Kidney Infections & Orange Juice

Kidney infection, or pyelonephritis, is a bacterial infection that occurs in one or both of your kidneys 2. A kidney infection can be extremely painful as well as hazardous if left untreated 2. If you suspect a kidney infection or urinary tract infection, seek medical intervention as antibiotics are likely required 2. Orange juice, as well as other juices such as cranberry and pineapple juice, might assist in speeding your recovery by inhibiting your infection.

Kidney Infections

A kidney infection is a urinary tract infection that affects one or both of your kidneys 2. In most cases, bacteria enter the body through the urethra, entering the bladder and progressing up to the kidneys. This bacteria is often Escherichia coli, a bacteria commonly found in your lower intestine. Infection might also occur elsewhere in your body, traveling to the kidneys through your bloodstream.

Symptoms

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Symptoms of a kidney infection vary, however you might experience pain and pressure in the abdomen and back, high fever, chills and vomiting 2. The Merck Manual reports that approximately one-third of people with a kidney infection also experience symptoms of cystitis, or a bladder infection, including burning sensation when urinating and frequent urge to urinate 2. Blood and puss, might appear in your urine, which is called hematuria.

Orange Juice

Kidney infections are harmful and potentially life-threatening conditions, according to MayoClinic.com, requiring medical treatment 2. An antibiotic is required to treat the infection, while a urine culture helps your doctor identify the right antibiotic to treat the bacteria present. "Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy" published results in 1989 supporting the use of orange, cranberry and pineapple juices in inhibiting bacteria, particularly E. coli 3. The Shizjiazhuang Kidney Disease Hospital recommends drinking orange juice as a part of a regular routine for maintaining the health of your urinary tract 1.

Caution

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Many commercial orange juices are high in sugar, which might aggravate the kidney while feeding the infection 2. In addition, orange juice is high in acidity, which might also aggravate your urinary tract. ; Katherine Zeratsky R.D., L.D. ; 2010'). It is unlikely you would drink enough orange juice to exceed the 2,000-milligram limit, but discuss using orange juice for a kidney infection with your doctor first 2.