Symptoms & Solutions of Kidney Infection

• Back pain, especially when it’s sudden and intense


• An urgent need to urinate


• Fatigue


• Swollen legs, hands, feet, or ankles


• Blood in the urine or difficulty urinating


• Bloating


• Puffy eyes


• Ridges in fingernails


• Skin problems


• Nausea and/or vomiting


• Metallic taste in the mouth

Infections and kidney stones are two of the most common kidney problems. Generally, infections are due to the bacteria E. coli gaining access to the urinary tract where they can connect with the kidneys. Technically, kidney infection is a form of urinary tract infection (UTI) and is treated with antibiotics.

Kidney stones, on the other hand, are solid, chemical deposits that form inside the kidney. Dehydration is one of the most common causes of kidney stones. A kidney stone can be nearly invisible to the naked eye, as large as a marble, or even bigger.

Steps To Keeps Kidney Healthy

1) Hydrate

Staying thoroughly hydrated is the most important thing you can do to prevent kidney stones and keep kidneys strong. Water dilutes the urine, and that prevents minerals and salts from clustering together and forming stones. I often recommend that patients who are at risk for kidney stones start the day by drinking fresh lemon juice in a glass of room temperature water.

2) Probiotics

Make certain you have healthy populations of friendly bacteria known as probiotics in your intestines. Studies have shown that these microorganisms are linked to better overall and digestive health, as well as a long list of other benefits. One of those involves assisting kidneys in processing waste materials, as well as reducing the likelihood of developing kidney stones.

A recent clinical trial involving patients with chronic kidney disease found that the group taking probiotics improved kidney function test scores as well as overall quality of life.

3) Eat Less Meat

Go easy on animal protein. Kidney stones are most common in populations that consume a great deal of meat. I suggest aiming for less than 65 grams of animal protein per day, which is just a little more than two ounces.

4) Avoid Phosphorous

Watch your phosphorous intake. You rarely hear about the mineral phosphorous, probably because deficiencies are so rare, especially for anyone eating the Standard American Diet (SAD). And that’s why phosphorous is becoming a problem, particularly for kidneys.

The mineral is found in most foods, but carbonated soft drinks and prepared, processed foods are especially high in phosphorus. You only need 800 mg to 1,200 mg of phosphorus each day; higher amounts are flushed from the body by healthy kidneys.

When kidneys don’t work well, phosphorus accumulates in the body, causing potentially serious conditions, such as bone and heart disorders, as well as calcification (hardening) of tissues. The easiest way to make sure you’re not getting too much phosphorus is to eat a nutritious, whole foods diet and totally avoid any fast and convenience foods.

5) Quit Smoking

Smoking hurts the kidneys, so if that is one of your vices you have to stop.

6) Drink Juice

One of the best ways to support good kidney health is with daily juicing. My favorite is to juice one entire bunch of cilantro or parsley, two herbs that are kidney friendly and help remove heavy metals from the body, mixed with water, lemon juice, and raw, organic honey to taste. If you have not discovered juicing yet, you can also use a greens product that provides a healthy serving of these essential nutrients.

7) Eat These Foods

Stock-up on kidney-supportive foods, including watermelon, berries (cranberries, blueberries, and strawberries), peppers, apples, garlic, onions, cabbage, cauliflower, and olive oil. While you’re at it, please review my earlier recommendations for healthy eating and reducing inflammation, because those suggestions benefit kidneys, too.

8) Lose Some Weight

If you’re carrying around extra pounds, do your kidneys a favor and shed a few pounds. Obesity has been linked to an increased likelihood of developing kidney cancer.

9) Ditch the Pain Relievers

Slash your risk of kidney cancer even further by minimizing your use of pain relievers, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin), naproxen (Aleve), and acetaminophen (Tylenol). Products like these are very hard on the kidneys. Even worse, researchers have found that these drugs increase the risk of developing kidney cancer.

10) Epsom Salt

Treat yourself to a detox bath in Epsom salts. Removing waste and toxins gives kidney a boost while improving your overall health.

Making the changes I’ve listed above will benefit your kidneys, along with your overall health. But, in addition, there are three significant threats that really require action on your part. If you’re suffering from high blood pressure, pre-diabetes, or diabetes, your kidneys could be suffering, too. These conditions can be improved with natural remedies and lifestyle changes, but those will require some commitment on your part. I hope you’ll agree that taking care of your kidneys is a worthwhile goal and make the necessary changes to protect these vital organs.

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