Is Lysine Bad For Your Kidneys

Foods That Increase Dietary Lysine

Lysine rich foods are plentiful and include leafy vegetables, such as spinach and kale stalk vegetables, such as cauliflower and celery legumes, such as soybeans, green beans and lentils fruits, such as pears, papaya, apricots, bananas and apples nuts, such as almonds and cashews dairy, such as eggs, some cheeses, yogurt and milk and meats, especially red meat, pork and poultry, as well as cod and sardines.

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Lysine is a type of amino acid your body needs to maintain proper growth and energy production. Unfortunately, your body can’t generate lysine by itself. Instead, you need to consume lysine-rich foods, such as meat, fish or nuts, or supplements to ensure your body receives enough lysine each day. Lysine supplements are also purported to yield medicinal benefits in certain people. Before using lysine supplements, talk to your medical provider.

Other Side Effects Of L

L-lysine can negatively impact cats in other, less damaging ways, which can nonetheless be uncomfortable for your cat. These side effects include:

• Seizures
• Facial swelling
• Pale gums

L-lysine supplementation may also interfere with other medications that your cat is taking. Always talk to your veterinarian about other medications, supplements, or vitamins that your cat is taking before beginning L-lysine treatment. Large doses of L-lysine may interact with certain antibiotics and increase the antibiotics toxicity.

Cats with digestive disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome or ulcers, might find their chronic conditions worsened when taking L-lysine supplementation, due to negative interactions with other prescribed medications. Occasionally, a cat may develop an allergy to the L-lysine medication, resulting in difficulty breathing, dizziness, and rashes.

Studies On Lysine And Cats

There are numerous studies that have actually proved that lysine supplementation does NOT prevent or help treat feline herpes virus.

Some studies have actually reported an INCREASE frequency of FHV episodes and virus shedding when cats are supplemented with lysine.

In case youre wondering, it also not effective for preventing cold sores or other herpes symptoms in humans either!

There are many studies published that have proved that lysine supplementation is completely ineffective in FHV cats and/or INCREASED virus shedding and symptoms.

Here are a couple:

PubMed: Effectiveness of Dietary Lysine Supplement in Cats with Enzootic Upper Respiratory Disease

In fact, only ONE study noted that it helped cats with conjunctivitis symptoms from the herpes virus, but that was a seriously small study of EIGHT cats. Thats 4 cats treated with lysine and 4 cats in the control group to compare the two.

Theres a veterinarian article discussing both points of view about lysine, so you can make your own decision.

Though, if youre still interested in trying lysine supplements for your cats, you can find some on or Chewy.

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Medications That Can Harm The Kidneys

No matter what kind of medicine you take, whether OTC or prescription, it is destined to take a trip through your kidneys. Taking a drug the wrong way or in excessive amounts can damage these vital, bean-shaped organs and lead to serious complications. In the worst-case scenario, it could necessitate a kidney transplant.

Compared with 30 years ago, patients todayhave a higher incidence of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, take multiple medications, and are exposed to more diagnostic and therapeutic procedures with the potential to harm kidney function, according to Cynthia A. Naughton, PharmD, senior associate dean and associate professor in the department of pharmacy practice at North Dakota State University. All of these factors are associated with an elevated risk of kidney damage.

An estimated 20% of cases of acute kidney failure are due to medications. The technical term for this scenario is nephrotoxicity, which is growing more common as the aging population grows, along with rates of various diseases.

The kidneys get rid of waste and extra fluid in the body by filtering the blood to produce urine. They also keep electrolyte levels balanced and make hormones that influence blood pressure, bone strength and the production of red blood cells. When something interferes with the kidneys, they cant do their job, so these functions can slow down or stop altogether.

What Is Lysine Used For

Lysine supplements are used to treat a wide range of conditions, including:

Proponents say lysine supplements can boost the immune system. They are also used to aid in muscle repair and improve muscle strength.

So far, there is not enough clinical evidence to support most of these uses.

A few studies suggest that lysine supplements can be used to treat certain health conditions. Here’s a look at some key study findings.

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How Lysine Affects You

Like many amino acids, lysine is used to build muscles and collagen, which is an important constituent of cartilage, connective tissue and skin. “Biochemistry of Human Nutrition” author, George Gropper, reports that lysine has other important roles in your body, such as promoting absorption of calcium from the intestines, facilitating the manufacture of enzymes, hormones and antibodies, and stimulating the production of creatinine. Creatinine is used by the body to help convert fatty acids into usable forms of energy. If also reduces blood levels of LDL, the “bad” cholesterol. In “Advanced Nutrition: Macronutrients, Micronutrients and Metabolism,” Carolyn D. Berdanier et al., explain lysine is also taken as a supplement to reduce the symptoms created by cold sores and genital herpes, which are caused by different forms of the herpes simplex virus, and shingles, caused by the herpes zoster virus. Specifically, lysine is able to reduce viral uptake of arginine, which inhibits replication.

