Use of Herbal Supplements in Chronic Kidney Disease
Herbalife Problems
Herbalife is a popular multilevel marketing company that offers weight loss and nutritional supplements. Its products are sold through independent distributors and online. Although it has grown substantially since its inception in 1980, many consumers have reported unpleasant side effects associated with some of its products. Below is an overview of just a few of the cited problems.Food Additives
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Many Herbalife products contain silicon dioxide (silica), a common food additive found in many commercially processed foods. Additionally, a medical report in Bio-Medicine revealed that Herbalife was found to contain high levels of lead. While these additives can be ingested safely in minute quantities, large quantities of silica and lead, or even small amounts taken over a long period of time, can be toxic.
Side Effects
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According to a consumer report, some people may experience skin rashes with Herbalife products. Skin irritation is a possible side effect of ingesting silicon dioxide, although most people are able to consume it without a problem. The side effects of lead poisoning are well known. The extensive list of possible complications includes: behavior or attention problems, kidney damage, slowed body growth, anemia, constipation, difficulty sleeping, headaches, irritability and low appetite and energy.
Theories/Speculation
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Ivan Fraser of The Truth Campaign magazine claims that consuming products that contain silicon dioxide (such as Herbalife) over long periods may lead to chronic fatigue syndrome and even fibromyalgia. His theory, in part states that "Mineral silicon dioxide is indigestible and is not bio-available, therefore will not be metabolized. Instead, tiny particles that are not excreted will be trapped in the tissues. Excess accumulated silicon dioxide in the body causes localized reactions: granulomas, fibroids and an overproduction of collagen, causing thickening and hardening of connective tissue."
Considerations
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In addition to the possible side effects of Herbalife products which many investigators have reported, other complaints about the company itself lead one to question its very ethics. The company promises its independent distributors almost overnight wealth and success, while a number of consumer reports show otherwise. As with most multilevel marketing (MLM) schemes, the individual distributor is left to shoulder the financial burden of marketing their product with little support from the company. Before investing in any MLM plan, research the company online and read the consumer reports about the products.
Prevention/Solution
To avoid possible side effects associated with Herbalife products, it is best to avoid the products themselves. As with any supplement or food, it is important to read the label. Become educated on the different additives in many commercial products and avoid consuming anything with ingredients which are known toxins. There is no magic pill for weight loss. A balanced diet of whole grains, fresh fruits/vegetables and lean protein, coupled with a safe exercise program is the best way to lose weight permanently.Herbalife Joint Support Side Effects
By Catherine Chase, eHow Contributor
Joint pain can have many different causes, and there are many different supplements designed to combat worn out joints. Even if you do not suffer from joint pain, you can take joint support supplements to maintain your healthy joints.
Ingredients
Herbalife Joint Support is composed of glucosamine sulfate, selenium, manganese and potassium.
Glucosamine
Glucosamine is a very safe supplement, but if you have a few preexisting conditions, you should consult with your doctor. If you have diabetes, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are allergic to shellfish, you should discuss glucosamine with your doctor.
Selenium
Adults should take no more than 400 mcg of selenium daily; the minimum daily requirement for adults is about 55 mcg. Toxic levels of selenium can result in mild nerve damage, hair loss, irritability, fatigue and gastrointestinal discomfort.
Manganese
Manganese is essential for many bodily functions; the daily limit for adults is 3 mg. Manganese supplements may lead to hypoglycemia in people with insulin-dependent diabetes, so consult with your doctor if you are diabetic.
Potassium
If you have kidney disease, or are taking medications for high blood pressure or a heart condition, consult with your doctor before taking any supplements containing potassium.
Herbal Medication Side Effects
By Vincent Madrone, eHow Contributor
Many people believe that because herbal medicine is natural and mostly unregulated that it is completely safe. However, many herbs contain powerful compounds that can produce a wide variety of unwanted and even dangerous side effects if taken for too long or in high doses. Recently, the scientific community has published studies that document cases where herbal supplement have resulted in toxic reactions and in some cases, potentially life-threatening side effects.
History
Herbal medicine is by far the oldest system of medicine on earth. In most traditional communities, herbs were administered by elect individuals who specialized in studying the effects of herbs on the human body and who could administer them with varying degrees of guidance. In the modern age, and with the advent of the Internet, herbal medications are at most people's fingertips, and there are potentially millions of people self-medicating with little or no professional oversight.
Cancer
Although herbal treatments for cancer are becoming very popular and many herbs have been studied and determined to have activity against cancer, some herbs could have the opposite effect. An article published on June 8, 2000, in the New England Journal of Medicine documents the case of several patients who developed urothelial carcinomas by consuming an herbal weight-loss supplement that mistakenly contained the herb Aristolochia fangchi.
