Bades and kidneys: overload and risk of diseases

Posted on by

Bades and kidneys: overload and risk of diseases

I. Introduction: kidneys – filters of life and vulnerability before exposure from outside

The kidneys are a paired organ that performs vital functions in the human body. They play a key role in maintaining homeostasis, regulating water-electrolyte balance, blood pressure and acid-base balance. The main function of the kidneys is blood filtering, removal of metabolism products, toxins and excess water, which are then excreted in the urine. In addition, the kidneys are involved in the synthesis of hormones, such as erythropoetin (stimulates the formation of red blood cells) and the active form of vitamin D (calcitriol), which is necessary for the health of bones.

Due to its filtration function, the kidney is especially vulnerable to the effects of toxic substances entering the body. Medicines, alcohol, heavy metals and, recently, biologically active additives (dietary supplements) can have a negative effect on the kidneys, causing various injuries and diseases.

II. Bades: essence, composition and popularity

Biologically active additives (dietary supplements) are concentrated forms of individual biologically active substances or their complexes designed for direct use or introduction to food products in order to enrich the diet with individual food or biologically active substances and correct the chemical composition of food.

Bades can contain vitamins, minerals, amino acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, dietary fiber, probiotics, prebiotics, plant extracts and other components. They are available in various forms: tablets, capsules, powders, liquids, teas, etc.

The popularity of dietary supplements has been growing steadily in recent years. This is due to several factors:

  • The desire for a healthy lifestyle: People care more about their health and look for ways to improve their well -being and prevent diseases. Bades are often perceived as a simple and affordable way to maintain health.
  • Aggressive marketing: Bad manufacturers are actively promoting their products, promising improvement of physical and mental performance, strengthening immunity, losing weight, slowing down aging and other beneficial effects.
  • Access ease: Bad can be purchased in pharmacies, healthy food stores, through the Internet, and even in ordinary supermarkets.
  • Lack of strict regulation: Unlike drugs, dietary supplements do not go through strict clinical trials confirming their effectiveness and safety. This creates opportunities for unscrupulous advertising and the sale of low -quality products.

III. The mechanisms of the effects of dietary supplies on the kidneys

The kidneys are exposed to dietary supplements through several mechanisms:

  1. Direct toxic action: Some components of dietary supplements, such as heavy metals (lead, cadmium, arsenic), plant toxins (for example, aristolic acid) and other chemicals, can have a direct toxic effect on renal cells (nephrotoxicity). They can damage the cells of the renal tubules (tubulo -stust nephritis), glomerulus (glomerulonephritis) or kidney vessels (vasculitis).

  2. Intense toxic effect: Some dietary supplements can cause renal damage indirectly, through other mechanisms. For example, dietary supplements containing creatine can increase the level of creatinine in the blood, which complicates the diagnosis of true renal diseases. Bades containing diuretics can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, which also negatively affects the function of the kidneys.

  3. Immunological reactions: In rare cases, dietary supplements can cause immunological reactions leading to kidney damage. This may be due to the formation of antibodies to the components of dietary supplements or with the activation of cellular immunity.

  4. The formation of kidney stones: Some dietary supplements can contribute to the formation of kidney stones. For example, dietary supplements containing calcium or vitamin D in high doses can increase the concentration of calcium in the urine and increase the risk of calcium stones. Dietary supplements containing oxalates can contribute to the formation of oxalate stones.

  5. Interaction with drugs: Bades can interact with drugs, enhancing or weakening their effect, as well as increasing the risk of side effects. Some dietary supplements can affect the metabolism of drugs in the liver or their excretion through the kidneys, which leads to a change in the concentration of the drug in the blood and, accordingly, to a change in its effectiveness and safety.

