A type of medication that should be avoided because it is harmful to the kidneys

 

A type of medication that should be avoided because it is harmful to the kidneys

Taking supplements and medications can be a great way to maintain your health. Whether you're suffering from a nutrient deficiency that calls for vitamins, you're taking a natural remedy to help you sleep better at night, or you're looking to boost your metabolism, there are a variety of nutritional supplements out there to treat many different health issues.

However, taking measures to ensure your safety while taking supplements and medications is important. As it turns out, not only can some be ineffective in their promises, but they can also lead to dangerous side effects. There is one type of supplement that experts warn could have a hazardous impact on your kidneys if you're not careful: NSAIDs, like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

To learn more about the risks associated with these medications, we spoke to health experts Dr. Shara Cohen, founder of Cancer Care Parcel, and Dr. Michael May, medical director at Wimpoleclinic.com.

NSAIDs and kidney damage

Dr. Cohen acknowledges that although your body needs an ample supply of nutrients, "certain nutrients are toxic to the kidneys if used improperly." Too much can lead to a host of other problems as well, including heart damage, which means it's always important to ensure you're consuming supplements safely. She warns that "some high doses of NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen can cause severe renal impairment" (kidney damage).

Dr. May echoes this view: "NSAIDs can harm your kidneys, especially if you're taking diuretics, ACE inhibitors, or angiotensin II blockers," he says. This is largely because these drugs can lead to high blood pressure.

"NSAIDs can cause sodium and fluid retention, leading to high blood pressure," explains Dr. May. "They can also reduce blood flow to the kidneys because NSAIDs block prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are natural chemicals that dilate blood vessels and allow oxygen to get to the kidneys."!

Some common NSAIDs to be wary of include aspirin, celecoxib, diclofenac, and ibuprofen.

Does all of this mean that you should avoid NSAIDs completely? Not necessarily. Dr. Cohen assures us that "it's safe to take your medications as prescribed, drink enough water, and watch out for any adverse effects." However, she stresses the importance of talking to a doctor before adding a new supplement to your regimen or taking medications that could interact with the supplement, especially if you are concerned about your kidneys. It concludes, "If you have kidney disease or feel the risks outweigh the benefits, you should not use these supplements"!