What Clinical Trials Are Open
Clinical trials that are currently open and are recruiting can be viewed at www.ClinicalTrials.gov.
This content is provided as a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, part of the National Institutes of Health. The NIDDK translates and disseminates research findings to increase knowledge and understanding about health and disease among patients, health professionals, and the public. Content produced by the NIDDK is carefully reviewed by NIDDK scientists and other experts.
The NIDDK would like to thank Jeffrey Fink, MD, MS, Chief, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine
A State Of Low Sodium Level Or Hyponatremia
Typically, a sodium level in the blood of less than 135 meq/L is considered abnormal and called hyponatremia. Two major determinants of the sodium level in the blood are, the amount of sodium in the blood, and the amount of water in the blood. In many disease states, a low sodium level is not a problem of lack of sodium, but in fact an excess of water for the amount of sodium .
Remember, when we measure sodium level in the blood, it is not the absolute amount of sodium, but in fact its concentration that we look at. Which means the water content of the blood will impact sodium concentration as well. Understanding this concept is essential to realizing why sodium falls in certain disease states, and why the treatment is not always to “eat more salt/sodium.”
Some of the common causes of low sodium levels are as follows :
Is Mio Water Flavoring A Good Way To Drink Water Or A Health Hazard
Water is the life-force of the earth and nothing would exist without it. It is free, pure and accessible. The human body is about 70 percent water, and it is necessary for every cellular process.
If all of these things are so, why do so many people pass on water for other high calorie-sugar laden drinks that provide zero energy and do nothing to promote health and well being?
Perhaps water is just too simple and unassuming, or perhaps we value only that which comes with a hefty price tag. Whatever the reason, beverage manufacturers have worked hard to put a new and alluring twist on plain old water.
One of the latest charades to mask the goodness of water comes from Kraft, which makes Mio Water Flavor Drops in sporty little bottles with a catchy label. This zero calorie water enhancer seems basically harmless, until you dissect its innards.
FoodFacts.com gives 17 of the Mio Water Flavorings an F rating and the tangerine flavor a C-.
The Ingredients
Water, Citric Acid, Propylene Glycol, Malic Acid, Contains Less than 2% of Natural Flavor, Sucralose and Acesulfame Potassium , Potassium Citrate, Red 40, Blue 1, Potassium Sorbate .
Whats Inside?
Propylene Glycol a bitter liquid used to prevent food discoloration during storage. This dangerous substance is used in the production of polyester and antifreeze. It is also used to produce fake smog and smoke. Animal studies indicate that propylene glycol may cause serious health conditions when consumed over time.
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Is Flavored Water Bad For Your Kidneys
Just like the stuff coming out of your own tap. With flavored waters, those little bottles may also contain far too much sodium, sugar, or artificial sweeteners to be healthy for someone struggling with kidney disease. The good news is that homemade flavored waters are one of the easiest things you can make.
Energy Drinks’ Effect On Kidneys And Health
The world of energy drinks is a mystifying one. The connoisseurs swear by them. Detractors try their best to warn people of their possible side effects.;The average person on the street tends to not have too much of a clue either way.
Let’s take a look at the evidence behind the safety of energy drinks and whether they have any specific damaging effect on the kidneys.
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Are Flavored Water Enhancers Healthy
Its hot out, and that means most of us are guzzling liquid to stay hydrated. With the consumption of sweetened and flavored water becoming more and more popular, I thought it might be helpful timing to share a post about the topic! Is sweetened flavored water healthy? And whats actually in it?
Lets investigate
What You Need To Know About Water Enhancers
For the first time in 15 years, Coca-Cola saw a one per cent drop in its sale of carbonated drinks in the beginning of 2014. With obesity becoming a worldwide issue, people are looking for healthier beverage options.
According to the American Beverage Association, with 20 per cent of households already buying bottled water , flavour enhancers for water, such as Mio and Crystal Light, are the soda-alternative that has quickly cornered the marketplace. Liquid water enhancers were first introduced to grocery stores in 2011 and they’ve become a popular way to add flavour to H2O; so popular in fact that, according to a report by Zenith International, the category produced $412 million worth of sales in the US alone in 2013.
