About Kidney Infections

Kidney infections are typically serious, and should be treated immediately. Kidney infections are also referred to as Nephritis, Bright's disease, or kidney stones. The kidneys work hard to filter out waste and when the kidneys don't function properly the blood can become toxic due to unfiltered wastes. One of the first signs of kidney disease is blood in the urine and water retention. Kidney disease is often the result of a poor diet over a long period of time.

Effects

The effects of kidney disease can be very horrible. A person with kidney disease will slowly waste away. Severe fatigue will set in as more toxins pour into the body. Chronic lower back pain, fever and chills are just a few of the effects from kidney disease. People with kidney disease are often depressed and tired.

Size

Most kidney stones are about the size of a grain of sand. However, kidney stones can become as large as a golf ball, and completely block the flow of urine. In this case surgery is almost always required to remove the kidney.

Warning

Uncontrolled diabetes can result in kidney problems. If you have diabetes it is important to take your insulin, and see your doctor on a regular basis.
If you feel any pain in your mid back region, see your doctor right away.
Soda contains phosphates which can lead to kidney disease. Smokers also have a higher incidence of kidney disease, which is another reason to kick the habit. The heavy metals found in cigarettes such as lead, cadmium and excess aluminum are seen on kidney disease tests.

Time Frame

Once kidney disease sets in a person's life span can be shortened by 20 years or longer. Every person is different so it all depends on other factors, such as diet and lifestyle.
Dialysis is an artificial way to filter the blood. This is sometimes the only option for people with kidney disease. According to Dr. Linda Page, author of "Healthy Healing", the sad reality is that only a small percentage of people are still alive after 5 years on dialysis.

Prevention/Solution

Prevention is the best medicine when it comes to kidney disease. According to Dr. Linda Page, author of "Healthy Healing," "a vegetarian diet, low in proteins and starches, that emphasizes fresh fruits, vegetables an cultured foods to alkalize the system, is the key to avoiding kidney stone formation. This type of diet is high in fiber which helps to reduce urinary calcium waste." She also recommends eliminating caffeine, sugary, fried and salty foods. Drink 8 to 10 glasses of pure filtered water on a daily basis. If you are very physically active you may need even more water. To live a long healthy life, taking care of your kidneys should be top priority.

Resources

• National Kidney Foundation