IV. Risk factors for the development of nephrotoxicity associated with dietary supplements

The risk of developing nephrotoxicity associated with dietary supplements depends on several factors:

  • Type and dose of Bad: Some dietary supplements are more toxic for kidneys than others. High doses of dietary supplements increase the risk of renal damage.
  • Duration of dietary supplement: Long -term intake of dietary supplements increases the risk of developing the cumulative toxic effect.
  • Individual sensitivity: Some people are more sensitive to the toxic effects of dietary supplements than others.
  • Kidney health: People with already existing kidney diseases are more at risk of developing nephrotoxicity associated with dietary supplements.
  • Age: Elderly people are more vulnerable to nephrotoxic effects of dietary supplements due to an age-related decrease in kidney function.
  • Related diseases: The presence of other diseases, such as diabetes, arterial hypertension, heart failure, can increase the risk of renal injuries associated with dietary supplements.
  • Taking other drugs: The simultaneous use of other drugs, which also have a negative effect on the kidneys, can increase the risk of nephrotoxicity.

V. The most common dietary supplements associated with renal diseases

  1. Dietary diets for weight loss: Many dietary supplements contain diuretics (diuretics), stimulants (for example, caffeine, ephedrine) and laxative. Diuretics can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, which negatively affects the function of the kidneys. Stimulants can increase blood pressure and cause vasoconstriction (vessels narrowing), which worsens the blood supply to the kidneys. Laxatives can lead to loss of electrolytes and dehydration. Some dietary supplements for weight loss contain aristolochic acid, which is a strong nephrotoxin.

  2. Badibilding dietary supplements: Badibilding dietary supplements often contain creatine, anabolic steroids and other hormonal drugs. Creatine can increase the level of creatinine in the blood, which complicates the diagnosis of true renal diseases. Anabolic steroids can cause glomerulosclerosis (replacement of tissue of renal glomeruli with connective tissue) and other renal damage.

  3. Plant dietary supplements: Many plant dietary supplements contain toxic substances that can have a negative effect on the kidneys. For example, dietary supplements containing aristolochia can cause a rapidly progressive tubulo -interstitial nephritis and renal failure. Bades containing the root of the licorice can cause pseudoaldosteronism (a state characterized by sodium and water delay in the body and an increase in blood pressure).

  4. Bades containing heavy metals: Some dietary supplements can be polluted by heavy metals, such as lead, cadmium, arsenic and mercury. Heavy metals have a direct toxic effect on the cells of the kidneys and can cause various renal diseases, including tubulant nephritis, glomerulonephritis and renal failure.

  5. Vitamins and minerals in high doses: Reception of vitamins and minerals in high doses can have a negative effect on the kidneys. For example, an excess of vitamin D can lead to hypercalcemia (an increased level of calcium in the blood) and hypercalciuria (an increased level of calcium in the urine), which increases the risk of calcium stones in the kidneys. Excess vitamin C can lead to the formation of oxalate stones in the kidneys.

  6. Probiotics and prebiotics: Although probiotics and prebiotics are usually considered safe, in rare cases they can cause renal complications, especially in people with weakened immunity or with existing kidney diseases.

VI. Clinical manifestations of nephrotoxicity caused by dietary supplements

The clinical manifestations of nephrotoxicity caused by dietary supplements can be different and depend on the type of dietary supplement, dose, duration of administration, individual sensitivity and the state of health of the kidneys.

The most common symptoms and signs:

  • Acute renal failure (OPN): OPN is a sudden deterioration in renal function, characterized by a decrease in glomerular filtration rate (SKF) and the accumulation of blood metabolism products. Symptoms of the OPS may include a decrease in diuresis (amount of urine), swelling, an increase in blood pressure, weakness, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath and violation of consciousness.
  • Chronic kidney disease (HBP): HBP is a progressive decrease in kidney function, which develops over several months or years. Symptoms of CBP can be mild in the early stages. As the disease progresses, swelling, increased blood pressure, anemia, fatigue, skin itching, sleep disturbance and a decrease in appetite may appear.
  • Tubul -interstitial nephritis (TIN): Tin is an inflammation of the renal tubules and their surrounding tissues (interstitial). Tin can be sharp or chronic. Symptoms of Tin can include fever, rash, arthralgia (joint pain), an increase in the level of eosinophils in the blood (eosinophilia) and changes in the urine (proteinuria, hematuria, leukocyturia).
  • Glomerulonephritis (GN): GN is an inflammation of the renal glomeruli. GN can be sharp or chronic. Symptoms of GN may include swelling, increased blood pressure, proteinuria (protein in the urine), hematuria (blood in the urine) and a decrease in renal function.
  • Nephrotic syndrome: Nephrotic syndrome is a clinical syndrome characterized by massive proteinuria (more than 3.5 g of protein per day), hypoalbuminemia (a decrease in the level of albumin in the blood), edema and hyperlipidemia (increased blood lipid levels).
  • Urolithiasis (ICD): ICD is the formation of kidney stones or urinary tract. Symptoms of the ICD can include renal colic (acute lower back pain), hematuria (blood in the urine), dysuria (urination) and pyelonephritis (kidney inflammation).
  • Electrolyte disorders: Bades can cause various electrolyte disorders such as hyponatremia (reducing the level of sodium in the blood), hyperkalemia (increased blood potassium in the blood), hypocalcemia (a decrease in blood calcium) and hypercalcemia (increased blood calcium). Electrolytic disorders can lead to various symptoms, including weakness, convulsions, arrhythmias and impaired consciousness.

VII. Diagnosis of renal damage associated with dietary supplements

Diagnosis of renal injuries associated with dietary supplements includes:

  1. A history of history: It is important to carefully assemble an anamnesis, find out what dietary supplements the patient took, in what doses and how long. It is also necessary to learn about related diseases and drugs taken.

  2. Physical examination: During a physical examination, it is necessary to pay attention to the presence of edema, an increase in blood pressure and other signs of renal disease.

  3. Laboratory research:

    • General urine analysis: A general urine analysis allows you to identify proteinuria, hematuria, leukocyturia and other deviations.
    • Biochemical blood test: The biochemical blood test allows you to evaluate the function of the kidneys by measuring the level of creatinine, urea, electrolytes and other indicators.
    • Calculation of glomerular filtration (SKF): SKF is the most important indicator of kidney function. SKF can be calculated by the formula using the level of creatinine in the blood, age, gender and race of the patient.
    • Immunological studies: In some cases, immunological studies may be required to detect antibodies to components of dietary supplements or to diagnose immunocomplex glomerulonephritis.

  4. Instrumental research methods:

    • Ultrasound examination (ultrasound) of the kidneys: An ultrasound of the kidneys allows you to evaluate the size, shape and structure of the kidneys, as well as identify the presence of stones, cysts and other anomalies.
    • Computer tomography (CT) of the kidneys: CT of the kidneys allows you to get more detailed kidney images than ultrasound. CT can be useful for diagnosing complex cases of renal disease.
    • Kidney biopsy: A kidney biopsy is an invasive procedure in which a model of kidney tissue for a microscopic examination is taken. A kidney biopsy may be necessary to establish an accurate diagnosis and determine the tactics of treatment in difficult cases.

VIII. Treatment of nephrotoxicity caused by dietary supplements

The treatment of nephrotoxicity caused by dietary supplements depends on the severity of renal damage and the presence of concomitant diseases.

Basic principles of treatment:

  1. Continuation of dietary supplement: The first and most important step is the cessation of dietary supplement, which caused renal damage.

  2. Supporting therapy: Supporting therapy is aimed at maintaining kidney function and preventing complications. She may include:

    • Registry: Intravenous administration of fluid to restore the volume of circulating blood and maintain diuresis.
    • Correction of electrolyte violations: The introduction of electrolytes to restore the normal balance of electrolytes in the blood.
    • Control of blood pressure: The use of antihypertensive drugs to reduce blood pressure.
    • Diet: Compliance with a diet with sodium, potassium and phosphorus.
    • Hemodialysis or hemofiltration: In severe cases, acute renal failure may require hemodialysis or hemofiltration to remove metabolism products and excess fluid from the blood.

  3. Specific therapy: In some cases, specific therapy may be prescribed aimed at eliminating the cause of renal damage. For example, with aristolochant nephropathy, immunosuppressive therapy can be prescribed.

