Home Remedies For A Kidney Infection
You cant DIY a kidney infection away. But home remedies might help stave off some symptoms. Heres the best of the bunch:
- Take OTC pain relievers. These cant cure a kidney infection, but they might relieve discomfort in the short term. Options like acetaminophen can also help bring a fever down.
- Ditch the caffeine and booze. Drinking alcohol or caffeine can make your kidneys work overtime. This extra strain might make it harder for your infection to clear.
- Take a probiotic.Probioticshelp your good bacteria bounce back after a round of antibiotics. Some research also suggests they can help folks with kidney issues.
- Stay uber-hydrated. Youll want to drink lots and lots of fluids to flush out your bladder and urethra as frequently as possible.
- Try apple cider vinegar . Theres no scientific evidence that ACV is the MVP of kidney infections. But some folks like to drink it as a tonic for its antimicrobial properties.
Herbal Medicine For Kidneys
The kidneys, located in the posterior of the abdomen, are designed to remove waste, poisons and toxins from the bloodstream. Besides the cleaning function, the bean-shaped organs also regulate and maintain healthy electrolyte levels, red blood cell production and blood pressure. Kidneys work best when you exercise regularly, have a healthy diet and are properly hydrated. Besides, many herbs can help promote kidney health. Some work as diuretics that flush out kidney stones and excess toxin. Others can prevent and even treat kidney problems.
Kidney Infection Back Pain
Kidney infections can cause pain in your mid back , on one side, or under your ribs. The pain may also radiate to your lower abdomen or inner thighs. Since pain is a subjective sensation, it could feel dull, sharp, throbbing, or like pressure.
An over-the-counter pain reliever can help you manage the pain. Just keep in mind that it wont cure the infection itself.
Kidney infections are less common in #TeamPeen. But they can still happen.
You might experience:
- nausea or vomiting
- cloudy, bloody, or smelly urine
A doctor might give you a digital rectal exam to see if a swollen prostate is to blame.
Urine or blood tests may also be recommended if a swollen prostate is a possibility.
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Symptoms Of Kidney Infection
The symptoms of a kidney infection usually start in the bladder or urethra and spread to one or both of your kidneys.
If not treated properly, the infection can cause permanent damage to your kidney, which can be life-threatening.
The common symptoms of a kidney infection include:
- Abdominal pain.
- An urge to urinate frequently
- Blood in the urine
- Urine with a bad smell
How Do You Know When A Uti Becomes A Kidney Infection
The symptoms of a UTI include pain when urinating, abdominal pain above the pubic area, frequent need to urinate, and bad-smelling, cloudy, or bloody urine. If the infecting bacteria migrates up to the kidney, additional symptoms may include flank pain, lower back pain, fever, and maybe chills and nausea. If you have a lower urinary system infection and begin to notice pain on your sides or you have a fever over 100 degrees, itâs time to see a doctor.
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Home Remedies For Kidney Infections The Most Common Kidney Infection Treatment
Home remedies for kidney infections are one of the natural remedies for kidney infections that can be achieved at home. Dealing with kidney infections aka pyelonephritis can be grueling and not fun at all. If the infection is severe, it will disrupt your life and cause excessive discomfort from day to day. Knowing how to relieve kidney infection symptoms at home can help you feel comfortable and safe while you tackle the underlying problem. Below are home remedies for kidney infections
Apple Cider Vinegar
- Apple Cider Vinegar is one of the home remedies for kidney infections. The malic acid in apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties that can inhibit the spreading of infections. A study also sheds light on apple cider vinegars benefits towards preventing kidney oxidative injury. To benefit from apple cider vinegar used as the kidney infection remedy, put a tablespoon of the vinegar and two teaspoons of honey into warm water and consume this mixture twice a day for a few weeks. The added honey contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Parsley Juice
Raw garlic cloves
- This is another effective food item to start consuming today as a home remedy for kidney infections. Garlic has diuretic properties that force the kidneys to pass more salt and toxins in the urine garlic also works for pathogens resistant to antibiotic medications.
How To Prevent Kidney Infections
Reduce the risk of kidney infection by taking steps to prevent urinary tract contamination. Women, in particular, may reduce their risk of urinary tract infections if they:
- Drink fluids, especially water. Fluids can help remove bacteria from your body when you urinate.
- Urinate as soon as you need to. Avoid delaying urination when you feel the urge to urinate.
- Empty the bladder after intercourse. Urinating as soon as possible after intercourse helps clear bacteria from the urethra, reducing your risk of infection.
- Wipe carefully. Wiping from front to back after urinating and after a bowel movement helps prevent bacteria from spreading to the urethra.
- Avoid using feminine products in the genital area. Using products such as deodorant sprays in your genital area or douches can be irritating.
