Tea Tree Essential Oil
E.coli bacteria account for about 80% of urinary tract infections, which eventually lead to chronic kidney infections.
Tea tree essential oil is considered a great remedy against the E.coli bacteria.
Although it is rich inanti-inflammatoryand antiseptic compounds, a 2006 study has confirmed the presence of antimicrobial properties as well.
A study was published in 2002. It shows tea tree oil has preventive effects against E.coli.
Another study was published in the Journal of Applied Bacteriology Banner. It states that tea trees can neutralize bacteria.
You can use this oil for both massage and bath to soothe infection.
Kidney Stones And Food
If you have kidney stones, that can lead to a kidney infection, Harvard Health reports. There are some dietary changes you can make if you think food is the cause of your kidney stone. If you get a kidney stone, you should check with your doctor in order to get the best prescription for treatment.
There are some foods to avoid for kidney health if you are prone to kidney stones, however. You should discuss these options with your doctor first. According to the Mayo Clinic, doctors recommend the following dietary changes to prevent future kidney stones:
- Eat fewer oxalate-rich foods if you are prone to calcium oxalate stones. These include rhubarb, beets, okra, spinach, Swiss chard, sweet potatoes, nuts, tea, chocolate and soy foods.
- Eat a diet low in salt and animal protein. Consider using a salt substitute and getting your protein from legumes and other plant-based sources.
- Use caution with calcium supplements. The calcium in food, on the other hand, doesn’t affect your risk of kidney stones. Again, check with your doctor if you take calcium supplements.
- Ask your doctor to refer you to a dietitian who can develop an eating plan that will reduce your risk of developing kidney stones.
Read more:How Protein and Ketones are Linked to Kidney Stones
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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Effective Home Remedies For Kidney Infection
A kidney infection is a bacterial infection that occurs in one or both of your kidneys. Also known as pyelonephritis or renal infection, it starts as a bladder infection or urinary tract infection that eventually affects your kidneys.
Kidney infection happens when a bacteria called Escherichia coli, commonly known as E. coli, attacks the lower part of your urinary tract and then spreads to the upper section.
This is a serious medical condition and requires immediate treatment. Some home remedies for kidney infection may also help reduce the symptoms.
Remember, these natural remedies are complementary treatments that may help you to get rid of the pain and discomfort. You need to seek medical attention if the condition becomes severe.
This article looks into some natural home remedies that may help soothe the symptoms of kidney infection.
How To Prevent Kidney Infection
Some changes in your lifestyle may prevent or reduce the possibility of kidney infection, including:
- Always drink plenty of water.
- Do not store the urine for a long time. Urinate immediately whenever you feel the urge.
- Use lubricated condoms instead of spermicidal ones.
- Maintain proper hygiene of your genital area after urinating and a bowel movement.
Read Also: What Happens When Kidneys Shut Down
Benefits Of Cranberry Juice
Drinking cranberry juice is effective for treating bladder infection and also helps to keep your kidneys healthy as it gets through the kidneys first. It also helps to prevent kidney stones. Drinking a glass of cranberry juice daily can help to reduce recurrence or repeat Urinary tract infection.
If you have not been eating cranberries, so now it is the time to add it to your grocery list. Cranberries are small red fruits. Its juice can be a bit tart to take it directly, you can dilute it with water.
When Should You Go To The Hospital For A Kidney Infection
Kidney infection is a potentially hazardous illness. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent potentially permanent loss of kidney function. If you notice kidney infection symptoms such as pain in your side, fever, or nausea, see a doctor immediately. If you canât make an appointment with your regular doctor, do not hesitate to visit urgent care or an emergency room.
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Dandelion Teafor Bladder Issues And Infection
Dandelion root is an excellent remedy for bladder infection. Thanks to the bitterness in the root, the taste buds are triggered. This, in turn, stimulates the bile production and promotes its flow.
Native Americans have used it for centuries, and even today, doctors recommend it for its medicinal properties.
The root contains Vitamins A, B, C, zinc, iron, potassium, and other such minerals, which act as antioxidants and help with reducing pain. It prevents pain from increasing. It also contains vitamins A, B, C and the minerals iron, potassium, and zinc, which all act as a blood and digestive tonic.
