Supplements for Kidney Health

Conditions such as kidney disease, bacterial infection, lupus and kidney stones can impair function of the kidneys. Herbal and nutritional supplements may be helpful in promoting kidney health when taken as part of a healthy lifestyle.

Types

• Supplements with positive effects on kidney function include grape seed, EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and zinc. According to umm.edu, the herb horsetail has diuretic properties that make it useful for treating kidney stones, while the amino acid L-carnitine may be deficient in patients with kidney disease.

Effectiveness

• Factors influencing the effectiveness of kidney supplements include pre-existing conditions, supplement quality and lifestyle factors like diet and exercise.

Side Effects

• Herbal and nutritional supplements can cause unwanted side effects. Common adverse reactions of dietary supplements include rash, nausea, drowsiness and headache. According to nih.gov, the herb horsetail can cause potassium loss that may be dangerous to the heart.

Considerations

• Some supplements can be harmful when taken by people with certain health conditions. Both safety and efficacy depend largely on the condition being treated.

Warning

• Supplements can cause dangerous interactions with certain medications. To reduce the risk of adverse events, talk to your doctor before taking an herbal or dietary supplement for kidney health, especially if you suffer from a chronic health condition like kidney disease.