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Apple Cider Vinegar And Honey
Not only does apple cider vinegar work well for a kidney infection, but honey offers the same results as well. Therefore, when combined, both incredible methods will benefit you more than you think.
Mix some honey and apple cider vinegar to consume on a daily basis so that your kidney infection will gradually fade away. Potentially, this solution will remove all harmful bacterial from your kidneys and balance pH level in the body.
Load Up On Vitamin C For A Healthy Urinary Tract
Getting plenty of foods high in vitamin C is important because large amounts of vitamin C make urine more acidic. This inhibits the growth of bacteria in your urinary tract, according to Johns Hopkins Medicineâs health library. However, if you have an active UTI, you may want to avoid citrus or other acidic foods. These foods are known to irritate the bladder, which is the last thing you need when youre having pain urinating.
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Test For And Reduce Oxalate Levels
Oxalates, or oxalic acid, are naturally occurring compounds in plants, animals, and humans. Oxalates are anti-nutrients which bind to minerals and prevent your body from absorbing them. Kidney stones, most commonly calcium oxalate stones, are associated with excess oxalates. Excessive oxalates can also cause painful inflammation and joint deposits.
To test your oxalate levels, I recommend the Great Plains Organic Acids Test. This simple urine test measures the level of oxalates in your urine and helps determine the cause of high oxalate levels.
It is important to follow a low- oxalate diet if your oxalate levels are elevated, you have had calcium oxalate kidney stones, or have genetic susceptibility. Foods high in oxalates include chocolate, nuts, spinach, Swiss chard, berries, and potatoes. To reduce your oxalate levels, you can take one of these Mg-Potassium Citrate capsules with each meal to bind to the oxalates.
Foods And Habits To Avoid For Kidney Infection
- Avoid alcohol and coffee, as the caffeine would require extra work from the kidneys and may hinder the process of healing from infection .
- Avoid using synthetic undergarments or tight-fitting clothes.
- Citrus juice and sodas can aggravate kidney infection symptoms.
- Foods high in phosphorus such as milk, whole grains, nuts, chocolates, beans, peas, lentils and organ meats should be avoided until the infection is cured.
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When To See A Healthcare Provider
If you suspect that you have a UTI, consult your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Even mild infections can quickly worsen and spread to other parts of your body, potentially leading to very serious health consequences.
Thus, attempting to diagnose and treat yourself for a UTI without the guidance of a medical professional is not recommended.
Instead, communicate openly and let your healthcare provider know if youre interested in trying herbal alternatives instead of antibiotics. They will be able to help you create the safest, most effective treatment plan for your infection.
Summary
Even mild UTIs can quickly worsen and cause more serious complications. Thus, its important to seek help from a qualified healthcare professional and discuss your desire for a more natural treatment plan.
What Are The Common Side Effects Of Kidney Infection Medications
Most antibiotics cause gastrointestinal problems including upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite. All antibiotics can cause a serious secondary diarrheal infection due to a bacteria known as Clostridium difficile. The most serious side effects of fluoroquinolones are psychiatric disorders, heart problems, and tendon problems.
Analgesics like acetaminophen are relatively safe when taken as directed. The most common side effects are gastrointestinal: nausea, stomach pain, and loss of appetite. Acetaminophen, however, can be toxic in excess. Acetaminophen overdose damages the liver and could require emergency treatment and hospitalization.
Side effects will vary based on the medication. This is not a complete list, and you should consult with a healthcare professional for possible side effects and drug interactions based on your specific situation.
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Looking For More Natural Remedies
As you may know, I’m extremely passionate about providing women with all the details they need to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.
I’m not in any way against pharmaceuticals when they are necessary and indicated for a particular treatment. Antibiotics have a time and a place in our health. But when other options are safe and effective, I like to offer women choices that include natural options they can administer themselves.
If you’re into that sort of balance too, I’d love to send you an email when I post new articles. Hop on my mailing list HERE so I can share my research with you!
Wipe From Front To Back
This one is more about prevention. Because many UTIs develop from the spread of bacteria from the rectum, its important to pay attention to how you wipe both after a bowel movement and after urinating. Always wipe from front to back to avoid spreading bacteria to the urethra, and on to the urinary tract.
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Can You Treat A Uti Without Antibiotics
For some women with no other serious health problems, it can be possible to treat a UTI at home without antibiotics. For instance, mild or uncomplicated UTIs may clear out of the bladder naturally, as a strong immune system can help resolve these infections.
But if you’re experiencing the symptoms of a UTI, you should always check in with your doctor first. They can help you determine whether you’re able to treat your UTI at home, without antibiotics.
Because they’re at higher risk for complications, men and pregnant women should never try to treat a UTI at home, according to Rena Malik, M.D., a urologist and director of female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.