Skip Citrusy Or Caffeinated Sodas Irritate The Bladder
Sodas in general have been found to irritate the bladder in people with chronic bladder inflammation, and they could aggravate symptoms in someone with a bladder infection. Citrus-flavored sodas and caffeinated sodas are the culprits when it comes to worsening urinary tract infection symptoms. So, when youre struggling to overcome a bladder infection, stick to water or cranberry juice as your drink of choice.
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Not All Kidney Pain Is Treatable With At
While these solutions may help relieve, or in some cases eliminate, mild kidney pain, they will not stop infections from spreading. When left untreated, even the occasional UTI can turn into something more severe, which is why its always in your best interest to contact your urologist when you are experiencing any type of pain in your kidneys.
Based on your symptoms, an in-office visit may not be required. Talk to your urologist and ask questions about the type of pain you are experiencing. They will be able to tell you if at-home remedies are possible, or if you need to schedule an appointment.
As always, feel free to contact us with any questions you may have. And dont forget to download our Nutrition & Lifestyle Guide before you go for more health and wellness tips from our urological experts!
Artificial Sweeteners May Worsen Bladder Symptoms
When youre trying to cut calories at every corner, artificial sweeteners may seem like a healthy replacement for sugar. But if youve got a urinary tract infection, its possible that your bladder infection symptoms may worsen if you use artificial sweeteners. While one study found that artificial sweeteners worsened bladder symptoms in people with chronic interstitial cystitis, theres no real proof they irritate the bladder when you have a simple UTI. But if these fake sweeteners bother you, skip them.
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Can Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Treat Utis
Studies, such as one published in January 2018 in Scientific Reports, have shown that apple cider vinegar has some antibacterial and antifungal properties, but theres no scientific or medical evidence that drinking apple cider vinegar cures UTIs. Drinking large amounts of apple cider vinegar could lead to throat irritation and tooth decay.
Benefits Of Dandelion Tea
Its anti-inflammatory effect helps to dissolve the kidney stones. It is a good source of vitamin A, B complex. C, D, E, Folate, Potassium, Magnesium, Iron and Zinc.
The root of Dandelion is often dried up and consumed as a tea but this whole plant is highly nutritious and edible loaded with vitamin, minerals, and fibers. The root of dandelion is rich in carbohydrate inulin that is a type of soluble fiber and helps in the growth and maintenance of healthy bacterial flora in the intestinal tract.
Drinking Dandelion tea will help to cleanse your kidney and maintain its healthy working.
Also Check: Is Orange Juice Good For Kidney Disease
Foods For Kidney Infection
Many kidney infections begin as urinary tract infections , points out the Cleveland Clinic. About 60 percent of women will get this often painful, uncomfortable condition. There’s a myth that cranberry juice or cranberry supplements will help treat UTIs, as the Cleveland Clinic notes.
“There is an active ingredient in cranberries that can prevent adherence of bacteria to the bladder wall, particularly E. coli,” said urologist Courtenay Moore, MD in an article on the Cleveland Clinic’s website.” But most of the studies have shown that juice and supplements don’t have enough of this active ingredient, A-type proanthocyanidins , to prevent bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract.”
One of the best things you can do if you have a kidney infection, besides taking antibiotics, is drink several glasses of water and other fluids. According to the Mayo Clinic, drinking several glasses of fluids a day may discourage bacteria growth by flushing out your urinary tract.
Fruits and vegetables often have a high water content, the Mayo Clinic states. This helps boost your water intake, which keeps your kidneys healthy even when you’re not drinking plain water. Plus you have the added benefit of more nutrition from fruits and veggies.
Read more:3 Vitamins That Can Damage Your Kidneys If Overdosed
What To Eat And Avoid If You Have A Urinary Tract Infection
Eat blueberries. Just like cranberry juice, blueberries can help keep bacteria from sticking to the lining of the urinary tract.
Add probiotics to your diet. Probiotic drinks, plain greek yogurt and fermented food like sauerkraut and pickles contain the good bacteria which can help keep the bad bacteria away, and help treat the UTI.
