Kidney & Urinary

Nutrients connected to Kidney & Urinary

A link means the body needs the nutrient for this, or that low intake is linked to it. It does not mean extra supplements help if your intake is already adequate; each link shows how strong the evidence is.

• MagnesiumDocumented risk

  Kidneys clear extra magnesium. When kidney function is greatly reduced, magnesium can build up to harmful levels.

• PotassiumDocumented risk

  Healthy kidneys keep potassium in balance. In chronic kidney disease they may not clear extra potassium, so intake may need to be limited.

• PhosphorusDocumented risk

  Healthy kidneys keep blood phosphorus in balance. In kidney disease phosphorus can build up and harm blood vessels and bones, so intake is often limited.

• CranberryPreliminary or mixed

  Cranberry products are used mainly to reduce the risk of recurrent urinary tract infections; a 2023 Cochrane review found moderate-certainty benefit in some groups, but NCCIH calls the findings inconsistent.

• PygeumPreliminary or mixed

  Used for urinary symptoms linked to an enlarged prostate. Evidence is limited: small, short trials with varied products.

• ChagaDocumented risk

  Case reports link long-term chaga powder to oxalate kidney damage, some needing dialysis. The frequency is not known.

• Yellow dockDocumented risk

  Oxalate in the plant is linked to extra urine oxalate and calcium oxalate kidney stones; a 2025 review advises people with kidney stones to avoid Rumex plants. This is a risk, not a benefit.

• RueDocumented risk

  Swallowed rue has been linked to kidney impairment and kidney failure needing dialysis. A safety caution, not a benefit.

• Alisma (ze xie)Documented risk

  Used traditionally as a diuretic. Animal studies show kidney injury at very high long-term amounts, and a 2025 review urges caution with long-term high amounts in impaired kidneys.

• Yellow foot (funnel chanterelle)Documented risk

  Kidney damage comes from the deadly webcap, a look-alike that is mistaken for yellow foot, not from yellow foot itself. Delayed (about 3 to 14 days) kidney failure; no antidote.

• Deadly webcapDocumented risk

  The poison acts on the kidneys, with reduced or excess urine, flank pain and thirst in the kidney phase.

• Funeral bellDocumented risk

  Amatoxins can injure the kidney tubules; kidney damage was reported with Galerina poisoning in a group case.

• Wild ginger (Canadian)Documented risk

  Wild ginger can contain aristolochic acid, which the FDA calls a potent carcinogen and kidney toxin, and which NCI links to kidney damage and urinary tract cancers. This is a documented risk, not a benefit.

• Star Fruit (Carambola)Documented risk

  The National Kidney Foundation says people with kidney disease should avoid star fruit; patients on dialysis have died after eating it. Oxalate in the juice has also injured kidneys in people not known to have kidney disease.

• Thunder god vineDocumented risk

  NCCIH lists kidney damage as a serious risk; early reports of help in some kidney disorders need specialist care.

• Stephania (fang ji)Documented risk

  Aristolochic acid from Aristolochia fangchi, which replaced Stephania tetrandra in Belgian slimming pills, caused kidney scarring and kidney failure; this is a harm, not a benefit, and is not shown for pure Stephania.

• Angel wingDocumented risk

  People with chronic kidney failure, many on dialysis, were the group harmed in 2004.

• Brown roll-rimDocumented risk

  Little or no urine and acute kidney failure are described.

• Common sorrelDocumented risk

  Common sorrel is high in oxalate, which forms most kidney stones; the NIDDK advises people who have had calcium oxalate stones to consider limiting high-oxalate foods. People with kidney disease should ask their kidney team first.

• Amanita smithiana and Amanita proximaDocumented risk

  Delayed kidney failure follows the first stomach illness; in published case reports it was reversible with supportive care and temporary dialysis.

• Tender nesting polyporeDocumented risk

  Kidney markers rose and the urine turned purple in both people in the case report.

• Salt Substitutes (Potassium Chloride)Documented risk

  Kidney disease raises the risk of high potassium from salt substitutes.