Hepatitis
Since the liver is the organ responsible for filtering out toxins from the blood stream, liver complications are a common side effect of the misuse of medications, whether herbal or pharmaceutical. In an article published on November 15, 1994, in the Annals of Internal Medicine, researchers found that seven people experienced liver injury and hepatitis from consuming Lycopodium serratum in a Chinese herbal formula.
Eye problems
The eyes are delicate organs and are often subject to acute side effects from toxic substances that enter our body. In a review of cases of ocular side effects of herbal medicine, taken from the World Health Organization (WHO), researchers found that several herbs, including chamomile, licorice, datura and echinacea are all associated with ocular side effects. The study was published in the American Journal of Ophthalmology in October 2004
Considerations
Herbal medicine has been practiced for thousands of years and in most cases presents a lower risk of side effects when compared with pharmaceutical drugs. However, the range of quantity and quality of herbal medicines available to the public has never been as large as it is today, and without the safeguard of the doctor's prescription that comes with pharmaceutical drugs, herbal medication is potentially dangerous to the user
Use of Herbal Supplements in
Chronic Kidney Disease
As a chronic kidney disease (CKD) patient, you may have considered the use of herbal products to assist you with various health concerns. This fact sheet will give you some information to enable you to make decisions regarding your use of herbs.
Use of herbal supplements may be unsafe for CKD patients, since your body is not able to clear waste products like a healthy person. There are some facts about herbs that every CKD patient should know:- Very few herbs have been studied in CKD patients. What may be safe for healthy persons may not be safe for someone with CKD, and in fact, could be dangerous. Therefore, you need to be very cautious about your use of these products.
- The government does not regulate herbal supplements, so the exact content of these products is unknown.
- Without regulation, there are no requirements for testing, so the purity, safety and effectiveness of the products are unknown.
- Herbal preparations are subject to contamination (may contain toxic heavy metals such as lead or mercury).
- Products may contain minerals harmful to CKD patients, for example: potassium.
Many herbs can interact with prescription drugs. A few examples are St. Johns Wort, echinacea, ginkgo, garlic, ginseng, ginger, and blue cohosh. Transplant patients are especially at risk, as any interaction between herbs and medications could potentially put them at risk for rejection or losing the kidney. It is important to ask your doctor and/or pharmacist about any herbs or medicines you want to take to avoid potential problems.
Herbs that may be toxic to the kidneys
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| Artemisia absinthium (wormwood plant) | Periwinkle |
| Autumn crocus | Sassafras |
| Chuifong tuokuwan (Black Pearl) | Tung shueh |
| Horse chestnut | Vandelia cordifolia |
Herbs that may be harmful in chronic kidney disease
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| Alfalfa | Buckthorn | Ginger | Nettle | Vervain |
| Aloe | Capsicum | Ginseng | Noni juice | |
| Bayberry | Cascara | Horsetail | Panax | |
| Blue Cohosh | Coltsfoot | Licorice | Rhubarb | |
| Broom | Dandelion | Mate | Senna | |
| Herbs known to be unsafe for all people | |
| Chapparal | Pennyroyal |
| Comfrey | Pokeroot |
| Ephedra (Ma Huang) | Sassafras |
| Lobelia | Senna |
| Mandrake | Yohimbe |
These lists are not necessarily complete. More information regarding the use of herbs will become available over time. You are encouraged to proceed with caution with all herbal preparations and use them only under the direction of your medical team.
With all of these cautions, perhaps you are wondering if use of any herbs is a good idea. The use of common herbs, in normal amounts, when cooking is just fine and typically recommended to enhance the flavor of foods on a low-sodium diet.
So, before you take any herbal supplement, we recommend:
- Checking with your doctor, dietitian, pharmacist and/or product manufacturer regarding safety, dosage, duration of use, interactions with prescription drugs, etc.
- Use only standardized herbal extracts made by reputable companies.
- Never take more than the recommended dosage, or longer than recommended.
- Do not use herbal remedies for serious illness.
- Do not use herbs if considering pregnancy.
The following references can provide additional information regarding the use of herbal supplements:
- American Botanical Council
www.herbalgram.org
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
nccam.nih.gov
National Library of Medicine, Medline Plus
www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/alternativemedicine.html
www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/herbalmedicine.html
United States Pharmacopoeial
www.usp.org
The Honest Herbal . Tyler V. Pharmaceutical Products Press, New York, 1999
More than 20 million Americans—one in nine adults—have
chronic kidney disease, and most don't even know it. More than 20
million others are at increased risk. The National Kidney Foundation, a
major voluntary health organization, seeks to prevent kidney and urinary
tract diseases, improve the health and well-being of individuals and
families affected by these diseases, and increase the availability of
all organs for transplantation. Through its 50 affiliates nationwide,
the foundation conducts programs in research, professional education,
patient and community services, public education and organ donation. The
work of the National Kidney Foundation is funded by public donations.
