The market for herbal and “natural” weight loss supplements has experienced rapid growth in recent years as consumers increasingly seek simple weight management solutions. Many of these products are promoted as safe alternatives to prescription drugs that they advertise as “plant-based” and “cleansing” and “metabolism boosters.” Medical experts are concerned that some herbal weight loss supplements pose major risks to kidney health, according to their findings. The term “herbal” creates an impression of safety, but concentrated natural ingredients that can be used without medical supervision can cause dangerous side effects.
The Hidden Dangers Behind “Natural” Supplements
Doctors explain that dietary supplements, especially weight loss products, do not have the same safety testing requirements that apply to prescription drugs. Some herbal formulas may contain irregular ingredients, high doses of stimulants, or even unknown pharmaceutical ingredients.
Certain compounds found in some herbal products have been linked to kidney toxicity. Long-term use of these types of supplements has caused severe kidney injury in some cases, while in other cases it has caused permanent kidney damage. The kidneys perform an essential job as they remove waste products and chemicals from the bloodstream, but dangerous substances can overwhelm their delicate filtering mechanisms.
Acute kidney injury occurs when toxins damage the kidneys, causing a sudden loss of kidney function that sometimes requires immediate medical treatment.
Dehydration and metabolic stress
Many weight loss supplements tout their ability to burn fat faster and detoxify. The actual effects of these products show that they act as diuretics and laxatives which eliminate water instead of body fat. The kidneys experience extra stress when people lose too much fluid because the condition disrupts their electrolyte balance.
Stimulant-based ingredients have the ability to increase heart rate and blood pressure, which indirectly affects kidney function. The body experiences metabolic disturbances that develop over time and increase the likelihood of chronic kidney disease.
Lack of standardization and quality control
The manufacturing process of herbal supplements is facing initial problems as manufacturers fail to produce consistent products.
Different brands may use different concentrations of active ingredients. Additionally, people who buy supplements from online stores or retail stores without medical advice run the risk of consuming products that contain ingredients that interact with their current medications and health issues.
Importance of medical advice
Health care professionals emphasize that weight management should be controlled through permanent lifestyle changes rather than unproven supplements. The most effective methods for weight control and maintenance of metabolic health include proper nutrition and regular exercise and adequate sleep and effective stress management. Medically supervised treatment with evidence-based therapies offers safe treatment options for people with obesity and metabolic disorders.
Maintaining kidney health
The kidneys act as vital organs that control the body’s fluid levels while removing waste products and managing blood pressure. People need to protect their kidney health because everything they consume, including seemingly harmless supplements, is monitored. Consumer safety experts recommend that people should avoid products that claim immediate weight loss and drastic changes in their metabolic rates. Before people with kidney disease or diabetes or high blood pressure start using supplements they should first consult a health care professional.
Social media platforms combined with digital advertising methods are driving the rapid spread of wellness trends, resulting in the term “shoes” being associated with safety. But knowing that some of these weight loss supplements may have dangerous side effects can help people protect their kidneys and prevent irreversible damage.
(By Dr Christine George, Consultant – Nephrologist and Renal Transplant, Astor Whitefield Hospital)
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are the personal views of the author. NDTV is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or reliability of any information in this article. All information is provided as is. The information, facts or opinions expressed in the article do not reflect the views of NDTV and NDTV does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.
#Herobal #medicine #weight #loss #harm #kidneys #Experts #warn #hidden #health #risks