• Vitamin DDocumented risk

  The kidneys help turn vitamin D into its usable form. Too much vitamin D, almost always from supplements, can raise blood calcium and cause kidney damage and kidney stones.

• CalciumDocumented risk

  Higher calcium intake over a long time raises the risk of kidney stones in some people.

• CreatineDocumented risk

  Creatine raises blood creatinine, which can make kidney tests look worse without proven harm. People with kidney disease should ask a clinician first.

• Saw palmettoPreliminary or mixed

  Used for urinary symptoms from an enlarged prostate. NIH says it is probably not helpful for this when used alone, while the EU regulator recognises a hexane extract for it; the sources disagree.

• NoniDocumented risk

  Noni is high in potassium, so people with kidney disease or on a low-potassium diet should check with a clinician first.

• Coleus forskohlii (forskolin)Documented risk

  One source advises people with polycystic kidney disease to avoid forskolin because it may contribute to cyst enlargement.

• HorsetailPreliminary or mixed

  Horsetail is an EU traditional herbal medicine for increasing urine flow in minor urinary complaints. This is based on long use; one small trial in healthy men showed a diuretic effect, and benefit for urinary conditions is unproven.

• LemongrassDocumented risk

  One trial of 30 days of daily infusions found lower kidney-filtering measures. People with kidney disease should ask a clinician first.

• Stinging nettlePreliminary or mixed

  Root extract has been studied for urinary symptoms of an enlarged prostate; NCCIH calls the evidence limited. Not established.

• TribulusDocumented risk

  Case reports describe acute kidney injury after tribulus products. Case reports cannot show how common this is.

• Pumpkin seedPreliminary or mixed

  Pumpkin seed is accepted in the EU as a traditional herbal medicine for urinary symptoms linked to an enlarged prostate or overactive bladder, based only on long use. Trials of seed or oil for prostate symptoms show small or mixed effects.

• WormwoodDocumented risk

  A 1997 case report describes acute kidney failure after oil of wormwood bought online. This is a caution, not a benefit.

• SarsaparillaDocumented risk

  RxList says sarsaparilla may worsen kidney disease and advises people with kidney problems to avoid it; it also rates evidence for kidney and fluid-retention uses as insufficient.

• Corn silkDocumented risk

  Traditionally used for urinary complaints and described as a diuretic. Rat findings on potassium loss and kidney filtering mean people with kidney disease should ask first; no human study was found.

• BladderwrackDocumented risk

  The EU assessment reports kidney tubule defects and Fanconi syndrome after bladderwrack and advises caution in kidney disease; MSK warns that contaminated product may harm the kidneys.

• Chanca piedraPreliminary or mixed

  Used for kidney stones. Small studies and two systematic reviews suggest a modest effect, but the evidence is limited.

• PennyroyalDocumented risk

  MSK lists kidney toxicity and kidney failure among the published poisoning cases.

• Rhubarb rootDocumented risk

  Oxalate content and case reports of kidney damage; long-term laxative use can also bring blood or protein in the urine.

• Zhu ling (polyporus)Lab or animal research only

  Traditionally used as a diuretic and for urinary complaints; extracts were diuretic and kidney-protective in animals. No controlled human trial found.

• Cicada cordycepsLab or animal research only

  Traditionally used for the kidney in China; evidence is rat, cell and computer-model work only, with no human benefit trial.

• Birch leafPreliminary or mixed

  In the EU birch leaf is a traditional herbal medicine for flushing the urinary tract in minor urinary complaints, based only on long use. Trials in people were not found and a rat study did not confirm a diuretic effect.

• Xanthium (cang er zi, cocklebur)Documented risk

  One human case report included kidney failure needing dialysis.

• Cs-4 and cultured Cordyceps myceliumPreliminary or mixed

  Chinese trials of Jinshuibao added to usual care report lower urea, creatinine and urine protein; trials were low quality and the markers are not hard outcomes.