The National Kidney Foundation would like to thank the Council on Renal Nutrition for the development of this fact sheet.
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About Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a condition characterized by a gradual loss of kidney function over time. To read more about kidney function, see How Your Kidneys Work. CKD is also known as chronic renal disease.- What is Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)?
- The Facts About Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
- What Causes CKD?
- What Are the Symptoms of CKD?
- Learn about Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)
What is chronic kidney disease (CKD)?
Chronic kidney disease includes conditions that damage your kidneys and decrease their ability to keep you healthy by doing the jobs listed. If kidney disease gets worse, wastes can build to high levels in your blood and make you feel sick. You may develop complications like high blood pressure, anemia (low blood count), weak bones, poor nutritional health and nerve damage. Also, kidney disease increases your risk of having heart and blood vessel disease. These problems may happen slowly over a long period of time. Chronic kidney disease may be caused by diabetes, high blood pressure and other disorders. Early detection and treatment can often keep chronic kidney disease from getting worse. When kidney disease progresses, it may eventually lead to kidney failure, which requires dialysis or a kidney transplant to maintain life.The Facts About Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
- 26 million American adults have CKD and millions of others are at increased risk.
- Early detection can help prevent the progression of kidney disease to kidney failure.
- Heart disease is the major cause of death for all people with CKD.
- Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is the best estimate of kidney function.
- Hypertension causes CKD and CKD causes hypertension.
- Persistent proteinuria (protein in the urine) means CKD is present.
- High risk groups include those with diabetes, hypertension and family history of kidney disease.
- African Americans, Hispanics, Pacific Islanders, Native Americans and Seniors are at increased risk.
- Three simple tests can detect CKD: blood pressure, urine albumin and serum creatinine.
What causes CKD?
The two main causes of chronic kidney disease are diabetes and high blood pressure, which are responsible for up to two-thirds of the cases. Diabetes happens when your blood sugar is too high, causing damage to many organs in your body, including the kidneys and heart, as well as blood vessels, nerves and eyes. High blood pressure, or hypertension, occurs when the pressure of your blood against the walls of your blood vessels increases. If uncontrolled, or poorly controlled, high blood pressure can be a leading cause of heart attacks, strokes and chronic kidney disease. Also, chronic kidney disease can cause high blood pressure.Other conditions that affect the kidneys are:
- Glomerulonephritis, a group of diseases that cause inflammation and damage to the kidney's filtering units. These disorders are the third most common type of kidney disease.
- Inherited diseases, such as polycystic kidney disease, which causes large cysts to form in the kidneys and damage the surrounding tissue.
- Malformations that occur as a baby develops in its mother's womb. For example, a narrowing may occur that prevents normal outflow of urine and causes urine to flow back up to the kidney. This causes infections and may damage the kidneys.
- Lupus and other diseases that affect the body's immune system.
- Obstructions caused by problems like kidney stones, tumors or an enlarged prostate gland in men.
- Repeated urinary infections.
What are the symptoms of CKD?
Most people may not have any severe symptoms until their kidney disease is advanced. However, you may notice that you:- feel more tired and have less energy
- have trouble concentrating
- have a poor appetite
- have trouble sleeping
- have muscle cramping at night
- have swollen feet and ankles
- have puffiness around your eyes, especially in the morning
- have dry, itchy skin
- need to urinate more often, especially at night.
- have diabetes
- have high blood pressure
- have a family history of chronic kidney disease
- are older
- belong to a population group that has a high rate of diabetes or high blood pressure, such as African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian, Pacific Islanders, and American Indians.
Learn more About Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)
GFR—glomerular filtration rate is the best test to measure your level of kidney function and determine your stage of kidney disease. Your doctor can calculate it from the results of your blood creatinine test, your age, race, gender and other factors.The earlier kidney disease is detected, the better the chance of slowing or stopping its progression.
What happens if my test results show I may have chronic kidney disease?
Your doctor will want to pinpoint your diagnosis and check your kidney function to help plan your treatment. The doctor may do the following:- Calculate your Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR), which is the best way to tell how much kidney function you have. You do not need to have another test to know your GFR. Your doctor can calculate it from your blood creatinine, your age, race, gender and other factors. Your GFR tells your doctor your stage of kidney disease and helps the doctor plan your treatment.
- Perform an ultrasound or CT scan to get a picture of your kidneys and urinary tract. This tells your doctor whether your kidneys are too large or too small, whether you have a problem like a kidney stone or tumor and whether there are any problems in the structure of your kidneys and urinary tract.
- Perform a kidney biopsy, which is done in some cases to check for a specific type of kidney disease, see how much kidney damage has occurred and help plan treatment. To do a biopsy, the doctor removes small pieces of kidney tissue and looks at them under a microscope.