Get Your Fill Of Water And Water
One of the first things to do when you have a urinary tract infection is drink plenty of water. Thats because drinking water can help flush away the bacteria that’s causing your infection, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases . It puts you on the right track for recovery.
Most people can be assured theyre getting the water they need by simply drinking water when thirsty, according to the health and medicine division of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. But to be safe, you may want to make sure youre drinking at least six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day. General recommendations have suggested that women get about 91 oz of water daily and men get about 125 oz each day, including water from food, as also noted in that group’s report.
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Infections Along The Urinary Tract
While most of these infections are simply referred to as a UTI, the location of the infection makes a difference. Lower urinary tract infections are very common and easy to treat, but as the infection travels upwards, it gets more difficult and more dangerous.
- Lower Urinary Tract Infection
A lower urinary tract infection is what we commonly refer to as a UTI. It occurs when bacteria enters the urethra and causes a frequent urge to urination, burning sensations, dark urine, bladder discomfort, and kidney pain.2
- Bladder Infection
Bladder infections occur when the lower UTI works its way into the bladder. Youll experience similar symptoms, oftentimes persisting for longer periods of time and with an increase in frequency or intensity.
- Kidney Infection
A kidney infection, also known as pyelonephritis, occurs when excess bacteria has built up in the urinary tract and reached the kidneys.1 It is considered an upper urinary tract infection and is much more serious than lower urinary tract infections.
Once the infection spreads to your kidneys, its more dangerous. Kidney infections can be very serious and may require hospitalization. If you think you have a kidney infection, dont hesitate to schedule an appointment with your urologists for a proper diagnosis. In addition to a urine culture, your doctor will need to order imaging tests, blood tests, or a combination of both to confirm the location of the infection.
When To See Your Urologist
While it would be nice to avoid the doctors office for kidney pain, its not always possible. Sometimes, the pain is not treatable using an at-home remedy and youll need to see your doctor or urologist to get relief. It should also be noted that just because you experience pain relief, doesnt mean that your infection is gone. To make sure that the infection doesnt spread to other parts of your body and cause further complications, you need to get a proper diagnosis and treat the problem. If you have a high fever, blood in your urine, vomiting, or chills, see your doctor immediately.1 If you experience back, groin, or abdominal pain, see your doctor.3 always better to seek medical treatment early to treat any serious infections and reduce the risks of complications or severe problems.
If you have kidney stones, but the pain is persistent and youre unable to pass them on your own, your urologist will recommend additional treatments. There are a number of different things that can be done to reduce the size of kidney stones and make them easier to pass naturally. Call your doctor if the pain persists and youre unable to pass kidney stones on your own.
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What To Expect At Your Providers Office
Your health care provider will feel your abdomen and kidneys for changes and use laboratory tests, such as a urine culture, to find out if you have a UTI. If the usual treatments do not work, your provider will explore the possibility that you have some other condition. Other illnesses, such as sexually transmitted diseases , can cause symptoms that mimic a UTI.
Can I Go To Work With A Kidney Infection
Most kidney infections are treated on an outpatient basis with oral antibiotics. Symptom relief typically occurs after a few days of treatment, so it may be possible to go to work at that point. Many patients, however, require a week or two before they feel well enough to work. As always, never go to work with a fever.
Some of the common antibiotics your doctor may prescribe to treat a UTI include:
In certain instances, your doctor may prescribe a less common antibiotic. If you have allergies to certain antibiotics, for example, or your UTI is more severe, you may receive a prescription for a class of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones. These include Cipro and Levaquin .
A typical course of antibiotics for a mild UTI lasts several days. If youâre otherwise feeling fine besides your UTI, your physician may suggest a shortened course of drugs, maybe 1-3 days. Follow your doctors direction, though. Stopping an antibiotic too soon could enable your infection to return.
If you are getting frequent, recurring infections, your doctor might suggest a low dose antibiotic regimen over the course of several months.
Itâs important to note that an estimated 22% of women receiving antibiotic treatment for a UTI develop candida overgrowth soon after. If you have to take antibiotics, be sure to accompany them with a course of probiotics to help to keep candida at bay.
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Dont Use Feminine Hygiene Sprays Or Douches
The downside of using these products was shown in a recent study that appeared in the journal BMC Womens Health. Douches and other types of intimate cleansers were linked with a 3.5 times greater risk of bacterial infection and a 2.5 times higher risk of developing a UTI. The use of intimate wipes was also correlated with a two-fold higher risk of developing a UTI.
How Can You Improve Your Kidney Health
Lifestyle habits that benefit your overall health, like staying hydrated and exercising regularly, can be vastly beneficial to your kidney health.
Similarly, you shouldnt smoke, and you should go see your doctor for regular checkups to monitor your blood pressure. If youre at risk for kidney infections, you should have your kidneys tested and monitored.
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