MAILBAG: Home Remedies from Fungus to Kidney Infection

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:

  1. warmth
  2. moisture
  3. 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.

Dr. Scott Olson, ND

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

The 10,000 Steps LIE That's Ruining Your Health

I’ll be honest—I’m a little sick of the 10,000-steps theory. You know, the one that insists you need to take at least that many steps daily to stay healthy? You won’t believe where that claim originally came from. The 10,000-steps theory wasn’t handed down from the fitness gods on stone tablets. It originated from a...

Read This

“Brain Games” Failed You? Try THIS For Better Memory Instead

You know all those brain-training apps, supplements, and “miracle” memory-boosters that promise to keep your brain sharp as you age? Here’s the truth… There IS evidence they support brain health—and that’s why I’ll be the first to recommend them. But they aren’t the most powerful brain-boosting tool available to you. Another surprising solution has earned...

Read This

Mailbag: 5 Powerful Ways to Shield Your Prostate from Cancer

“What are your tips to avoid prostate cancer?” —Keeping Cancer at Bay Hi Keeping, You’re right to be concerned—prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men in the United States. Approximately one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. And there were an estimated 268,490 new prostate cancer...

Read This

Popular Drinks Quintuple THIS Deadly Risk

We all know that sugary drinks aren’t good for our teeth. But new research reveals a far more sinister link between sweetened beverages and oral health. Your soda habit could be putting you at risk for something far worse than cavities… Research published in JAMA Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery has uncovered a shocking...

Read This

Depression AGES Your Body 30% Faster—Here's How to Stop It

Recent research highlights the profound connection between the mind and body. The eye-opening new study shows how battling depression could put you on the fast track to physical decline. Depression is the most common mental health condition worldwide. We’ve long known that it’s linked to an increased risk of illnesses, including heart disease and diabetes....

Read This

Study Reveals Not All Generic Drugs Are Created Equal

Like most folks, you probably don’t think twice about whether you’re getting a brand-name or generic drug when you pick up a prescription. After all, the FDA insists generics are just as safe and effective as their pricier brand-name counterparts. But what if that’s not always true? A disturbing new study has uncovered evidence that...

Read This

Feed Your Good Gut Bugs with this Produce Aisle Staple

Improving your health doesn’t always have to be complicated or expensive. Sometimes, it’s as simple—and tasty—as a handful of berries. We’ve long known that blueberries pack a serious nutritional punch. But this latest research takes things by revealing exactly how these berries enhance your gut microbiome—the community of beneficial bacteria living in your digestive system....

Read This

Harness the Forgotten Superpower of Boredom

From the moment we crawl out of bed in the morning until we hit the hay again at night, we’re bombarded with stimulation. With screens everywhere, including in our pockets, we’re surrounded by entertainment. But with constant notifications and endless scrolling, we’ve forgotten how to be bored. In fact, most of us avoid it at...

Read This

The Forgotten Nutrient That May Save Your Memory

Some nutrients, like vitamin D and vitamin C, get all the attention. But almost no one’s talking about vitamin K. However, this overlooked nutrient could be key to preserving your memory as you age. A study published in the Journal of Nutrition suggests vitamin K plays a critical role in keeping your brain sharp well...

Read This

Mailbag: The "Natural Navigator" Method for Finding Your Perfect Doctor

“I would like to know what questions are the best to ask when looking for a new naturopathic practitioner? How do I find the best naturopathic endocrinologist for my needs? Is it OK to see your naturopath virtually?” —Natural Navigator Hi Navigator, You’re asking some brilliant questions about finding the right naturopath (or, really, any...

Read This