Herbal supplements not recommended for those with kidney diseases

Herbal food supplements may be harmful to persons with kidney disease according to the National Kidney Foundation (NKF). The reason is simple, The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate herbal supplements for dose, content, or its pureness.

For a person’s safety, herbal supplement is not recommended, “It’s an unknown territory, please avoid herbal supplements, says Belinda Jim, MD

Aristolochic acid in herbs

Some herbal supplements have aristolochic acid, which is harmful to kidneys. Herbal supplements made in other countries may contain harmful heavy metals. Ingredients like potassium, and phosphorus, in particular, should be limited in the diet of people with kidney disease especially for those on dialysis.

Potassium is a mineral that may need to be limited in the diet of people with kidney disease especially for those on dialysis. Herbal supplements that have potassium include:

There are also herbal plants, tea, and roots that should be avoided such as:

Some can interact with prescription drugs

Many herbal supplements can interact with prescription drugs. A few examples are St. Johns Wort, echinacea, ginkgo, garlic, ginseng, ginger, and blue cohosh. If you have a kidney transplant you are especially at risk, as any interaction between herbal supplements and medicines could put you at risk for losing your kidney.

Instead, persons who suspect to have kidney problems, and are taking herbal supplements, should immediately stop, carefully observe symptoms and seek immediate medical attention.

(Reference: Kidney.org)