The kidneys are a critical component of the body's organ system responsible for removing waste from the blood, regulating the body's fluid balance and contributing to overall body health. If any harmful bacteria travel from the urinary tract to the kidneys, it may lead to Kidney Infections, which is a serious condition that needs immediate medical treatment. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial in order to prevent complications and maintain healthy kidneys over the long term.
What is Kidney Infection?
Kidney infections (pyelonephritis) typically start in the urinary tract and progress to the kidneys. If not treated in time, the infection can cause permanent kidney damage and other complications.
The condition can affect anyone, but may be more likely to affect women, older people, diabetics, or people with urinary tract abnormalities.
Common Symptoms
Kidney infections may suddenly make themselves obvious and symptoms can include:
- Fever and chills
- Back pain, side pain or lower abdominal pain
- Painful urination (dysuria)
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Cloudy or foul smelling urine
- Blood in urine
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue and weakness
When these symptoms are present, delay in medical evaluation should not be a concern.
Causes of Kidney Infections
Usually, kidney infections are the result of bacteria moving up the urinary tract to the kidneys.
Common causes include:
- Untreated urinary tract infection.
- Kidney stones
- Enlarged prostate
- Blocked urinary flow
- Weakened immune system
- Diabetes
- Catheter use
It is important to know the cause to lessen the chances of re-infecting.
Potential Complications
If not treated properly, kidney infection can result in:
- Permanent kidney damage
- Recurrent infections
- Sepsis (blood infection)
- Reduced kidney function
- Chronic kidney disease
These risks can be substantially reduced by early diagnosis.
Diagnosis
Your health care provider might suggest any of the following tests:
- Urinalysis
- Urine culture
- Blood tests
- Kidney ultrasound
- CT scan (when necessary)
These tests can be used to help decide on the severity of infection and course of treatment.
Healthy habits that support kidney wellness
Following healthy lifestyle habits can be beneficial for people worried about kidney infections.
Drink Enough Water
Maintaining adequate hydration will help to clear bacteria from the urinary tract.
People with a high stage of kidney disease should be advised by their health care provider on a specific amount of fluids.
Practice Good Hygiene
Basic hygiene measures can help lower the risk of UTIs which can enter the kidneys.
Eat a Balanced Diet
The healthiest diet can consist of:
- Fresh vegetables
- Fruits (as prescribed)
- Whole grains
- Healthy fats
- Moderate protein intake
Cutting down on processed foods can help cut down on unnecessary sodium.
Control Blood Sugar
Diabetics should keep their blood sugar at a healthy level to minimize the threats of infections and kidney disease.
Manage Blood Pressure
Maintaining good blood pressure is important in keeping the kidneys healthy for a long time.
Stay Physically Active
Regular exercise promotes:
- Better circulation
- Healthy weight
- Improved cardiovascular health
- Overall wellness
Natural Kidney Wellness – Ayurveda
Ayurveda focuses on personalized health care with natural herbal remedies, proper nutrition and lifestyle habits. An Ayurvedic practitioner doesn't apply the same solutions to all people but formulates a wellness plan tailored to a person's specific health requirements.
Many people seek to use Ayurvedic practices with regular medical treatment as an integrated approach to kidney health.
Personalised Kidney Wellness with MediLux Ayurveda
MediLux Ayurveda provides customized Ayurvedic wellness packages to help in maintaining kidney health with:
- Gentle herbal health advice
- Personalized nutrition counseling
- Healthy lifestyle recommendations
- Individual wellness planning
- Convenient online consultations
Skilled Ayurvedic doctors in the USA and UK are available for advice and guidance from the comfort of your home.
Why mediLux Ayurveda?
MediLux Ayurveda provides:
- Tailored Ayurvedic well-being plans.
- Traditional herbal support
- Kidney-friendly nutrition guidance
- Lifestyle counseling
- Experienced Ayurvedic practitioners
- FREE online consultations
- Ongoing wellness support
Each wellness program is designed to meet individual wellness objectives.
Book Your FREE Online Consultation
For a personalized natural kidney wellness support, MediLux Ayurveda provides FREE online consultation patients in USA and UK. Get tailored Ayurvedic advice, diet tips and lifestyle advice aimed at maintaining kidney health over time, in addition to your normal medical treatment.