On finding a natural solution to a UTI and the miracle of D-Mannose

Normally, I'm a little more private and reserved than this. Normally, I wouldn't broadcast a personal issue like this -- but UTIs are too evil to let alone. I'm a newlywed, and yes -- this problem began shortly after the honeymoon :/ Despite obsessive hygiene and following every tip out there to avoid infections of this type.... this UTI that wouldn't quit. No one could tell me anything but that it sounded like I'd need to get some antibiotics.

Antibiotics rip me apart. I avoid them whenever possible, even before the conversations about superbugs and the dangers enter the conversations. They re-set my system to zero, and it's painful. I'm not a fan of pharmaceuticals for infections and whatnot if they have a chance of being resolved without them. I am by nature very skeptical though. But still, I was miserable enough, and didn't have a hope of getting into the doctor's office within a reasonable amount of time. Research yielded the solution: D-Mannose. It's my new miracle drug-that's-not-a-drug.

The science behind it has it as a sugar that our body only processes in minimal amounts, which leaves the majority of it to pass through the system - first, kidneys, then bladder - and collect the bacterium that causes the urinary tract infection. In it's natural form, the side effects are essentially non-existent. I read a lot about how there weren't any at all, but that didn't ring true. A bit more digging, and I finally found an honest reviewer who told about diarrhea. WebMD says that in extremely high doses, it can damage the kidneys. Proceed with hopeful caution, readers. Just because it's natural doesn't mean it's beneficial in all situations. 

My personal opinion though? /sighs happily. It's love.

This is one of the first blogs I read about it on: 

The Haphazardous Housewife:

http://haphazardoushousewife.blogspot.com/2012/04/stop-utibladder-infections-in-their.html

It was all glorious from there. If you're interested in purchasing, a quick Amazon search will yield more than enough. One pointer though, check the ingredients list and make sure there aren't any additives, preservatives. I ordered the powder, and there was nothing else on the ingredients list. The pills had vegetable cellulose, but no additives. Both worked quickly and suggested usage, directly from the label: 

SUGGESTED USAGE: As a dietary supplement, take 1 level teaspoon 1 to 2 times daily. Take with water or unsweetened juice, such as unsweetened cranberry juice.