MAILBAG: Home Remedies from Fungus to Kidney Infection
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted May 9, 2023
“My neighbor has a chronic kidney infection, and now her liver is becoming painful. She also has signs of toenail fungus which I feel might underlie it all. Are there any natural treatments she can try? Thanks.”
– Margaret, Dayton, OH
Hi Margaret,
Let’s start with the toenail fungus.
It probably is not associated with a kidney infection. Although kidney infections and toenail fungus ARE often signs of diabetes.
Fungus thrives when three conditions are met:
- warmth
- moisture
- food
Fungus feeds off of sugar. So you can’t do much about that except work to keep your blood sugar in check.
But you CAN fight back against the moisture problem. Keep the area dry by not wearing shoes whenever possible. And dust your feet with cornstarch to help fight off moisture when needed.
Many folks successfully keep toenail fungus (and foot odor) at bay with home remedies like soaking their feet in vinegar or mouthwash.
Vinegar has natural antifungal and antibacterial properties. And the menthol and thymol found in some mouthwashes, such as Listerine, also have antifungal properties.
Folks who swear by the vinegar soak suggest using two parts vinegar to two parts water. Start off by soaking your feet for 10 to 15 minutes daily.
If you tolerate the vinegar well, you can gradually increase the soak time. For the mouthwash soak, you can dilute it with water or vinegar for a double fungal-fighting whammy.
Similar to prescription remedies, at-home soaks can take a few weeks to months to see toenail fungus symptoms improve. And if you have diabetes, you should always check with your doctor BEFORE starting foot soaking.
As far as fighting chronic kidney infections goes, first work on keeping blood sugar as low as possible. Then make sure to drink enough water and urinate frequently.
After urinating, always wipe from front to back. Many women do the opposite, which risks bringing bacteria from the anus into the vagina and urethra.
Several supplements may be able to help with kidney infection symptoms as well:
- Vitamin C: Try taking 1,000 milligrams of vitamin C a day. Many studies show this cuts down bacterial counts in the kidneys and bladder.
- D-mannose: D-mannose is a naturally occurring simple sugar that can help block bacteria from attaching to the bladder and kidney walks. It’s also the active ingredient in cranberry juice, so either drink unsweetened cranberry juice or try a D-mannose supplement.
- Goldenseal: The herb goldenseal can help fight bacterial infections in the kidneys.
Check with your doctor before trying any new supplement to be sure it doesn’t interfere with your current treatment plan.
P.S. Around 15 percent of Americans are battling kidney disease. That’s DOUBLE the number of folks diagnosed with heart disease. But recent research published in the British Medical Journal revealed an easy (and delicious) dinner table trick for dialing down your risk.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Don’t Ignore This Weight Loss Drug WARNING
By now, you’ve heard the buzz about GLP-1 weight loss drugs such as Ozempic. They’re being hailed as game-changers in the fight against obesity, with everyone from celebrities to everyday folks singing their praises. But what if I told you these miracle medications might be hiding a dark secret? Or that ignoring this potential side...
Tiny Allies Could Revolutionize Weight Loss
We usually think of bacteria as the bad guys, right? Well, plot twist! Some of those bugs are actually GOOD for us. I’m talking about the friendly bacteria probiotics, of course. They hang out in your gut and help keep things running smoothly down there. Now, in the ongoing battle against obesity, scientists are exploring...
Bring Home the Magic of Outdoor Sleeping (No Backpack Required!)
I’m an avid backpacker and love sleeping outdoors. In fact, I dream of spending more nights sleeping under the stars than under a roof. There are many benefits to breathing outdoor air. (More on those in a moment.) But you don’t have to strap on a backpack to get the benefits of outdoor sleeping… A...
Fruit Bowl Secret to a Healthier Heart
We often think that improving our health requires drastic changes or complicated regimens. But that’s simply NOT the case. In fact, new research reveals eating more of a simple, tasty fruit could significantly lower your risk of cardiovascular disease. Keep reading to discover the delicious fruit-bowl secret to a healthier heart… New research suggests that...
Mailbag: The Sip, Swish, Smile Fix for Dry Mouth
“Had dry mouth for a while. Which are the best mouth rinses that don’t taste bad?” – Dry As a Desert Dear Dry, Dry mouth isn’t just annoying. It can also lead to dental problems if left unchecked. I’ll share the name of an effective mouth rinse in just a moment. But before relying on...
Olive Extract Boosts Weight Loss and Blood Sugar Control
On this Labor Day, we’d like to take a moment to honor the hard work and dedication of all workers who contribute to our nation’s strength and prosperity. Forget fad diets and grueling workouts. New research suggests a humble compound found in olives might be the weight loss and blood sugar breakthrough we’ve all been...
Herbal Hero CRUSHES Bad Cholesterol and Blood Sugar
We all know garlic is supposed to keep vampires at bay. But what if I told you this 5,000-year-old pungent bulb could also ward off some real-life health villains? A groundbreaking new study suggests that garlic can be a secret weapon in the fight against high blood sugar and cholesterol. How does this humble herb...
What Your Poop Schedule Says About Your Health
We need to talk about something we ALL do. I’ll admit, it isn’t dinner table conversation, but it IS important. While discussing your bathroom habits might make you blush, new research suggests they could be a crystal ball for your long-term health. A groundbreaking study from the Institute for Systems Biology (ISB) uncovered a vital...
Are Your Senses Sending You an SOS?
As you journey into and through your golden years, you’re bound to notice some changes in how you experience the world. You may have found yourself turning up the volume on the TV more often or holding the newspaper at arm’s length to read it. Well, you’re not alone… but there’s more to these changes...
"Rise and Shine" Energy Hack Transforms Your ENTIRE Day
Imagine an all-natural, entirely free hack that improves sleep quality and has you kickstarting your day with a burst of energy that lasts until bedtime. I know it sounds too good to be true. Heck, if I didn’t know better, I’d be looking for the catch, too. But I assure you, it’s legit. This simple...