Supplements made from herbs promise to prevent or cure many ailments, including kidney disease. Is there any truth to it? Or are people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) falling victim to the herbal products聽industry who makes money from unproven promises? When you run across claims a product will cure or slow kidney disease there are a few things to remember. Herbal supplements are not regulated by the FDA. They fall into the category of dietary supplements and require no testing. This means consumers may be the聽test group鈥攁nd may be at risk since there is no required safety or effectiveness testing or regulation of herbal products.
Several postings on herbal products and kidney disease were of interest to me this week.聽Check out these resources, especially if you’re taking herbal supplements.
Nephrologist blogger Dr. Veeraish Chauhan wrote a post this week after one of his patients inquired about using the herb nettle leaf to treat kidney failure. The doctor searched medical literature and the web looking for research data to show benefit or harm from this herb. His advice is to skip the nettle.
The cover of Nephrology News and Reviews (June 2013) features 鈥淭he Risks of Dietary Supplements for CKD Patients鈥. 聽The article is titled 鈥淧ersistent Hyperkalemia? Maybe it鈥檚 the Noni Juice, not the Orange Juice鈥 by Jane H. Greene, RD, CSR, LDN. She explores supplements commonly used in CKD, and includes lists of herbs that may be toxic to the kidneys (wormwood plant, Black Pearl, periwinkle and more) or harmful to kidney patients (blue cohash, cascara, Noni juice and more). Greene also includes a list of聽websites with additional information on herbs. One I think is especially helpful is the 聽(NCCAM)聽page on herbs.
An herbal remedy used for centuries and linked to kidney failure was explored in a USA Today article by Dan Vergano 鈥淗erbal ‘remedy’ may trigger widespread kidney failure鈥. He sites evidence indicating a link to herbs and higher rates of kidney failure in certain areas of the world.
A couple of supplement resources in my personal library include the American Diabetes Association book 鈥淐omplementary & Alternative Medication (CAM) Supplement Use in People with Diabetes鈥 by Laura Shane-McWhorter, PharmD, and The American Dietetic Association book 鈥淭he Health Professional鈥檚 Guide to Popular Dietary Supplements鈥 by Allison Sarubin Fragakis, MS, RD and Cynthia Thomson, PhD, RD.
When it comes to herbs, it’s not only about . Herbs may have medicinal effects, and may impact your kidney function. Be sure you discuss all herb products you use or are considering to use with your doctor and dietitian, and go to valid sources to educate yourself on herb safety.
