Bades and kidney health: is it worth it to worry?

Bades and kidney health: is it worth it to worry?

Section 1: kidneys – filters of life and their fragile health

The kidneys, like tireless workers, clean our blood around the clock, removing waste, excess fluid and electrolytes. These paired organs, located on both sides of the spine in the lower back, perform vital functions, supporting homeostasis and ensuring the normal functioning of the whole organism. The health of the kidneys is crucial for general well -being, and a violation of their work can lead to serious consequences.

1. 1 Anatomy and physiology of the kidneys:

   The kidneys are complex organs consisting of millions of tiny filter units called nephrons. Each nephron consists of a glomerulus (a ball of capillaries) and tubules. Blood enters the glomerulus, where water, electrolytes and waste is filtered. The filtered liquid, called primary urine, passes through the tubules, where the reabsorption of the necessary substances (for example, glucose, amino acids) and the secretion of additional waste occurs. As a result, the final urine is formed, which is excreted from the body.

   In addition to filtering, the kidneys perform other important functions:

   • Regulation of blood pressure: The kidneys produce renin, a hormone that plays a key role in the regulation of blood pressure.
   • Erythropoetin production: The kidneys produce erythropoetin, a hormone, stimulating the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow.
   • Activation of vitamin D: The kidneys transform the inactive form of vitamin D into the active form necessary for the absorption of calcium and maintaining bone health.
   • Electrolyte balance regulation: The kidneys control the level of electrolytes in the blood, such as sodium, potassium and chlorine, maintaining their balance.
   • Regulation of the acid-base balance: The kidneys help maintain the acid-base balance of the blood, removing an excess of acid or alkali.

2. 2 Kidney diseases: Quiet killer:

   Kidney diseases often develop gradually and imperceptibly, without causing obvious symptoms in the early stages. This makes them especially dangerous, since patients may not suspect the problem until the kidneys are seriously damaged.

   The most common kidney diseases:

   • Chronic kidney disease (HBP): Progressive and irreversible reduction in renal function. The main causes of CBP are diabetes and hypertension.
   • Acute renal failure (OPN): A sudden decrease in kidney function, which can be caused by various factors, such as infections, injuries, drugs and dehydration.
   • Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of the glomerulus of the kidneys, which can be caused by autoimmune diseases, infections or drugs.
   • Pyelonephritis: The infection of the kidneys, usually caused by bacteria entering the kidneys from the bladder.
   • Uroline disease: The formation of solid deposits (stones) in the kidneys or urinary tract.
   • Polycystic kidney: Genetic disease characterized by the formation of multiple cysts in the kidneys.

3. 3 Risk factors and prevention:

   Some factors increase the risk of kidney disease:

   • Diabetes: A high blood sugar can damage blood vessels in the kidneys.
   • Hypertension: High blood pressure can damage the glomerulus of the kidneys.
   • Family history of kidney diseases: The presence of kidney diseases in close relatives increases the risk of kidney disease.
   • Age: With age, the function of the kidneys usually decreases.
   • Race/ethnicity: African American, Latin American and indigenous Americans have a higher risk of kidney disease.
   • Obesity: Excess weight can increase the risk of diabetes and hypertension, which are the main causes of kidney diseases.
   • Smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels, including those that feed the kidneys.
   • Some drugs: Some drugs, such as non -steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can damage the kidneys with prolonged use.

   Prevention of kidney diseases includes:

   • Control of blood pressure and blood sugar: Regular monitoring and maintaining normal indicators of blood pressure and blood sugar.
   • Healthy lifestyle: Healthy nutrition, regular physical exercises and rejection of smoking.
   • Sufficient fluid consumption: Maintaining adequate hydration, especially in hot weather or with physical exertion.
   • Salt consumption restriction: Excess salt can increase blood pressure.
   • Cautious use of drugs: Avoid prolonged use of NSAIDs and other drugs that can damage the kidneys.
   • Regular medical examinations: Regular examinations, including urine and blood tests, to detect kidney diseases in the early stages.

