Can pregnant women consume Phyllanthus niruri?
Categories: Kidney Stone Prevention, Product Information
Water and citrus fruits are a great way to help prevent kidney stones during pregnancy.
I am putting aside the article that I started writing for this week’s post to address a question that some people have regarding Clear Kidneys™ and its main ingredient, Phyllanthus niruri. One of our site visitors this week found our website after searching for the answer to this question:
Can pregnant women consume Phyllanthus niruri?
This is a very good question, and there is only one good answer: NO
Clear Kidneys is made from pure, concentrated Phyllanthus niruri, a point of which we are especially proud. However, we are very clear in all of our marketing, support documents, and labeling that you should not take Clear Kidneys if you are:
- Pregnant or may become pregnant
- Trying to become pregnant
- Nursing
Why should Phyllanthus niruri be avoiding during pregnancy?
One of the effects of Phyllanthus niruri is relaxing smooth muscle tissue, like that found in the ureter and bladder. It’s one of the things that makes Clear Kidneys so effective at relieving kidney stone symptoms and allowing stones to pass. The uterus is also made of smooth muscle tissue. Relaxing the uterine muscles may actually trigger premature labor, or miscarriages in early term pregnancy, according to numerous sources, including the Tropical Plant Database. This is not a good thing.
Why should Phyllanthus niruri be avoided by women who are nursing?
There is no evidence that Phyllanthus niruri is safe for women who are nursing or their babies. On the other hand, there is no evidence that Phyllanthus niruri is unsafe. We always err on the side of caution and recommend against it.
What to do if you’re pregnant and have kidney stones
Different kidney stones require different approaches, but here are some guidelines that are useful for most kidney stones:
- Drink plenty of water, more than you would typically need if you weren’t pregnant. According to the U.S. Institute of Medicine (IOM), pregnant women should drink 2.3 liters of water per day. Remember, you’re drinking for two. 🙂
- Reduce your sodium intake, especially if you eat a lot of processed foods. This will help with water retention as well as reducing the likelihood that stones will form.
- Add some citrus to your diet, in particular lemon or lime juices. The citrate in these fruits is one way to provide natural prevention against kidney stones.
My wife had both dehydration and a kidney stone during pregnancy, so she can tell you first hand that it is not a fun experience.
On a personal note, I’m not a big fan of the use of herbal supplements during pregnancy and nursing, regardless of what some herbalists and natural health practitioners may say, with all due respect. There is very little scientific evidence to support the safety and efficacy of these supplements for pregnant and nursing women.
Mark’s Bottom Line
Don’t take Clear Kidneys or any other product containing Phyllanthus niruri if you’re pregnant, nursing, or may become pregnant. In case you’re new to Phyllanthus niruri, it is found in a number of other supplements and is also known as chanca piedra, quebra pedra, stone breaker, bhumy amalaki, and many other names.
If you’re pregnant, I wish you all the best for a healthy pregnancy and birth!
Sources:
- Mayo Clinic – Water: How much should you drink every day?: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/water/NU00283/NSECTIONGROUP=2
- Tropical Plant Database Entry – Phyllanthus niruri: http://www.rain-tree.com/chanca.htm#.UkEBLBBc_x8
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If you would like to learn more about Clear Kidneys, the fastest and most effective relief for kidney stones, click here.
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