• Chaparral (creosote bush)Documented risk

  Kidney failure is listed by Memorial Sloan Kettering and kidney cysts and cancer were reported in tea drinkers; evidence is case-level and animal data.

• Japanese knotweed (hu zhang)Documented risk

  Emodin was linked to kidney toxicity in a 2016 review, and a high-dose resveratrol formula trial in myeloma patients was stopped for serious events including renal failure.

• Bitter leafDocumented risk

  A Ugandan case series links bitter leaf used to end a pregnancy with fatal kidney failure. One case cannot prove cause.

• OrangesDocumented risk

  Oranges and orange juice are on a higher-potassium list for people with kidney disease who must limit potassium.

• Mandarins & TangerinesDocumented risk

  Whole mandarins are listed as lower-potassium by the National Kidney Foundation; people with kidney disease should follow their dietitian.

• MayappleDocumented risk

  Kidney failure is reported after poisoning (IPCS).

• BananasDocumented risk

  People with kidney disease may be told to limit higher-potassium foods, and the NKF lists half a banana among them.

• LovagePreliminary or mixed

  Lovage root tea is a traditional EU herbal medicine for urinary flushing in minor complaints; no human trials were found, and it is not for acute kidney inflammation or kidney-related swelling.

• Nasturtium (garden)Preliminary or mixed

  Two placebo-controlled trials of a nasturtium-horseradish combination found fewer bladder-infection recurrences; the newer effect faded by one year and the makers were involved. Not tested for nasturtium alone.

• JackfruitDocumented risk

  Jackfruit is fairly high in potassium (about 739 mg per cup), which matters for people with chronic kidney disease or on potassium-raising medicines.

• RestharrowLab or animal research only

  Used traditionally in the EU as a tea to increase urine and flush the urinary tract in minor complaints. No clinical studies of the root were found, so this rests on long use and limited animal data.

• DatesDocumented risk

  Dates are potassium-rich and people with chronic kidney disease may not clear extra potassium.

• RaisinsDocumented risk

  Raisins are rich in potassium, which people with chronic kidney disease may not clear; ask the care team.

• Leafy Greens (overview)Documented risk

  Oxalate in some greens (spinach is named by NIDDK) matters for people who form calcium oxalate stones.

• SpinachDocumented risk

  Spinach is high in oxalate, which matters for people who form calcium oxalate stones, and rich in potassium, which matters in kidney disease.

• Swiss ChardDocumented risk

  Chard is a leafy green with potassium and a possible oxalate load; people with kidney stones or kidney disease are advised to ask their care team (NIDDK, MedlinePlus; a 2026 case report).

• Deadly parasolDocumented risk

  Same kidney injury reports; amatoxin-poisoned patients can need dialysis if kidney failure is severe.

• KohlrabiDocumented risk

  With chronic kidney disease, extra potassium may not be cleared; kohlrabi gives about 10% of the potassium Daily Value per cup.

• PotatoesDocumented risk

  Potassium handling depends on the kidneys; ask the kidney team about potatoes if you are on a potassium limit.

• ParsnipsDocumented risk

  Parsnip is a source of potassium, which people with chronic kidney disease may need to limit (MedlinePlus).

• PumpkinDocumented risk

  Poor kidney function can raise blood potassium, so potassium-rich foods need advice from a clinician.

• Autumn crocus (colchicum)Documented risk

  Kidney impairment is described in poisoning cases, and people with kidney impairment are at higher risk of toxicity.

• Butternut SquashDocumented risk

  Winter squash is a potassium source; people with kidney disease should ask a clinician about potassium-rich foods.

• OkraDocumented risk

  Okra is listed as higher in oxalate in one table (146 mg per 100 g); people with calcium oxalate stones should ask a clinician.

• Poison fire coralDocumented risk

  Low urine output and kidney failure were reported in fatal cases.

• Lotus SeedsDocumented risk

  High potassium and phosphorus: people with chronic kidney disease may need to limit them.

• Prunes (Dried Plums)Documented risk

  Prunes are high in potassium; people with kidney disease may need to limit potassium, per MedlinePlus.

• Juniper Berry OilDocumented risk

  The EU monograph lists severe kidney disease as a contraindication for the swallowed form and kidney irritation as an overdose sign; evidence is contested.

• Lemongrass TeaDocumented risk

  30 days of daily lemongrass infusions was followed by lower creatinine clearance and eGFR in healthy adults.

• Pennyroyal Tea (Dangers)Documented risk

  MSK lists kidney failure in published cases.

• Wheat Bran & Wheat GermDocumented risk

  NIDDK names wheat bran for people who form calcium oxalate stones; bran and germ are high in phosphorus and potassium.

• Soy Sauce & TamariDocumented risk

  People with chronic kidney disease are often given a lower sodium limit; NIDDK names soy sauce as a high-sodium sauce.

• Coconut WaterDocumented risk

  Potassium in coconut water matters for people with kidney disease who need to limit it.

• Orange JuiceDocumented risk

  NIDDK names orange juice as higher in potassium, which matters for people with kidney disease who must limit potassium.

• Cranberry JuiceClinically supported

  Cochrane found cranberry products probably lower repeat UTIs in women with recurrent UTIs and in children (moderate certainty). Trials of the juice alone disagree, and it is not a treatment for an infection.

• Green & Vegetable JuicesDocumented risk

  Case reports link oxalate-rich green juice cleanses to kidney injury in people with risk factors; NIDDK advises people prone to calcium oxalate stones to avoid spinach.

• Lemon Water & Infused WaterPreliminary or mixed

  Citrus juices raised urine citrate in small studies, lemonade did not beat potassium citrate; NIDDK stresses fluid.

• Epsom Salt (Magnesium Sulfate)Documented risk

  Reduced kidney function is the main group named for magnesium excess.

• Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate)Preliminary or mixed

  Trials in chronic kidney disease acidosis raised blood bicarbonate; kidney filtration change not significant.

• Magnesium Oil, Sprays and LotionsDocumented risk

  Excess magnesium risk in kidney failure.

• Flaky and Smoked SaltsDocumented risk

  MedlinePlus says people with kidney disease may need to eat less sodium.

• Magnesium Chloride Bath FlakesDocumented risk

  High magnesium is a risk in significantly reduced kidney function (MedlinePlus).

• Creatine HCl (Hydrochloride)Documented risk

  Creatine can raise the kidney blood marker creatinine; people with kidney disease should ask a clinician first.

• Creatine Ethyl Ester (CEE)Documented risk

  CEE can raise blood creatinine, a kidney test marker, without proof of kidney harm; ask a clinician if you have kidney disease.

• Creatine NitrateDocumented risk

  Creatine can raise kidney blood test values; one trial of a nitrate and creatinine blend lowered eGFR. People with kidney disease should ask a clinician first.

• Magnesium Creatine ChelateDocumented risk

  Creatine raises blood creatinine. Rises stayed within reference values in one 16-week trial. People with kidney disease should ask a clinician first.

• Creatine in Food (Meat and Fish)Documented risk

  The kidneys help make creatine and clear creatinine; meat can raise blood creatinine, which can affect a kidney blood test.

• Whey Protein PowderDocumented risk

  Healthy adults showed no change in kidney filtration on higher-protein diets, but people with kidney disease may need moderate protein and should ask a clinician first.

• Bone Health FormulasDocumented risk

  Calcium with vitamin D increased kidney stones in the Women's Health Initiative trial and the task force review.

• Vitamin CDocumented risk

  Amounts above 2,000 mg a day are not recommended and can rarely cause kidney stones.

• CopperDocumented risk

  Long-term high doses of copper can damage the kidneys, according to the NHS.

• ChromiumDocumented risk

  Isolated cases of kidney impairment have been reported with chromium supplements, so people with kidney disease are advised to avoid them unless a clinician agrees.

• GlutamineDocumented risk

  A review reported glutamine can raise serum creatinine and cause kidney damage in diabetic kidney disease; no significant harm was seen in healthy athletes.

• Willow barkDocumented risk

  EU monograph lists severe kidney dysfunction as a reason not to use it.

• HorseradishPreliminary or mixed

  A company-supported trial of the combination found fewer recurrences of uncomplicated cystitis in women; horseradish alone was not tested.

• Sea buckthornDocumented risk

  In 45 hemodialysis patients, blood phosphate and sodium rose and iron fell during an oil trial. People with kidney disease should ask their kidney team first.

• Wild yamDocumented risk

  In rats fed a wild yam extract for 28 days, kidney scarring (fibrosis) increased. This is animal research; human kidney safety has not been shown either way.

• HorehoundDocumented risk

  One case report of kidney injury after a mixture containing horehound; cause not shown.

• Camu camuDocumented risk

  Kidney stones are a rare effect of very large vitamin C intakes (MedlinePlus). Ask a clinician if you have had stones.

• PunarnavaLab or animal research only

  Traditionally used for kidney and urinary complaints. Rat studies show protection against drug-induced kidney injury; no good human evidence.

• Irvingia (African mango seed)Documented risk

  MSK describes one case of kidney failure needing dialysis after about 2.5 months of an African mango product; one case does not prove cause.

• Houttuynia (yu xing cao)Documented risk

  The plant contains aristolactams related to kidney-toxic aristolochic acids, and a high-extract rat study showed kidney cell damage. Human harm from teas or food is not shown in the sources read.

• Imperata (bai mao gen)Preliminary or mixed

  Traditionally used for urine flow and painful urination. Rat studies found more urine, but a placebo-controlled trial in healthy volunteers found no significant diuretic effect.

• Chitrak (Ceylon leadwort)Documented risk

  Kidney was a main organ affected in repeated-dose rat studies of root extracts. Human data were not read.

• NutmegDocumented risk

  Kidney damage in rats at the higher very high amount; not shown in people.

• Caterpillar fungusPreliminary or mixed

  Small, mostly open-label trials of fungus products (mainly cultured mycelium) added to usual kidney care report better blood markers; certainty is low to very low and the wild fungus was not tested.

• Angelica pubescens (du huo)Documented risk

  Animal kidney toxicity finding; human data not found.

• King tuber mushroomLab or animal research only

  Extracts reduced kidney damage markers in rats given gentamicin; no human data.

• Alpinia oxyphylla (yi zhi ren)Lab or animal research only

  Traditionally used for frequent urination and kidney tonifying. Only animal and cell studies were found; no human trials.

• The princeDocumented risk

  In mice, cadmium from dried A. augustus accumulated in the kidney. Animal finding only.

• Java tea (cat's whiskers)Preliminary or mixed

  EU lists Java tea as a traditional herbal medicine for flushing the urinary tract in minor complaints, based on long use; human trials are insufficient and the one placebo-controlled stone study showed no difference from placebo.

• EpazoteDocumented risk

  Kidney damage is listed among effects of the oil.

• Sophora flavescens (ku shen)Documented risk

  A 2026 review lists the kidneys among organs affected by excessive or prolonged matrine exposure; the Hong Kong cases found no acute kidney injury.

• GrapefruitDocumented risk

  Potassium matters for people with kidney disease, and studies on grapefruit juice and kidney stones disagree.

• CantaloupeDocumented risk

  With chronic kidney disease potassium may need limiting; cantaloupe has 427 mg per cup of cubes (USDA).

• FigsDocumented risk

  People with poor kidney function may need to limit potassium-rich foods; figs contain 232 mg per 100 g.

• BeetsDocumented risk

  Beets can color urine pink or red (beeturia) in roughly 10 to 14 percent of people; the oxalate question for kidney stones is unresolved in the sources read, so people with past stones should ask a clinician.

• Scotch broomDocumented risk

  The reference says some chemicals in the plant might worsen kidney disease.

• Heather (ling)Lab or animal research only

  Traditionally used as a urinary antiseptic and diuretic. Only a test-tube study of urinary bacteria was read; no human trials were found.