Section 2: Bades: Panacea or a hidden threat?

Biologically active additives (dietary supplements) are products designed to supplement the diet. They can contain vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids and other substances. Bades are widely available in pharmacies, healthy food stores on the Internet, and many people accept them in order to improve their health, increase immunity or make up for a feed of nutrients. However, despite its wide popularity, dietary supplements are not always safe, and their effect on the health of the kidneys causes reasonable fears.

2. 1 Bad regulation: zone of gray morality:

   Unlike drugs, dietary supplements are not subject to strict verification and approval by regulatory authorities, such as FDA (sanitary supervision of the quality of food and medicine) in the United States. This means that dietary supplement manufacturers are not required to prove their effectiveness or safety before releasing them to the market.

   The regulation of dietary supplements in different countries may vary, but in general it is less strict than the regulation of drugs. This creates potential risks for consumers, since dietary supplements may contain inappropriate ingredients, be polluted by harmful substances or interact with medicines.

   • Lack of strict quality standards: Manufacturers of dietary supplements are not required to adhere to the same strict quality standards as manufacturers of drugs. This can lead to the fact that dietary supplements will contain impurities or differ in composition from the stated on the label.
   • Inaccurate information on labels: Information on the labels of dietary supplements can be inaccurate or misleading. For example, manufacturers may declare not proven useful properties or not indicate all the ingredients.
   • The risk of drug interaction: Bades can interact with medicines, enhancing or weakening their effect. This can lead to undesirable side effects or reducing treatment effectiveness.

3. 2 Bad and kidneys: Potential risks:

   Some dietary supplements can have a negative effect on the health of the kidneys. This may be associated with the toxic effect of certain ingredients, with the formation of deposits in the kidneys or with interaction with drugs affecting the function of the kidneys.

   • Nephrotoxic ingredients: Some herbs and other ingredients contained in dietary supplements can be toxic for kidneys. For example, creatine (in large doses), some types of Chinese herbs and a high dose of vitamin C can damage the kidneys.
   • The formation of kidney stones: Some dietary supplements can contribute to the formation of kidney stones. For example, an excess of calcium or oxalates can increase the risk of stones.
   • Exacerbation of existing kidney diseases: Reception of some dietary supplements can worsen the course of existing kidney diseases. For example, the intake of potassium containing dietary supplements in CBP can lead to hyperkalemia (an increased level of potassium in the blood), which can be life -threatening.
   • Medicinal interactions: Bades can interact with medicines that people with kidney diseases take. For example, the reception of dietary supplements containing potassium, along with potassium -saving diuretics, can lead to hyperkalemia.
   • Acute renal failure: In rare cases, the reception of dietary supplements can lead to acute renal failure. This may be associated with a direct toxic effect on the kidneys, with an allergic reaction or with dehydration caused by a dietary supplement.

4. 3 The most dangerous kidney dietary supplements:

   Some dietary supplements are considered especially dangerous for the kidneys:

   • Creatine: Creatine is a popular additive among athletes used to increase muscle mass and strength. However, taking creatine in large doses can provide a load on the kidneys and aggravate existing kidney diseases.
   • Some plant drugs: Some plant drugs, especially Chinese herbs, can be nephrotoxic. Some of them contain aristolic acids that can cause irreversible kidney damage. Examples include Aristolochia fangchi And Tripterygium wilfordii.
   • High doses of vitamin C: Although vitamin C is an important antioxidant, its intake in high doses can increase the risk of kidney stones, especially in people prone to this.
   • Bades containing lead, mercury or arsenic: Some dietary supplements can be polluted by heavy metals, such as lead, mercury or arsenic. These metals are toxic for kidneys and can cause serious damage.
   • Nonsteroidal anti -inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as part of dietary supplements: Some dietary supplements may contain hidden NSAIDs that can damage the kidneys with prolonged use. This is especially dangerous for people with kidney diseases.
   • Slimming products: Some products for weight loss contain diuretics (diuretics) or laxatives, which can lead to dehydration and impaired electrolyte balance, which can negatively affect the function of the kidneys.
   • Bades containing phosphates: Excess phosphates can be harmful to people with kidney diseases, since the kidneys cannot effectively remove them from the body. This can lead to hyperphosphatemia (an increased level of phosphates in the blood), which can cause bone diseases and other complications.

