QUESTION :
I am a 46 years old man with chronic kidney disease; my last serum creatinine level was the upper limit of normal. I always like to take some health supplements and herbs; I wonder which supplements I should avoid most.
ANSWER:
Taking supplements for you should always be under your doctor's supervision However,When you’re living with chronic kidney disease (CKD), you might think you should change your diet and take some supplements to restore your renal function. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Some of these supplements or herbs make your condition even worse.
Which Supplements you should Avoid
1. Fat Soluble Vitamins
The fat-soluble vitamins are A, D, E, and K. Your body needs them to function, but you have to handle them carefully. The problem with these vitamins is that they won’t be expelled from the body if you consume them in excess. It’s best to stick to the vitamins your doctor prescribes instead of getting one over the counter.
2. Horsetail
This herbal supplement is often used to strengthen bones and as a diuretic. Unfortunately, it also causes a significant decrease in vitamin B1 levels and flushes potassium from the body. Both of these are an issue for people with CKD because of dietary restrictions.
3. Creatine
Some people use creatine to build lean muscle, but it can be dangerous if you have CKD. The supplement has been associated with elevated blood pressure levels and kidney damage.
4. Goldenrod
Goldenrod can be used as a diuretic as well as an anti-inflammatory. If you have CKD, however, it can interact with your prescribed diuretics and lead to dehydration. The herb can also increase your blood pressure and the risk of fluid retention around your heart.
5. Nettle
Some people use stinging nettle to ease arthritic pain and urinary issues. However, it can increase fluid retention and affect how your blood pressure medications work.
6. Licorice Root
Licorice has been used to treat phlegmy coughs, indigestion, and ulcers. Its active ingredient, however, can cause high blood pressure and render your prescribed diuretics ineffective.
7. Yohimbe
Yohimbe is sometimes recommended for those who have erectile dysfunction. If you have CKD, it’s important to note that Yohimbe can cause high blood pressure and interact with certain medications.
8. Astragalus, chromium, willow bark, and vitamin C can negatively affect kidney function when they are consumed in excess.
The National Kidney Foundation warns that some minerals, like potassium, may be present in supplements in which you may not expect them, like turmeric rhizome, evening primrose, and garlic leaf can all contain potassium.
Minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus have the potential to affect kidney function. People with chronic kidney disease who are advised to consume a low-phosphorus diet should be aware that phosphorus is commonly included in multivitamins. It can be tricky to balance a proper diet plan and your overall health when you have chronic kidney disease. Open communication with your doctor when you need a balance of diet and supplements is the safest way for your health.
The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes.
https://blackdoctor.org/the-10-worst-supplements-for-kidney-disease/2/
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