Cider vinegar, or apple cider vinegar as it is more commonly called, has been used for centuries in cooking and as an ingredient in a variety of home remedies. Though its benefits are supposedly linked to skin care, diabetes and digestion, cider vinegar may also be useful when dealing with kidney infections.
Kidney Infections
A kidney infection is a serious condition affecting the kidneys. It typically starts as a urinary tract infection that goes untreated and spreads to the kidneys. Symptoms include blood in the urine, pain in the sides and back, fever, nausea and vomiting. Without prompt treatment a kidney infection can spread to the bloodstream and cause sepsis, according to MayoClinic.com.
Cider Vinegar and Bacteria
According to the Global Healing Center, apple cider vinegar contains malic acid, which is an anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral agent. Because of this, consuming apple cider vinegar is thought to prevent bacteria from proliferating in the body, thus reducing inflammation in the kidneys.
Bodily Effects
Apple cider vinegar has a low pH level, which is helpful in the prevention of urinary tract and kidney infections, according to the Global Healing Center. Combining 1 tbsp. of apple cider vinegar with a full glass of water and drinking this mixture once a day should help in the prevention of these infections, according to the website Home Remedies.
Caution
Though cider vinegar may assist in the prevention of kidney infections, it is not an effective treatment. If you are experiencing the symptoms of a kidney infection, seek medical treatment immediately, directs MayoClinic.com; you need antibiotics and medical care. Failing to seek treatment could lead to sepsis or even death.