Section 3: How to minimize risks: conscious choice and security

Reception of dietary supplements is a personal choice, but it must be made consciously, especially if you have kidney diseases or other risk factors. It is important to carefully weigh all potential risks and advantages, as well as consult a doctor or other qualified medical worker.

1. 1 Consultation with a doctor: the first step to security:

   Before you start taking any dietary supplements, especially if you have kidney diseases or other diseases, you need to consult a doctor. The doctor can evaluate your state of health, identify potential risks and interactions with medicines, and also give recommendations on the safe use of dietary supplements.

   • Tell the doctor about all your medicines and dietary supplements: It is important to provide the doctor with complete information about all drugs and dietary supplements that you accept, including the dosage and frequency of administration. This will help the doctor evaluate the risk of drug interactions and prevent unwanted side effects.
   • Discuss the doctor with potential risks and advantages of dietary supplements: The doctor can explain to you the potential risks and advantages of each specific dietary supplement, as well as help you make a reasonable decision to take it.
   • Follow the doctor’s recommendations: It is important to strictly follow the doctor’s recommendations regarding the dosage, receiving and duration of dietary supplements.

2. 2 Selecting safe dietary supplements: quality criteria and reliability:

   If you decide to take dietary supplements, it is important to choose products from reliable manufacturers who adhere to high quality standards. Pay attention to the following criteria:

   • Certification by independent organizations: Some independent organizations, such as NSF International, USP (United States Pharmacopeia) and Consumerlab.com, test dietary supplements for compliance with the declared composition, lack of pollution and compliance with quality standards. The presence of a certificate of one of these organizations on the Bad package may indicate its higher quality and safety.
   • Reputation manufacturer: Study the reputation of the manufacturer of Bad. Find out how long he has been working on the market, whether he has positive reviews from consumers and whether he had problems with regulatory authorities.
   • Transparent composition: Make sure that the Bad label indicates a full and exact composition, including all the ingredients and their dosage. Avoid dietary supplements on the labels of which the full composition is not indicated or vague formulations are used.
   • Lack of artificial additives and dyes: Give preference to dietary supplements that do not contain artificial additives, dyes and flavors.
   • Best before date: Make sure that dietary supplements have not expired.

3. 3 Conscious consumption: common sense and moderation:

   Remember that dietary supplements are not a replacement for full and balanced diet. They should be used only to supplement the diet, and not for its replacement.

   • Do not exceed the recommended dosage: Do not exceed the recommended dosage of dietary supplements. Reception of large doses can be dangerous to health, especially for kidneys.
   • Follow your condition: During the reception of dietary supplements, carefully follow your condition. If you have any side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain or a change in urine color, stop taking dietary supplements and consult a doctor.
   • Be skeptical to loud statements: Do not trust loud statements about the miraculous properties of dietary supplements. Remember that most dietary supplements do not have scientifically proven effectiveness.
   • Do not rely only on dietary supplements for the treatment of diseases: Bades are not medicines and cannot cure kidney diseases or other diseases. If you have diseases, you need to consult a doctor and follow his recommendations.
   • Limit the number of dietary supplements: Do not take too many dietary supplements at the same time. This can increase the risk of drug interactions and side effects.