Do I Recommend Lysine Supplementation For Fhv No

Lysine has no antiviral properties. It cannot even be proven it limits arginine. If it DOES limit arginine, that could be dangerous in cats, as they do not produce their own. There have been studies of it proving it actually made symptoms and viral shedding worse!

The only reason lysine was recommended in the first place was based on a HUMAN study on the herpes simplex virus. And just to say, there is no evidence it reduces cold sores either.

I know vets, shelters, and rescues do recommend it. I dont.

So no, I dont use lysine supplements nor do I recommend them for people caring for cats with upper respiratory infections.

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Is Green Tea Good Or Bad For Kidneys

Have you ever paused and thought about two bean-shaped organs in your body called the kidneys? They are important organs and help in removing the waste from the body in the form of urine.

The kidneys filter blood and send it back to the heart along with helping in maintaining the bodys fluid balance.

Not just that, they also regulate minerals and filter them away from the blood and get rid of toxins. Other important roles played by the kidneys include the assistance in the production of red blood cells, the regulation of BP along with the promotion of bone health.

Such important organs obviously deserve to be taken care of. And, if it can be easily done by adding green tea to your diet, wouldnt you be happy?

What Other Drugs Will Affect Lysine

Other drugs may interact with lysine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Do not take lysine without medical advice if you are using any of the following medications:

• calcium supplements or

• gastrointestinal medicines .

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with lysine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this product guide.

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How Is Lysine Given

Lysine is given by mouth in the form of a powder, crushed tablet, chewable tablet, or paste/gel. Mix the powder in a small amount of food unless otherwise directed.

This medication can take up to a few weeks before full effects are noted, but gradual improvements are usually noticeable after a few days.

Special Precautions & Warnings

Pregnancy and breast-feeding

Kidney disease: There is one report of kidney disease linked with taking lysine supplements. If you have a kidney disease, check with your healthcare provider before taking lysine.

Osteoporosis: Using Lysine with calcium supplements might increase calcium absorption.

Intolerance to lysinuric protein: Lysine supplementation might cause diarrhea and stomach cramps in children who are intolerant to lysinuric protein.

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The Need To Monitor Kidney Function With Certain Drugs

Experts have suggested that after the initial assessment of kidney function, physicians should consider regular monitoring after starting or increasing the dosage of drugs associated with nephrotoxicity, especially those used chronically in patients with multiple risk factors for impaired kidney function, Dr. Naughton noted. If there is any sign of kidney harm, the provider should review the medications you are taking in order to identify which one is causing the problem.

If multiple medications are present and the patient is clinically stable, physicians should start by discontinuing the drug most recently added to the patients medication regimen. Once that has been taken care of, further harm to the kidneys may be minimized by keeping blood pressure stable, staying hydrated, and temporarily avoiding the use of other medications that may cause nephrotoxicity.

These safety tips can ensure you get the care you need while keeping your kidneys safe. That way, they can tend to essential functions like keeping things flowing .Originally published May 11, 2017

Final Verdict Is Green Tea Good Or Bad For Your Kidneys

As already discussed, scientific research has established that green tea helps in preventing kidney stones from forming a larger shape. This allows them to easily pass through the urinary tract.

Apart from that, EGCG in green tea helps prevent chronic kidney disease. This implies that green tea is definitely good for the kidneys.

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Cold Sore And Genital Herpes Outbreak Prevention

Health professionals with the University of Maryland Medical Center report regular treatment with lysine supplements may help prevent the outbreak of cold sores in people with oral herpes, a viral infection. Additionally, this supplement may reduce the frequency of genital herpes outbreaks, a sexually-transmitted disease. In such cases, lysine supplements may help diminish the appearance of painful, inflamed skin lesions across the genital region. However, additional research is necessary to further examine the effect lysine supplements have on herpes outbreaks.

What Other Drugs Interact With Lysine

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist first.

• Lysine has no known severe interactions with any drugs.
• Lysine has no known serious interactions with any drugs.
• Lysine has no known moderate interactions with any drugs.
• Lysine has no known mild interaction with other drugs.

This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your health care professional or doctor for additional medical advice, or if you have health questions, concerns, or for more information about this medicine.

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What Are Warnings And Precautions For Lysine

Warnings

• This medication contains lysine
• Do not take L-lysine and Lysine Monohydrochloride if you are allergic to lysine or any ingredients contained in this drug
• Keep out of reach of children
• In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately

Contraindications

• Avoid taking large amounts of calcium and lysine at the same time. Lysine can increase how much calcium the body absorbs. Taking calcium along with lysine can increase the amount of calcium in the body.

Effects of Drug Abuse

Liver And Kidney Disorders

The liver and kidneys are so key to protein metabolism that a disorder of either of those organs can affect your ability to safely take lysine supplements. Kidney problems can interfere with your body’s ability to eliminate excess lysine, causing it to accumulate in your blood. Drugs.com even reports an association between long-term lysine supplementation and both kidney inflammation and Fanconi syndrome. Fanconi syndrome is a kidney disorder that causes your body to lose nutrients through urine. If you suffer from any kidney or liver dysfunction, the University of Maryland Medical Center recommends consulting your doctor before taking lysine supplements.

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How Do I Know If Im Not Getting Enough Vitamins And Minerals

Almost all vitamins and minerals come from the foods you eat. Your body cannot make these substances. People with healthy kidneys who eat a variety of foods from all the food groups can get enough vitamins and minerals. But if you have chronic kidney disease or are on dialysis, your diet may limit some food groups. Therefore, you may not be getting all the vitamins and minerals you need each day, so you may need to take some in the form of supplements. Your healthcare professional and kidney dietitian can help you find out which vitamins and minerals you may need by looking at your health history and blood tests.

Why Do I Need Different Amounts Of Vitamins And Minerals

Having chronic kidney disease changes your need for some nutrients. Some of the reasons are:

• The waste products that build up in your body each day can change the way your body uses vitamins and minerals.
• Some of the medicines you take can change the way your body uses certain vitamins and minerals.
• Some vitamins are lost during dialysis treatment if you are on dialysis.
• Following a special diet for chronic kidney disease can mean you miss certain vitamins and minerals from foods.
• On days when you may not feel well enough to eat regular meals, you may not get enough daily vitamins and minerals.

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Doraiswamy, T. R., Singh, N., and Daniel, V. A. Effects of supplementing ragi diets with lysine or leaf protein on the growth and nitrogen metabolism of children. Br.J.Nutr. 1969 23:737-743. View abstract.

Heinrichs, W., Fauth, U., Seufert, W., and Halmagyi, M. . Infusionsther.Klin.Ernahr. 1987 14:252-255. View abstract.

Kagan, C. Letter: Lysine therapy for herpes simplex. Lancet 1-26-1974 1:137. View abstract.

Matsuda, I., Arashima, S., Imanishi, Y., Yamamoto, J., Akaboshi, I., Shinozuka, S., and Nagata, N. Lysine intolerance in a variant form of citrullinemia. Pediatr.Res. 1979 13:1134-1136. View abstract.

Metges, C. C., Eberhard, M., and Petzke, K. J. Synthesis and absorption of intestinal microbial lysine in humans and non-ruminant animals and impact on human estimated average requirement of dietary lysine. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care 2006 9:37-41. View abstract.

Miller, C. S. and Foulke, C. N. Use of lysine in treating recurrent oral herpes simplex infections. Gen.Dent. 1984 32:490-493. View abstract.

Milman, N., Jessen, O., and Scheibel, J. . Ugeskr.Laeger 10-22-1979 141:2960-2962. View abstract.

Milman, N., Scheibel, J., and Jessen, O. Failure of lysine treatment in recurrent herpes simplex labialis. Lancet 10-28-1978 2:942. View abstract.

Pellett, P. L. and Ghosh, S. Lysine fortification: past, present, and future. Food Nutr.Bull. 2004 25:107-113. View abstract.

Risks And Side Effects

L-lysine supplements have been known to cause some minor side effects, although consuming natural sources of lysine is not proven to have the same effect. These side effects include stomach pain and diarrhea.

There has also been one report of kidney disease linked with lysine supplements, so patients with kidney and liver impairment should use caution and consult with their health care providers before beginning to take a lysine product.

Because its effects on pregnant mothers has not been researched at length, those who are pregnant and/or nursing should avoid taking L-lysine supplements.

While L-lysine benefits those with a large number of diseases, there is evidence that it can increase the viral load of HIV patients. For this reason, those diagnosed with HIV/AIDS should not take L-lysine supplements and consume high-lysine foods only .

On the positive side, scientists discovering this phenomenon are now able to use this to speed up testing of HIV-fighting treatments.

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What Are Lysine Side Effects

Lysine is an essential amino acid. The body needs it in order to absorb calcium and maintain healthy hormone, enzyme, and antibody levels. As with most nutrients, if too much builds up in the body, it can cause side effects. Lysine side effects include stomach pain, diarrhea, and sometimes kidney trouble. Since lysine helps the body absorb calcium, too much lysine can lead to hypocalcaemia, or too much calcium in the body.

The body cannot produce lysine on its own. Lysine must be taken in through the diet. Fish and meat are natural sources of lysine. Dairy, legumes, and brewer’s yeast also contain the amino acid. Most people get enough lysine through their regular diet to keep their bodies functioning normally. Dietary doses do not cause any known lysine side effects.

Lysine can be used to treat and prevent cold sores. Cold sores are sores on or near the mouth caused by the virus herpes simplex labialis. Pill form lysine can be bought over the counter at most drug stores. Lysine also comes as a topical cream for application directly onto the cold sore. Some people suffer side effects from lysine even when taken in proscribed doses. Side effects, however are most common if dosing regimens are not followed correctly.