When you’re living with chronic kidney disease (CKD), there are several things that will change in your diet and lifestyle. As a result of these changes, supplements may seem like a good idea to maintain your health. That’s not always the case. Some of these supplements make even make your condition worse.
The kidneys are essential for removing waste from the body and keeping your blood clean. When they don’t function well, you can have a build-up of waste in your body and that’s why you need dialysis. Since dialysis isn’t a cure, however, doctors usually recommend that you limit your intake of food that your kidneys won’t be able to process.
Unfortunately, that also means you can’t eat certain foods that are a good source of the nutrients you need. For example, those with CKD can’t eat dark leafy greens, which are a great source of vitamins and minerals.
To make up for the diet change, your doctor may recommend supplements that contain B vitamins, iron, vitamin C, calcium, and vitamin D. It’s never a good idea to start taking supplements that your doctor doesn’t know about.
RELATED: 5 Ways To Preserve Your Kidneys
The fat-soluble vitamins are A, D, E, and K. Your body needs them to function but you have to handle them carefully. It’s best to stick to the vitamins that your doctor prescribes instead of getting one over the counter. The problem with these vitamins is that they won’t be expelled from the body if you consume them in excess so a doctor has to remove them with medication.
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.
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.
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 increase the risk of fluid retention around your heart.
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.
Though it’s considered to be unsafe, pennyroyal is sometimes used to treat respiratory issues like a cold or pneumonia. It isn’t recommended for consumption because it can cause liver and kidney damage.
Ironically java tea leaf is recommended to alleviate the symptoms of kidney disease. Researchers have found that the supplement can lead to fluid retention and affect your blood pressure levels.
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.
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.
As a part of traditional Chinese medicine, this herb is used in combination with others to boost the immune system and prevent diseases. Unfortunately, astragalus can interact with several medications – including those that are used to treat autoimmune diseases that can be the cause of CKD in many people.
RELATED: 8 Signs Your Kidneys Might Need Some Attention
Even if your eating as well as you can, vitamin deficiencies and surpluses can still happen. It’s important to bring these issues to your doctor’s attention quickly.
Some of the signs you should look out for include dizziness, nausea, chronic fatigue, muscle weakness, erratic heartbeats, and unexplained weight loss. Since these signs can apply to both a deficiency and a surplus, don’t try to treat it on your own. For example, the fat-soluble vitamins will need medical intervention before you see an improvement.
It can be tricky to balance a proper diet plan and your overall health when you have chronic kidney disease. If you have open communication with your doctor, however, you’ll know which supplements are safe and how to modify your diet when you need to.
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