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Are vitamins, supplements or herbs issue with CKD?
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) | Last Active: May 26 8:30am | Replies (29)Comment receiving replies
@mintercreekin Hello, I just had my first appt with a nephrologist. I took all my supplements to ask about them. She said Wow! that's a handsome face on that bottle! See the picture of eggs, milk, cheese why don't you just eat these... In other words she recommend I get my recommended daily requirement of vitamins from foods as there is no evidence or proof supplements work. A wave of relief washed over me, I don't have to take these pills!! She said they are medications and they could be hurting you. My years of belief in supplements, & herbs helping me left me like a deceptive boyfriend. Even the bottom of my vitamin bottle said, "this product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." So I ask myself then why am I taking them? Because I've been duped. I wanted to believe in them but I don't anymore. I'll get my nutrition from the many variety of foods. Also, can you or anyone recommend a good site to get the recommended percentages of nutrients in fruits and veggies? Thanks for listening.
Replies to "@mintercreekin Hello, I just had my first appt with a nephrologist. I took all my supplements..."
@ddon
My surgeon at Mayo who saved my kidney told me the same thing; that getting essential vitamins and minerals, etc. through healthy eating vs pills in a bottle is much, much better. He even told me I don't need my daily multi-vitamin; that it may do more harm than good.
I currently (1.5 yrs post-surgery) have no issues they are very concerned about and they are thrilled with my labs. I have no dietician; Ive become a voracious label-reader, though. Have cut out sugar, most processed foods and most beef, and watch my potassium (gave up bananas and potatoes), phosphorus (including anything that has "phos" in it, and calcium. Fruits and veggies don't have labels, so I have researched which has what in them. Seems to be working for me.
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@ddon true-get our needs from foods, easier for body to process than supplements ! With CKD we do have to take care with everything we ingest…some foods, drinks (especially alcohol) and meds (NSAIDS) can be very hard on kidneys….supplements (they are not tightly regulated) often have things in them that are hard on kidneys…and CT contrast is hard on them as well—techs can give a better contrast and/or give you IV hydration after the CT. There are quite a few things we can do ourselves, including hydrating well.