Avoid eating spicy foods as they can irritate the bladder and possibly even worsen the UTI.
Avoid eating a lot of acidic fruits like oranges, lemons, or limes when you have a urinary tract infection as these fruits can irritate the bladder. However, once the UTI is gone, eating acidic fruits rich in Vitamin C can help in preventing future infections.
Eating grapefruits, strawberries, spinach, and green peppers can help keep the bladder healthy and prevent UTIs.
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Relieving Kidney Pain At Home Urinary Infections
If youre suffering from kidney pain due to an infection in the urinary tract, try the following remedies. If they dont work, make sure to schedule a visit with your urologist to discuss a treatment plan that will ensure the infection doesnt spread.
Hydration is key to flushing out infections of the urinary tract. Not only will staying hydrated help eliminate bacteria, it can relieve pain by reducing the concentration of your urine. Instead of turning to sugary drinks, increase your water intake. Water is always a better option as it causes less irritation. As a general rule of thumb, aim for 8, 8oz glasses a day.2 If youre active or have a strenuous lifestyle you may need more water to stay hydrated.
Probiotics help fight bacteria build-up in your gut and replaces it with good, immune boosting bacteria.3 Regularly taking probiotics may also help your kidney process waste, thus making treatments more effective.3
UTIs are oftentimes associated with cranberry juice and for good reasonit helps alleviate pain. Avoid overly processed cranberry juice cocktails and instead, opt for pure juice or some sort of supplement to help mitigate kidney pain and reduce the symptoms of a UTI.
If the bath doesn’t help, try adding direct heat with a heating pad or a heated water bottle. Place it on the affected area for about 20 minutes at a time to help reduce pain.2
Fruits And Vegetables With A High Water Content
Just like water is great for urinary health, Dr. Kelley says foods with a high water content are too. Any way people can get extra water in their body is usually helpful, he says. Fruits and vegetables tend to be the type of foods highest in water. But Dr. Kelley does have one caveat to this rec: Fruits that are acidic can actually irritate the bladder, so its best to choose fruits and vegetables with a high water content that arent acidic, he says. Some examples of this include coconut, watermelon, cantaloupe, papaya, peaches, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and collard greens.
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The 20 Best Foods For People With Kidney Disease
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Kidney disease is a common problem affecting about 10% of the worlds population .
The kidneys are small but powerful bean-shaped organs that perform many important functions.
They are responsible for filtering waste products, releasing hormones that regulate blood pressure, balancing fluids in the body, producing urine, and many other essential tasks .
There are various ways in which these vital organs can become damaged.
Diabetes and high blood pressure are the most common risk factors for kidney disease. However, obesity, smoking, genetics, gender, and age can also increase the risk .
Uncontrolled blood sugar and high blood pressure cause damage to blood vessels in the kidneys, reducing their ability to function optimally .
When the kidneys arent working properly, waste builds up in the blood, including waste products from food (
Things You Can Try Yourself
If you have a kidney infection, try not to “hover” over the toilet seat when you go to the loo because it can result in your bladder not being fully emptied.
It’s also important for most people with a kidney infection to drink plenty of fluids because this will help to flush out the bacteria from your kidneys. Aim to drink enough so that you’re frequently passing pale-coloured urine.
If you have kidney failure, get advice from your doctor on how much to drink.
Make sure you get plenty of rest. A kidney infection can be physically draining, even if you’re normally healthy and strong. It may take up to 2 weeks before you’re fit enough to return to work.
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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 thats 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 groups report.
How Can I Take Care Of Myself
- Follow your healthcare providers treatment. Take all of the antibiotic that your healthcare provider prescribes, even when you feel better. Do not take medicine left over from previous prescriptions.
- Drink more fluids, especially water, to help flush bacteria from your system.
- If you have a fever:
- Take aspirin or acetaminophen to control the fever. Check with your healthcare provider before you give any medicine that contains aspirin or salicylates to a child or teen. This includes medicines like baby aspirin, some cold medicines, and Pepto Bismol. Children and teens who take aspirin are at risk for a serious illness called Reyes syndrome.
- Keep a daily record of your temperature.
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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.