A urinary tract infection that usually begins in your bladder or urethra can travel up into your kidneys if not treated properly. Pyelonephritis, or kidney infection, is a serious disorder that requires prompt medical attention because it can lead to serious complications. While dietary changes may help prevent an infection and lessen symptoms, you should see your doctor if you have any kind of urinary tract infection.
Chronic Infections
Increasing your fluid intake may prevent chronic kidney infections, according to the MayoClinic.com website. Drinking eight 8-oz. glasses of water each day help to flush out your kidneys may dispel bacteria that can lead to an infection. Excessive urination spurred on by drinking alcohol or caffeinated coffee also may play a role in chronic urinary tract infections.
Berries
Lignonberries, blueberries and cranberries contain tannins that may prevent the E. coli bacteria from forming in your urinary tract. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the berries contain protective qualities that may help prevent kidney infections and urinary tract disorders. The most common and effective source of tannins comes from cranberry juice, a standard option used for treating urinary tract infections, or UTIs. While there is no definitive recommended daily allowance, you should talk to your doctor about adding one to two cups of cranberry juice to your daily diet. Cranberry supplements of 300 to 400 mg taken twice a day may also be effective for treating and preventing UTIs.
Yogurt
The protective probiotics in yogurt may provide healthy bacteria that help you prevent urinary tract and genital infections that lead to kidney problems. Lactobacillus acidophilus is a common probiotic that's proven effective for fighting infections, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. It's in most yogurt products and fermented milk such as kefir.
Lifestyle
It's important to urinate when you feel the need. Holding in your urine can lead to chronic infections and exacerbate an existing kidney infection. Women are more susceptible to developing urinary tract infections because a woman's urethra is shorter than a man's, leaving less space for the infection to travel until it reaches your kidneys. Because of the urethra's proximity to the vagina, sexually active women also are at higher risk for developing complications. Urinating immediately following sex can help eliminate chronic infections.
