Several herbal supplements can be harmful to your kidneys, especially if you have kidney disease. The National Kidney Foundation provides a list of supplements to avoid.
Herbal Supplements to Avoid with Kidney Disease
Here's a list of herbal supplements that the National Kidney Foundation recommends avoiding if you have kidney disease:
| Herbal Supplement |
|---|
| Astragalus |
| Barberry |
| Cat's Claw |
| Apium Graveolens |
| Creatine |
| Goldenrod |
| Horsetail |
| Huperzinea |
| Java Tea Leaf |
| Licorice Root |
| Nettle, Stinging Nettle |
| Oregon Grape Root |
| Parsley Root |
| Pennyroyal |
| Ruta Graveolens |
It's crucial to note that this list is not exhaustive, and it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian before starting any new supplement, especially if you have kidney disease. They can provide personalized advice based on your health status and medication. Some of the supplements listed, such as Creatine, are also commonly used non-herbal supplements.
Important Considerations:
- Interactions: Herbal supplements can interact with medications and potentially worsen kidney function.
- Dosage: Even supplements considered generally safe can be harmful in high doses or if they are not sourced from reputable suppliers.
- Kidney Function: People with existing kidney problems need to be extra cautious with supplements.
- Natural doesn't mean safe: Just because a supplement is “natural” doesn't make it harmless.
Therefore, while not all supplements are harmful to the kidneys, the ones listed above should be avoided by individuals with kidney disease to help protect kidney health.