  4. Kidney function monitoring: It is necessary to regularly control the function of the kidneys (SCF, the level of creatinine in the blood, general urine analysis) to assess the effectiveness of treatment and timely detecting complications.

IX. Prevention of renal injuries associated with dietary supplements

Prevention of renal damage associated with dietary supplements includes:

  1. Conscious choice of dietary supplements: Before starting to take dietary supplements, you need to carefully study its composition, get acquainted with reviews and consult a doctor.
  2. Avoid taking dietary supplements with unproven efficiency and safety: Do not take dietary supplements that promise miraculous effects or contain ingredients with a dubious reputation.
  3. Do not exceed the recommended dose: Strictly observe the recommended dose of the dietary supplement indicated on the packaging or prescribed by the doctor.
  4. Inform the doctor about the admission of dietary supplements: When contacting a doctor, it is imperative to report all the dietary supplements in order to avoid possible interactions with drugs.
  5. Especially careful to be people with kidney diseases: People with already existing kidney diseases should be especially careful about taking dietary supplements and be sure to consult a doctor before their use.
  6. Regularly undergo medical examinations: Regularly undergo medical examinations, including a general urine test and a biochemical blood test for the timely detection of kidney diseases.
  7. If the symptoms of an renal disease appear, see a doctor immediately: When swelling appears, changes in urine color, lower back pain or other symptoms of the renal disease, you must immediately consult a doctor for examination and treatment.
  8. Information of the population: It is necessary to conduct information campaigns among the population about risks associated with uncontrolled dietary supplements.
  9. Strengthening control over the quality of dietary supplements: It is necessary to strengthen control over the quality of dietary supplements in order to exclude the possibility of hitting a low -quality and dangerous product.

X. Legal aspects of dietary supplement regulation

The legal regulation of dietary supplements in different countries is different. In most countries, dietary supplements are not adjusted as strictly as drugs. This is due to the fact that dietary supplements are considered as food products, and not as medicines.

In Russia, dietary supplements are regulated by the Federal Law “On Sanitary and Epidemiological Blessed of the Population” and other regulatory acts. Bades must comply with safety requirements established by the technical regulations of the Customs Union.

However, unlike drugs, dietary supplements do not undergo clinical trials confirming their effectiveness and safety. This creates opportunities for unscrupulous advertising and the sale of low -quality products.

It is necessary to strengthen control over the quality of the dietary supplement and introduce more stringent requirements for their registration and marking. It is also necessary to conduct information campaigns among the population about risks associated with an uncontrolled dietary supplement.

XI. Alternative approaches to maintaining kidney health

Instead of uncontrolled reception of dietary supplements, alternative approaches can be used to maintain kidney health, such as:

  1. Healthy lifestyle: The maintenance of a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular physical activity, the rejection of smoking and alcohol abuse, is the best way to maintain the health of the kidneys.
  2. Balanced nutrition: A balanced diet, rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, provides the body with the necessary vitamins and minerals, without overloading the kidneys.
  3. Sufficient fluid consumption: Sufficient fluid consumption (at least 1.5-2 liters per day) helps to maintain the normal function of the kidneys and prevents the formation of stones.
  4. Control of blood pressure and blood sugar: Control of blood pressure and blood sugar is important to prevent the development of diabetic nephropathy and hypertension of the kidneys.
  5. Regular medical examinations: Regular medical examinations allow you to timely identify and treat kidney diseases.
  6. Phytotherapy under the supervision of a doctor: The use of medicinal herbs to maintain kidney health is possible, but only under the supervision of a doctor.

XII. Conclusion: dietary supplements and kidneys – balance between benefit and risk

The uncontrolled intake of dietary supplements can have a negative impact on the function of the kidneys and lead to the development of various renal diseases. Before starting to take dietary supplements, you need to carefully study its composition, get acquainted with reviews and consult a doctor. The best way to maintain the health of kidneys is to maintain a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet. It must be remembered that dietary supplements are not a panacea, but only an addition to a healthy lifestyle.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *