“Generalized body swelling in a kidney patient – safety of herbal medicines and diet - #23443
“The patient has swelling all over the body (legs, arms, abdomen, and back). Is it safe for him to take herbal medicines, herbal protein, or supplements? Also, what foods should be taken and avoided? He has a shortage of breath too, recently hewas a patient of neuroendocrine tumor in lungs patient but had chemotherapy a small dose while waiting for biobsy report, and the result came out negativebut after taking so many medicine
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Doctors' responses
Hello
🛑No — herbal medicines, herbal protein, or supplements are NOT safe for a kidney patient with generalized body swelling and breathlessness unless a kidney doctor approves them.
Many herbal products can worsen kidney damage, cause fluid overload, or interact dangerously with medicines.
Why the swelling & breathlessness matter: Swelling all over the body + shortness of breath suggests fluid retention, possibly due to kidney failure, low albumin, heart strain, or effects of chemotherapy/medications.
This is serious and needs medical evaluation.
🛑🛑What to AVOID All herbal medicines / herbal powders Protein supplements (including “herbal protein”) Painkillers like ibuprofen, diclofenac High-salt foods: chips, pickles, papad, instant foods High-potassium foods (unless doctor allows): banana, orange, coconut water Excess fluids (water intake should be doctor-guided)
What is generally SAFE
Low-salt diet Small, frequent meals Cooked vegetables (lauki, tori, pumpkin) Rice, roti (moderate amounts) Protein only as prescribed (not supplements)
🛑He needs urgent review by a nephrologist and likely blood tests (kidney function, albumin, electrolytes).
🛑This situation is not suitable for home or alternative treatment.
Thank you
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