Cranberry Juice for a Kidney Infection

A kidney infection is a specific type of urinary tract infection (UTI). Kidney infections usually begins in the urethra or bladder and then travel up into the kidneys. Although antibiotics are the preferred method of treating kidney infections, consuming cranberry juice is also thought to aid in the prevention and treatment of this type of infection.

Causes

• Kidney infections occur when bacteria in the urinary tract multiply. Another cause of kidney infection is bacteria that spread through the bloodstream to the kidneys.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of a kidney infection include back, side, groin or abdominal pain; frequent urination or persistent urge to urinate; fever; presence of blood or pus in urine and a burning sensation when urinating.

Cranberry Juice as a Treatment for Kidney Infection

• Cranberry juice is believed to be effective in treating UTIs, which include kidney infections. Acids present in cranberries kill the infection-causing bacteria that cause UTIs. Cranberries also contain a chemical that forces bacteria in the urinary tract to release its hold on the urinary lining.

Considerations

• The amount of cranberry juice you consume when treating a kidney infection should be limited, as an excessive amount of juice can cause kidney malfunction. The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) reported that women participating in a study evaluating the effectiveness of cranberry juice as a UTI treatment consumed an average of 10 oz. per day.

Warning

• The Mayo Clinic warns that a severe kidney infection can cause life-threatening complications. If you experience symptoms that include bloody urine, nausea or vomiting seek medical attention immediately.