From the Research
A diet for pyelonephritis should focus on adequate hydration and balanced nutrition to support kidney healing and antibiotic effectiveness, with an emphasis on cranberry products, which have been shown to reduce the risk of symptomatic, culture-verified UTIs in certain populations 1. The most recent and highest quality study, published in 2023, found that cranberry products reduced the risk of UTIs in women with recurrent UTIs, children, and people susceptible to UTIs following interventions 1. Key components of the diet include:
- Drinking 2-3 liters of water daily to help flush bacteria from the urinary tract and reduce kidney inflammation
- Consuming a low-sodium diet (less than 2,300 mg daily) to prevent fluid retention and reduce strain on the kidneys
- Including anti-inflammatory foods like berries, leafy greens, and fatty fish while limiting processed foods, alcohol, and caffeine which can irritate the urinary tract
- Incorporating cranberry products, which have been shown to be effective in preventing UTIs in certain populations 1
- Considering probiotics from yogurt or supplements to help maintain gut health during antibiotic treatment
- Avoiding high-protein diets that might stress the kidneys during infection This dietary approach supports kidney function by reducing inflammation, preventing dehydration, and creating an environment less favorable for bacterial growth while complementing medical treatment, which typically includes antibiotics like ciprofloxacin (500mg twice daily for 7-14 days) or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (160/800mg twice daily for 14 days) 2.