• Eggplant (Aubergine)Documented risk

  Eggplant has moderate potassium; people with kidney problems are advised not to eat too many potassium-rich foods.

• Zucchini (Courgette)Documented risk

  People with kidney disease may need to limit potassium-rich foods; zucchini has a moderate potassium content, and no zucchini-specific advice was found.

• Green PeasDocumented risk

  Potassium-rich foods need care in kidney disease; peas have 244 mg potassium per 100 g.

• Lovage seedPreliminary or mixed

  Regulators accept lovage root only for traditional urinary flushing; a consumer reference says evidence is insufficient to rate. Nothing was found for the seed.

• CashewsDocumented risk

  One case report of oxalate kidney injury with very large daily amounts in a man with kidney disease.

• ChestnutsDocumented risk

  People with chronic kidney disease may need to limit potassium and phosphorus; chestnuts contain some potassium.

• Pumpkin SeedsPreliminary or mixed

  In the GRANU trial men with prostate-related urinary symptoms had more responders on the symptom score with pumpkin seed than placebo (58.5% vs 47.3%); the authors asked for confirmation. Results for oil and extract are separate.

• Wintergreen OilDocumented risk

  One case report of interstitial nephritis after topical methyl salicylate and menthol with heat.

• Black TeaPreliminary or mixed

  Black tea contains oxalate; studies of tea and kidney stones disagree, with one controlled trial showing no rise in urinary oxalate and one case-control study linking 4 or more glasses a day to more stones.

• Nettle TeaPreliminary or mixed

  Traditional use to increase urine flow in minor urinary complaints; not for people told to limit fluid (severe heart or kidney disease).

• Lavender TeaDocumented risk

  One case report of acute interstitial nephritis after Spanish lavender tea.

• Horsetail TeaPreliminary or mixed

  EU traditional use for flushing the urinary tract in minor complaints; evidence limited.

• Wormwood Tea (Dangers)Documented risk

  One case report of kidney failure after a three-plant mixture that included wormwood.

• LentilsDocumented risk

  Cooked lentils contain potassium and phosphorus (USDA). Plant phosphorus is absorbed less than animal or additive phosphorus (National Kidney Foundation); ask a kidney dietitian.

• Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans)Documented risk

  Cooked chickpeas contain potassium and phosphorus (USDA). Plant phosphorus is absorbed less than animal or additive phosphorus (National Kidney Foundation); ask a kidney dietitian.

• Split PeasDocumented risk

  Cooked split peas contain potassium and phosphorus (USDA). Plant phosphorus is absorbed less than animal or additive phosphorus (National Kidney Foundation); ask a kidney dietitian.

• Pigeon PeasDocumented risk

  Cooked pigeon peas are a source of potassium and contain phosphorus (USDA). Plant phosphorus is absorbed less than animal or additive phosphorus (National Kidney Foundation); ask a kidney dietitian.

• Black-Eyed Peas (Cowpeas)Documented risk

  Cooked black-eyed peas contain potassium and phosphorus (USDA). Plant phosphorus is absorbed less than animal or additive phosphorus (National Kidney Foundation); ask a kidney dietitian.

• Navy BeansDocumented risk

  Most people with kidney disease not on dialysis do not need to limit beans for potassium or phosphorus; dialysis and oxalate-stone history need individual advice.

• White Beans (Cannellini & Great Northern)Documented risk

  Most people with kidney disease not on dialysis do not need to limit beans for potassium or phosphorus; dialysis and oxalate-stone history need individual advice.

• Lima BeansDocumented risk

  Most people with kidney disease not on dialysis do not need to limit beans for potassium or phosphorus; dialysis and oxalate-stone history need individual advice.

• Mung BeansDocumented risk

  Most people with kidney disease not on dialysis do not need to limit beans for potassium or phosphorus; dialysis and oxalate-stone history need individual advice.

• Adzuki BeansDocumented risk

  Most people with kidney disease not on dialysis do not need to limit beans for potassium or phosphorus; dialysis and oxalate-stone history need individual advice.

