Bangkok: In an era where social media is an integral part of daily life, we often see a flood of health-related information being shared, especially advertisements claiming miraculous cures for chronic diseases. One widely shared topic is "kidney-restoring supplements containing algae extract," which claim to improve kidney function in patients with stage 3 to stage 5 kidney disease. But the crucial question is: how reliable is this information?

According to Thai News Agency, this article will take you to find answers from Associate Professor Dr. Surasak Kantachuwesiri, MD, MD, a lecturer in the Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, and Chairman of the Salt Reduction Network, Thai Society of Nephrology, to clarify your doubts and protect your kidney health correctly, based on the program "Sure Before Sharing".

Medical experts confirm that information regarding the use of seaweed extracts to treat kidney disease "is based solely on animal testing." Research conducted on laboratory mice has suggested that this substance may help reduce kidney inflammation. However, in medicine, we cannot directly apply the results from animal studies to humans because there is a lack of human studies confirming its effectiveness, and more importantly, a lack of long-term safety data. Self-consumption therefore carries a very high risk. Currently, in the medical field, there are no dietary supplements in the world that have been proven to cure kidney disease in humans.

For kidney patients, choosing what they consume requires special caution. Self-medicating with herbs or supplements that make exaggerated claims without consulting a doctor can lead to serious harm. Many doctors have found that a significant number of patients experience worsening conditions and accelerated kidney deterioration, to the point of requiring dialysis, simply because they are taking these supplements. Interestingly, when some patients stop taking these herbal remedies or supplements, their kidney function improves significantly, confirming that some substances in the supplements may be directly toxic to the kidneys.

Many people may expect medication to restore kidney function to 100%, but in reality, the primary goal of medications currently prescribed to kidney patients is to "slow down kidney deterioration" and prevent it from worsening. Maintaining stable kidney function and preventing it from reaching the end-stage is considered a successful treatment. These medications typically control the underlying cause, such as those used to treat diabetes, high blood pressure, or specialized kidney medications.

Furthermore, there are rumors circulating that 108 Thais die from kidney disease every day. In reality, this figure includes deaths from cardiovascular diseases, not kidney disease alone (although kidney patients have a higher risk of heart disease). Currently, Thailand has approximately 200,000 patients requiring dialysis or hemodialysis.

Did you know that 90% of kidney disease is caused by unhealthy eating habits? Therefore, the best way to prevent and maintain kidney health is not by relying on expensive supplements, but by changing your lifestyle as follows:

- Reduce strong flavors: Reduce consumption of sweet, oily, and especially salty foods.

- Focus on plant-based protein: Choose natural protein sources such as soybeans, soy milk, and various mushrooms.

- Vegetables and fruits (depending on the stage of the disease):

- Patients with early-stage kidney disease (stages 1-3) or normal individuals: Can consume fruits and vegetables normally to obtain antioxidants, which help restore balance in the gut.

- Patients with stage 4 and 5 kidney disease: Must consult a doctor because these patients often have high potassium levels in their blood, and consuming certain fruits and vegetables may have negative effects on their health.

Advertisements for kidney-restoring supplements made from seaweed extract are false and should absolutely not be shared. If you or a loved one have kidney problems, the best course of action is to follow the advice of a specialist doctor, strictly control their diet, and refrain from self-medicating with drugs or supplements. Proper care is the only way to maintain healthy kidneys for as long as possible.