Mannose is a simple sugar which is structurally related to glucose. It is absorbed by the body much more slowly than glucose, however; when ingested, it is not converted to glycogen or stored in the liver, but rather proceeds directly into the bloodstream as a source of energy. While small amounts of mannose are metabolized by the body, the majority of mannose consumed is excreted by the body via urine.
Evidence suggests that the e. coli bacteria can attach to mannose molecules, helping to remove it from the body. As a result, some practitioners may recommend mannose to help treat or prevent urinary tract infections. Mannose is also used in veterinary medicine to treat bacterial infections in animals, and to detect the presence of salmonella bacteria in animal feed.
To help treat urinary infections, some practitioners recommend 1 teaspoon of mannose, dissolved in water or juice and taken every 2-3 hours.
Mannose occurs naturally in a variety of fruits, including apples, blueberries, cranberries, oranges, and peaches. It is also available as a dietary supplement, usually as a liquid extract.
Test-tube studies have suggested that consuming large doses of mannose may cause birth defects. Although the risk of birth defects derived from mannose is considered extremely small, pregnant women should nevertheless consult with a licensed health care provider before taking mannose supplements.
As of this writing, there are no well-known drug interactions associated with mannose. As always, make sure to consult with a licensed health care provider before taking mannose or any other herbal remedy or dietary supplement.
References
Structured water (H3O2) can be considered a fourth state of water between liquid and solid. It has the hexagonal structure of ice; however, missing a critical bond, it behaves more like a gel than a solid, but retains some of its crystalline structure.
In the past five years of my clinical practice, I have seen an astonishing upsurge in the chronic use of proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) medications for the gastrointestinal issue diagnosed by allopathic medicine as GERD. It is not uncommon to encounter patients taking these prescriptions for five-plus years.
Working with chronically ill patients entails acknowledging the reality that not all patients will survive their diagnosis. Chinese medicine and acupuncture play a crucial role in palliative and end-of-life care, addressing medication and disease side effects, alleviating pain associated with death, reducing anxiety and stress, and helping patients find peace during the dying process.
