Is Berberine Bad For Kidneys?

Berberine is a natural compound in plants like goldenseal and barberry. Because of its health benefits, people use it to treat certain infections; however, there is skepticism about whether it is safe for kidney infections. This article will provide answers to the question, “Is berberine bad for kidneys?” and other things you need to know.

Conflicting information exists about berberine’s effects on kidney health. Some studies show that berberine may have toxic effects on the kidneys, while others indicate that the compound is good for patients with kidney diseases.

So, what’s the truth? It evokes questions like, Will berberine harm my kidneys, or is it a useful supplement for kidney health? As we continue, this post will provide the evidence available on berberine and how it impacts the kidneys.

What is Berberine?

Berberine is a natural plant alkaloid in plants such as goldenseal, Oregon grape, and barberry.  But why is berberine so special? Several research studies show that berberine helps lower blood sugar levels, improve heart health, and even help in weight loss programs.

Berberine Benefits: 5 Reasons You Should Be Taking It

Boosts Weight Loss

Cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels, fat biosynthesis, and accumulation are areas of interest, with berberine, it helps lower cholesterol levels and consequently help one to lose weight.

Regulates Blood Sugar

Some of the benefits of berberine indicate that it controls blood sugar levels and improves insulin sensitivity; so, diabetic patients or those with high chances of the disease can use it.

Supports Heart Health

Berberine also shows that it lowers cholesterol levels, decreases inflammation, which is vital to maintaining good cardiovascular health and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Fights Inflammation

As an anti-inflammatory compound, any individual who wants to prevent inflammation diseases such as arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease should consider taking berberine.

Boosts Immune Function

Nutrients in Berberine also contain antimicrobial effects, which maintain and strengthen the immune system to combat bacteria and viruses.

How does berberine work?

Berberine targets certain pathways in your body that regulate things like blood sugar levels, cholesterol, and inflammation. When you take berberine, it normalizes these pathways and gets them back to proper function.

To some extent, the magic of berberine depends on an enzyme called AMPK, which is a sort of ‘metabolic master switch’ that helps manage cellular processes for generating and storing energy.

Through the activation of the AMPK molecule, berberine can improve the way glucose transport in your cells by regulating blood sugar.

In addition, berberine is efficient in reducing the production of glucose in the liver, hence lowering blood sugar levels. It can also assist in insulin efficiency, meaning that your body will allow the insulin to work much better.

Is berberine bad for kidneys?

In traditional medicine, they use berberine to treat ailments like digestive issues, infections, and inflammation. That is good, but what about its impact on kidney health?

Berberine may help protect your kidneys by reducing inflammation and oxidation. This is important because, with time, chronic inflammation and oxidative stress can harm the kidneys, and this can lead to kidney disease or kidney failure.

Also, berberine can reduce the production of inflammatory molecules in your body. Inflammation is a process that occurs in your body as a defense mechanism against injury or infection; however, chronic inflammation is damaging to your kidneys.

Berberine also helps reduce this inflammation, therefore prevents the kidneys from damage. It also exerts the function of an antioxidant, thus helps fight off free radicals, which are deadly to your kidneys.

When can Berberine be risky for kidneys?

Dosage

Excessive use of berberine causes some levels of stress to the kidneys. Use supplements in line with instructions on their pack’s label or as prescribed by a healthcare professional. Taking too much berberine can cause renal disease and other complications.

Pre-existing kidney conditions

Any individual suffering from kidney disease or other forms of kidney complications should not take berberine in any form. This supplement can make your condition worse or damage your kidneys.

Drug interference

Berberine can interfere with certain medications, especially the ones for kidney treatment. However, if you decide to include berberine in your daily treatment, consult your doctor, as some medications may have adverse reactions to berberine supplements.

Dehydration

Berberine can lead to dehydration or cause lot of stress on the kidneys. Taking berberine also requires one to consume a lot of water due to the risks that it poses to the kidneys. Anyone taking it must ensure that they drink enough water to enable the kidneys function normally.

