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Post by the Scribe on Mar 12, 2022 2:04:03 GMT
 Are You in Danger of Kidney Stones if You Love Beets?
www.peoplespharmacy.com/articles/are-your-in-danger-of-kidney-stones-if-you-love-beets
Beets increase levels of nitric oxide and lower blood pressure, but beets are high in oxalates that could increase the risk for kidney stones
Q. I take beet juice powder and it has dropped my blood pressure to normal levels. But I hear that beets can cause kidney stones in some people. If so, am I putting myself at risk by taking the powder daily?
A. Unless you have had a kidney stone, you may not be in any danger. If you are susceptible to oxalate-containing kidney stones, however, then beets, beet greens and beet root powder could pose a problem. They are quite high in oxalates and may promote kidney stone formation in susceptible individuals.
Foods with High Oxalate Levels
Almonds
Beans (baked, kidney, refried)
Beets (and beet greens)
Blackberries
Blueberries
Buckwheat flour
Carrots
Celery
Collard greens
Currants
Figs (dried)
Kiwis
Leeks
Lentils
Miso
Okra
Olives (green)
Parsley
Peanuts
Pecans
Peppers (green)
Pistachios
Raspberries
Rhubarb
Sesame seeds
Spinach
Soy (soy burgers, soy nuts, soy milk, soy sausage, soy yogurt)
Strawberries
Sweet potatoes
Swiss chard
Tangerines
Tofu
Wheat bran
Many of these foods are very healthy and you would not want to give them up unless you were susceptible to oxalate-containing kidney stones. If that is the case, you would need to look for another way to keep your blood pressure under control.
Beets make blood vessels more flexible, thus lowering blood pressure, but certain other foods act in a similar way. We are sending you our Guide to Blood Pressure Treatment with many suggestions for non-drug approaches to lowering blood pressure naturally. Anyone who would like to download it for $2 can go to this link. www.peoplespharmacy.com/store/health-guides/blood-pressure-treatment/
One of the best ways to prevent kidney stones is to keep fluid intake high. Experts recommend two to three liters of water daily. Lemonade therapy has also been recommended, but don’t add too much sugar. Here are the key points from an article in the journal Urology (Nov., 2007):
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17919696
“OBJECTIVES: Potassium citrate is prescribed to patients with calcium oxalate (CaOx) stone formation to increase urinary citrate and pH, thus reducing CaOx crystal formation. Lemonade therapy (LT) might also increase urinary citrate and the total urine volume. We compared the effects of LT alone and potassium citrate plus LT in patients with CaOx stone formation on the urinary citrate and total urine volume to determine the efficacy of LT…
CONCLUSIONS: LT resulted in favorable changes in urinary citrate and total urine volume in our series…”
And if you cannot tolerate beets, remember, there are many other non-drug approaches to helping control blood pressure. You can find them in our guide.
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About the Author
Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist who has dedicated his career to making drug information understandable to consumers. His best-selling book, The People’s Pharmacy, was published in 1976 and led to a syndicated newspaper column, syndicated public radio show and web site. In 2006, Long Island University awarded him an honorary doctorate as “one of the country's leading drug experts for the consumer.” Read Joe's Full Bio. |
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Post by the Scribe on Mar 12, 2022 2:11:27 GMT
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Post by the Scribe on Mar 12, 2022 2:16:59 GMT
www.drugs.com/mtm/potassium-citrate.html
Potassium citrate
Generic name: potassium citrate (poe TASS see um SIT rate)
Brand name: Urocit-K, Twin-K
Dosage forms: oral tablet, extended release (10 mEq; 15 mEq; 5 mEq)
Drug class: Urinary pH modifiers
What is potassium citrate?
Potassium citrate is a mineral that is used to treat kidney stones.
Potassium citrate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use potassium citrate if you have:
high levels of potassium in your blood (hyperkalemia);
kidney failure;
a bladder or kidney infection;
untreated or uncontrolled diabetes;
an adrenal gland disorder;
a blockage in your intestines;
problems with your esophagus, stomach, or intestines that affect swallowing or digestion;
a peptic ulcer in your stomach;
wasting syndrome;
a large tissue injury (such as a severe burn);
if you are dehydrated or malnourished; or
if you take a "potassium-sparing" diuretic (amiloride, eplerenone, spironolactone, or triamterene).
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
kidney problems other than kidney stones;
too much acid in your body (acidosis);
a stomach ulcer;
heart problems; or
chronic diarrhea (such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease).
It is not known whether potassium citrate will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.
Potassium citrate is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
How should I take potassium citrate?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Take with a meal or bedtime snack, or within 30 minutes after a meal.
Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush, chew, break, or suck on it.
The tablet may irritate your mouth or throat. Tell your doctor if it feels like the tablet gets stuck in your throat when you swallow it.
You may need to follow a special diet while using potassium citrate. Follow all instructions of your doctor or dietitian. Learn about the foods to eat or avoid to help control your condition.
You will need frequent urine and blood tests. Your heart function may need to be checked using an electrocardiograph or ECG (sometimes called an EKG).
Limit your salt intake and drink plenty of fluids while taking potassium citrate.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
Detailed Potassium citrate dosage information
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking potassium citrate?
Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes, unless your doctor has told you to.
Avoid strenuous exercise if you are not in proper condition for it.
Potassium citrate side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
severe vomiting or stomach pain;
high blood potassium--nausea, weakness, tingly feeling, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, loss of movement; or
signs of stomach bleeding--bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
Common side effects may include:
upset stomach, nausea, vomiting; or
diarrhea.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Potassium citrate side effects (more detail)
What other drugs will affect potassium citrate?
Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:
digoxin, digitalis;
bronchodilator asthma medication;
cold or allergy medicine (Benadryl and others);
a diuretic or "water pill";
medicine to treat depression, anxiety, mood disorders, or mental illness;
medicine to treat overactive bladder;
medicine to treat Parkinson's disease; or
medicine to treat stomach problems, motion sickness, or irritable bowel syndrome.
This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect potassium citrate, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.
Potassium citrate drug interactions (more detail)
www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/potassium-citrate.html
Frequently asked questions
Potassium Citrate vs. Gluconate: What’s the difference?
More about potassium citrate
Side Effects
During Pregnancy
Dosage Information
Drug Images
Drug Interactions
Compare Alternatives
Pricing & Coupons
En Español
6 Reviews
Drug class: urinary pH modifiers
Patient resources
Drug Information
Potassium citrate (Advanced Reading)
Other brands
Urocit-K
Professional resources
Prescribing Information
Related treatment guides
Nephrolithiasis
Renal Tubular Acidosis
Further information
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Medical Disclaimer
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