Kidney infections can be caused by many things, such as drinking too much soda or not treating a urinary tract infection. These infections can be very painful and cause a person to become chilled, feverish and nauseous. Of course, getting in to see a doctor right away is best, but there are some things you can do at home that can relieve and in some cases clear up a kidney infection.
Fluids
We have all heard that drinking cranberry juice will cure a urinary tract infection or kidney infection. Well, that may not necessarily be true, but cranberry juice does help to limit the amount of bacterial growth in the kidneys by creating an acidic environment. However, you will need to drink at least 16 oz. of 100 percent pure cranberry juice per day for the cranberry juice to help. Avoid anything that says "cocktail" as these drinks have a lot of added sugar and can make your infection worse. Besides cranberry juice, drinking at least 64 oz. of water per day will help flush toxins and infection from the kidneys. The bladder cleanses itself each time you urinate, helping harmful bacteria leave the body faster.
Herbal Supplements
There are also certain herbs that may
Vitamins
Taking certain vitamins can help with a kidney infection. Vitamin C helps to improve your immune system, while vitamin A increases the struggle of body cells against any bad bacteria in your body.
Things to Avoid
Be sure to avoid drinks that contain sugar, as sugar helps breed bacteria. Consider what you're eating. Some foods, such as dairy products, caffeine and carbonated drinks can increase your chances of a kidney infection. Avoiding bubble baths can help prevent kidney infections or keep them from getting worse if you already have one. Also, avoid wearing tight pants or synthetic undergarments to reduce your risk of a kidney infection.
Complications
Kidney infections can be very serious if left untreated. They can lead to kidney failure or even death if not cured in a timely manner. Symptoms of kidney infections can also be symptoms of various other problems as well, so if you have an infection that home remedies don't cure, it is imperative that you visit a doctor immediately.
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