• Horse Gram (Kulthi)Documented risk

  Potassium and phosphorus in beans are absorbed less well than from animal foods; most people with chronic kidney disease not on dialysis do not need to limit beans, and dialysis patients should plan with a kidney dietitian. People with a history of calcium oxalate stones are told to ask about oxalates in beans.

• Bambara GroundnutDocumented risk

  Potassium and phosphorus in beans are absorbed less well than from animal foods; most people with chronic kidney disease not on dialysis do not need to limit beans, and dialysis patients should plan with a kidney dietitian. People with a history of calcium oxalate stones are told to ask about oxalates in beans.

• MisoDocumented risk

  People with chronic kidney disease are often given a lower sodium limit by their care team (NIDDK).

• Hyacinth Beans (Lablab)Documented risk

  Potassium and phosphorus in beans are absorbed less well than from animal foods; most people with chronic kidney disease not on dialysis do not need to limit beans, and dialysis patients should plan with a kidney dietitian. People with a history of calcium oxalate stones are told to ask about oxalates in beans.

• Winged BeansDocumented risk

  Potassium and phosphorus in beans are absorbed less well than from animal foods; most people with chronic kidney disease not on dialysis do not need to limit beans, and dialysis patients should plan with a kidney dietitian. People with a history of calcium oxalate stones are told to ask about oxalates in beans.

• Jack Beans (Caution)Documented risk

  Potassium and phosphorus in beans are absorbed less well than from animal foods; most people with chronic kidney disease not on dialysis do not need to limit beans, and dialysis patients should plan with a kidney dietitian. People with a history of calcium oxalate stones are told to ask about oxalates in beans.

• Fermented Tofu (Sufu)Documented risk

  People with chronic kidney disease are often given a lower sodium limit by their care team (NIDDK).

• Gochujang & DoenjangDocumented risk

  People with chronic kidney disease are often given a lower sodium limit by their care team (NIDDK).

• Fish SauceDocumented risk

  WHO links high sodium intake with kidney disease.

• Water (Tap & Bottled)Preliminary or mixed

  One 5-year randomized trial found fewer kidney stone recurrences with higher water intake; single trial.

• Cow's MilkDocumented risk

  Dairy is a natural phosphorus source; people with kidney disease may be told to limit it.

• Tomato JuiceDocumented risk

  Potassium (527 mg per cup) matters for people with kidney disease who must limit it.

• Prune JuiceDocumented risk

  Potassium in prune juice matters for people with kidney disease who are told to limit it.

• Soda & Diet SodaPreliminary or mixed

  Sugar-sweetened soda went with higher kidney stone risk in three large cohorts; artificially sweetened cola did not.

• Activated CharcoalPreliminary or mixed

  One pilot trial of a bamboo charcoal product in stage 3 chronic kidney disease.

• Bamboo CharcoalPreliminary or mixed

  Same pilot trial; larger, longer trials are needed.

• Himalayan Pink SaltDocumented risk

  People with kidney disease should ask a clinician about all salt; the sources give no pink-salt allowance.

• Celtic Grey SaltDocumented risk

  MedlinePlus says people with kidney disease may need lower sodium and can retain fluid.

• Kosher SaltDocumented risk

  MedlinePlus says people with kidney disease may need lower sodium and can retain fluid.

• Iodized Table SaltDocumented risk

  WHO lists kidney disease among conditions associated with a high-sodium diet; the sources we read give no detail.

• Potassium AlumDocumented risk

  Aluminum poisoning after alum bladder irrigation is documented in hospital case reports.

• Creatine GummiesDocumented risk

  A case report linked a vitamin D manufacturing error in a creatine powder to acute kidney injury in two teenagers. People with kidney disease should ask a clinician first.

• Plant Protein PowdersDocumented risk

  People with chronic kidney disease may need to limit protein; ask a care team before adding powders.

• Mushroom Blends and Mushroom CoffeeDocumented risk

  Chaga oxalate case reports; individual cases only.

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