Connect with others who understand.

  •   Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  •   Real advice from people who’ve been there
  •   People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
All Resources Treatments A-Z Personal Assistant Help Center Crisis
Powered By
Real members of MyKidneyDiseaseTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

My name is April Neal. I have 4th stage CKD. What is the best natural supplements to take in order to keep my kidneys and other factors???

A MyKidneyDiseaseTeam Member asked a question 💭
Randleman, NC
August 1
 · 
Reactions
A MyKidneyDiseaseTeam Member

April,
If you have Lidl’s supermarket, in the coffee/tea section, they have wild berry, hibiscus, pomegranate and other teas. I like to mix wild berry and hibiscus. As you know, they are decaffeinated and naturally sweet. My nephrologist was glad to hear I drink water, lemon water, and the tea which is delicious cold (and, of course, no sugar). I also drink jasmine tea from the Asian market. Hope this helps. Be well. Judi in RVA

August 6
MyKidneyDiseaseTeam

With stage 4 CKD, it's really important to be cautious with supplements — even "natural" ones can be harmful at this stage. That said, a few supplements *may* offer some benefit when taken under close medical supervision:

- Omega-3 fatty acids — may help slow the decline of kidney function
- Probiotics — can support gut Show Full Answer

With stage 4 CKD, it's really important to be cautious with supplements — even "natural" ones can be harmful at this stage. That said, a few supplements *may* offer some benefit when taken under close medical supervision:

- Omega-3 fatty acids — may help slow the decline of kidney function
- Probiotics — can support gut health and help reduce waste buildup in the blood
- B vitamins — support energy and metabolism, but doses need careful monitoring
- CoQ10 — may help reduce oxidative stress on the kidneys, though evidence is still developing There are also several supplements to avoid or be very cautious about with stage 4 CKD:

- Potassium supplements — can cause dangerous heart rhythm issues
- Calcium supplements — excess calcium can harden kidney tissue and blood vessels
- High-dose Vitamin D — can raise calcium levels and worsen kidney function
- Protein powders — force kidneys to work harder
- Turmeric in large amounts — can actually damage kidneys at advanced stages
- Licorice root — can raise blood pressure and worsen fluid retention
- St. John's Wort — interferes with many kidney medications The golden rule here is: always check with your nephrologist or a kidney dietitian before starting anything new. What works for someone at an earlier stage may actually be harmful at stage 4. A registered dietitian who specializes in CKD can also help build a safe, personalized plan.

August 1
A MyKidneyDiseaseTeam Member

Thank you sooo much for the info . God bless you.

August 5
A MyKidneyDiseaseTeam Member

April, Make sure you check with your nephrologist because herbs and supplements are not regulated by the FDA. There are several meds and herbs that are contraindicated. Dosage can be important. My nephrologist discontinued my multivitamin and later vitamin D3 replaced by a script for Calcitriol 25 mcg. for my hyperparathyroidism, a potential complication of kidney disease.
You could probably google the herbs and get an answer from reputable medical websites (DaVita Solutions, Fresenius, the National Kidney Foundation, Mayo Clinic, John’s Hopkins). Consumer beware! Be well. Judi in RVA

August 4
A MyKidneyDiseaseTeam Member

Where do I obtain the Hibiscusf flower??? Do want to try this remedy.

August 3

Related Questions

View All
Which Supplements Are Bad for the Kidneys? 10 Facts To Know
How Do the Kidneys Work? What To Know
Is Coffee Bad for Your Kidneys? 4 Facts