Side Effects of Berberine

Despite berberine’s multiple health benefits, one must know the side effects. Here are common side effects to watch out for:

Gastrointestinal Issues

Gastrointestinal disturbances are one of the possible side effects of berberine. It includes diarrhea, constipation, or stomach cramps. This is because when you consume berberine, it can alter the bacteria in the gut, leading to digestive upset.

Low Blood Pressure

Studies show that berberine has hypotensive ability; therefore, it can help reduce blood pressure. It is appropriate for people with hypertension, although the medication is likely to cause dizziness or fainting, especially if you try to stand quickly.

Skin Irritation

In some cases, berberine can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions, for example, itching, redness, or rash. After taking berberine, if you notice inflammation on your skin, stop using the supplement and seek medical attention immediately.

Liver Toxicity

Side effects of liver toxicity happen when you take high doses of berberine. However, if one takes the right dosage, it is important to monitor the liver to ensure it is working properly.

Who Should Avoid Berberine?

Berberine is an alkaloid that is naturally occurring with enormous health boosters, but not everybody can take it. Here are some groups of people who should avoid berberine:

1. Pregnant women

Berberine has an effect that leads to the contraction of the muscles of the uterus, hence posing a danger to pregnant women. Berberine is not okay when you are pregnant. It is better to avoid it if you are pregnant.

2. Nursing mothers

Because the substance can pass into breast milk, nursing mothers must avoid the supplement to safeguard the baby.

3. Individuals with low blood pressure

One of the benefits of berberine is that it lowers blood pressure, but if you have hypotension, taking the supplement could cause it to drop drastically.

4. People with liver or kidney disease

If you are suffering from liver or kidney disease, avoid taking berberine to prevent putting additional strain on these organs.

5. Those on medication

As of now, if you are on any medication, especially for chronic illnesses like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease, among others, it would be very advisable to check with your doctor before incorporating berberine into your daily diet.

6. Individuals with hypoglycemia

Berberine helps reduce blood sugar levels; patients suffering from hypoglycemia should seek professional advice before they incorporate the supplement into their diet.

Read also: Should The Kidney Transplant Be Lumpy

Tips for Safe Berberine Use

It is vital to use this supplement safely to avoid any potential side effects. Here are some tips on how to use berberine safely:

i. Start with a low dose

Don’t rush things; start with a low dose of berberine and increase gradually. This will help your body adapt to the supplement; in turn, decreases the chances of developing an allergy to the supplement.

ii. Take with food

Berberine is not friendly to the stomach, and, so, it is best to take it with food to reduce any digestive upsets. This will also help absorb the supplement in your body.

iii. Monitor your blood sugar levels

Berberine is an antioxidant that can help lower blood sugar levels, so individuals with diabetes or those on antidiabetic medications should take this supplement under doctors’ supervision.

iv. Check drug interactions

Some drugs, like antibiotics, blood pressure drugs, and antidepressants, can clash with berberine. Patients who wish to use berberine should first of all seek medical advice from their doctor before they use this supplement.

v. Ensure you drink water

Anyone who wants to take this supplement should ensure he/she drinks a lot of water because too much berberine can lead to dehydration, and it can cause headaches or dizziness.

vi. Limit use in pregnancy or breastfeeding

Due to a lack of research on the use of berberine during pregnancy and lactation, pregnant and lactating mothers shouldn’t use this supplement without speaking with their doctor.

vii. Watch for side effects.

You can use berberine to treat certain ailments, but that doesn’t mean there are no side effects. In some persons, they may experience diarrhea, constipation, or stomach cramps. In case of any of these signs, it is advisable to stop using the product.

Is berberine bad for kidneys? Berberine does not harm the kidneys, so long as the patient consumes it in the recommended dosage. However, it is advisable to see a doctor before taking new supplements, especially if you have a kidney infection.