4. 4 Alternative approaches: a healthy lifestyle as a basis of kidney health:

   Instead of relying on dietary supplements, focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes:

   • Balanced nutrition: Eat a variety of foods rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low -fat proteins. Limit the consumption of salt, sugar and processed products.
   • Regular physical exercises: Do physical exercises regularly, at least 30 minutes a day.
   • Sufficient fluid consumption: Drink enough water to maintain adequate hydration.
   • Refusal of smoking and restriction of alcohol use: Smoking and alcohol consumption can damage the kidneys.
   • Control of blood pressure and blood sugar: Regularly measure blood pressure and blood sugar and take measures to maintain them normally.
   • Regular medical examinations: Pass regular medical examinations, including urine and blood tests, to detect kidney diseases in the early stages.

Section 4: Research and evidence: Scientific view of the problem

Despite the widespread dietary supplements, scientific data on their effects on the health of the kidneys are limited. Many studies are observant in nature, which complicates the establishment of a causal relationship between dietary supplements and kidney diseases. Nevertheless, some studies indicate potential risks associated with taking certain dietary supplements.

4. 1 Review of existing studies:

   • Creatine and kidney function: Some studies have shown that taking creatine in large doses can provide a load on the kidneys and aggravate existing kidney diseases. However, other studies did not reveal the negative effects of creatine on the function of the kidneys in healthy people. Additional studies are needed to determine the safe dose of creatine and its effect on people with kidney diseases.
   • Plant preparations and nephrotoxicity: Some studies have shown that some plant drugs, especially Chinese herbs, can be nephrotoxic. For example, aristar cholelies contained in some plant drugs can cause irreversible kidney damage.
   • Vitamin C and the formation of kidney stones: Some studies have shown that vitamin C in high doses can increase the risk of kidney stones, especially in people prone to this.
   • Multivitamins and kidney function: Studies on the influence of multivitamins on the function of the kidneys are contradictory. Some studies have not revealed the negative impact of multivitamins on the kidney function, while other studies have shown that taking certain multivitamins can be associated with an increased risk of kidney disease.
   • Protein additives and kidney function: The use of an excessive amount of protein additives can provide a load on the kidneys, especially in people with existing kidney diseases. The kidneys should work more zealous to filter and derive an excess of nitrogen, which forms during the breakdown of proteins.

5. 2 Problems of interpretation of the results:

   The interpretation of the results of research on the effect of dietary supplements on the health of the kidneys is difficult due to several factors:

   • Differences in the research methodology: Studies may differ in methodology, including sample size, research design and kidney function assessment methods.
   • Differences in dietary supplements: The composition of dietary supplements may vary depending on the manufacturer and the party.
   • Lack of standardization: Bades are not standardized as medicines, which makes it difficult to determine the exact dose and composition.
   • The influence of other factors: Many other factors, such as diet, lifestyle and the presence of other diseases, can affect the function of the kidneys.

6. 3 The need for further research:

   Additional studies are needed for a more complete understanding of the effect of dietary supplements on the health of the kidneys. In particular, randomized controlled studies with large samples and standardized protocols are needed. It is also necessary to conduct research on the effect of dietary supplements on people with various kidney diseases.

Section 5: Conclusion: accept or not accept? The decision is for you.

The question of whether it is worth taking dietary supplements for the health of the kidneys remains open. There is no unequivocal answer that would suit everyone. The decision to receive dietary supplements should be individual and made on the basis of a thorough analysis of potential risks and advantages, as well as after consulting a doctor.

Recommendations:

• Consult a doctor: Before you start taking any dietary supplements, especially if you have kidney diseases or other diseases, you need to consult a doctor.
• Choose safe dietary supplements: If you decide to take dietary supplements, choose products from reliable manufacturers adhering to high quality standards.
• Considerally consume dietary supplements: Do not exceed the recommended dosage, follow your condition and be skeptical to loud statements.
• Focus on a healthy lifestyle: Instead of relying on dietary supplements, focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which includes a balanced diet, regular physical exercises and rejection of bad habits.

Remember that kidney health is a valuable gift that must be protected. Make conscious decisions about your health and do not risk your well -being.