it and you take it as directed on the box - 2 tablets in 4 oz od water. should work in 1/2 hour, many recommend taking 2-3x the day you have symptoms. happy to help and cheers!
Uva Ursi
Posted by Azg (Toronto, On) on 09/28/2009
★★★★★
For Urinary Tract Infections, please try Uva Ursi. It's a powdered leaf in a gel cap... you follow the instructions on the bottle (I think 2 gel caps, 3 x a day) and within 36 hours all symptoms of the UTI are gone! I used to get UTI's like clockwork - every 3 month. I remember reading something about how the bacteria that causes it burrows into the skin of the bladder to hide from the anti-biotics. Because the skin in the bladder sheds like the skin that covers our bodies, eventually enough skin is shed to uncover the bacteria - and BAM you have another Urinary Tract Infection.
I don't know how the Uva Ursi worked, but after treating ONE UTI with it, I haven't had one since...it's been about 4 or 5 years since my last UTI and I've recommended this to countless women in my life.
Earth Clinic, I don't know where you want to post this, but I think it's so important that women who deal with recurring UTIs read this information... THANK YOU for this amazing website.
D-Mannose
Posted by Kiki (San Diego, CA) on 07/04/2009
★★★★★
I used to get frequent urinary tract infections and was tired of paying $100 to go to the urgent care clinic for another prescription for antibiotics. Then, I read about D-Mannose. It's not an antibiotic because it does not kill bacteria. It is a type of natural sugar that gets excreted through the urinary tract. The sugar prevents bacteria from sticking to the walls of your urinary tract and flushes it away when you urinate. The instructions are on the bottle, but it comes in either tablet or powder form. You take it with a glass of water every few hours. You can use it as a treatment and also as regular prevention if you are the type to get it often. If you want more information, there is a ton on the internet. Many web stores sell it also. This simple treatment saved me a lot of money and a lot of suffering!
Alka Seltzer
Posted by Kishore (London, Essex UK) on 05/04/2009
★★★★★
i have had recurrent uti as i am a diabetic. i read about the alka seltzer remedy on your site and tried it. Next morning my symptons had gone. can not believe it. Have been on antibiotics for weeks and having tried this simple remedy did the trick. Thank you