These may sound like a great way to spice up your water, but if you take a look at the labels, there are many ingredients you may not recognize.
What’s in it?
Some products include propylene glycol; and while Health Canada has approved it as a food additive, the chemical has a wide range of uses such as being an ingredient of antifreeze and cosmetics and is even used when creating artificial smoke. A test by NBC Chicago into various water enhancers found that, on average, propylene glycol accounted for 12 per cent of the product’s weight; this isn’t a toxic amount if only taken in small doses, however, if a 110-pound teenager drank the entire bottle in one shot, they would be ingesting five times the daily limit.
Take sugar in moderation
Caffeine
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Alternatives To Water Flavor Enhancers
As a dietitian who knows all about the importance of drinking water, I have made it a habit to carry my water bottle everywhere with me. That said, I know not everyone loves plain water as much as I do!
Instead of drinking plain olâ water you can try fruit infused water or herbal teas instead for some flavor! One fruit infusion Ive been loving lately is strawberry, basil, and lemon.
Its so refreshing, especially on these hot summer days! Another favorite is mint and lime such a perfect combo.;
Electrolytes And The Kidney
Let’s examine electrolytes and their disorders from a much more mundane perspective. Electrolyte abnormalities are very common in kidney disease states for one simple reasonit is the kidney that typically has a central role in maintaining normal levels of most electrolytes. Therefore, these abnormalities are a consequence of abnormal kidney function, rather than a cause.
Both low and high levels of electrolytes can be seen when the kidneys malfunction, but can have a multitude of other indirect causes. The finer details of every possible cause and its respective treatment is beyond the scope of this article. However, here is a brief overview of issues related to abnormal sodium levels.
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Can You Regularly Drink Mio
If MiO fits your budget and flavor preferences, it may be safe to use regularly.
Based on current research, opting for the Stevia-sweetened versions may pose the lowest risks. This is because the health impact of the other artificial sweeteners used Ace-K and sucralose continue to be investigated.
When deciding if MiO is a good fit for you and whether you can drink it daily, your overall diet and health should also be taken into consideration.
Still, keep in mind that the use of MiO is unnecessary. Using this product is not the most natural way to increase your water intake.
Summary
Does Adding Mio To Water Still Count As Drinking Water
The short answer is, no. There is no substitute for water and they shouldnt replace plain water. In the case of the new MiO water enhancer, that something is sucralose which is nearly 600 times sweeter than sugar and is also the same ingredient used in Splenda which swirls with health controversy to this day.
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High Fructose Corn Syrup
Found in: pancake syrup, processed sweets, fruit juice, processed baked goods
Comes from: As its name implies, high fructose corn syrup is made from corn, one of the most genetically modified crops in the world.
What it does: Fructose is metabolized in the liver. Excess fructose is turned into liver fat, which can contribute to fatty liver disease. This disease is linked to insulin resistance, obesity, heart disease and diabetes .
Replace with: Raw unpasteurized organic honey. Honey if full of enzymes, minerals, vitamins, and amino acids . It;also boasts;antimicrobacterial and antioxidant properties.
Why Flavored Waters Are Bad For Your Teeth
If sipping flavored water keeps you going throughout the day, I am sorry to burst your bubble. I know you are trying to do the right thing, staying hydrated and avoiding sugar and additives from sodas and other soft drinks. And the variety of fun new flavors on the market make otherwise boring water exciting to drink. If you are hooked, you are not alone.
Sales of LaCroix water, for example, with its splashy packaging and playful flavors such as tangerine and coconut, have more than doubled in the past two years, the Wall Street Journal reported. There has also been an explosion of tasty still waters , with enticing flavors such as strawberry-kiwi, watermelon and raspberry. But the hard truth is that drinking too much flavored water sparkling or still could do serious damage to your teeth.
The problem is that these drinks flavor essences, mostly citric and other fruit acids, cause significant tooth erosion the incremental dissolving away of the enamel on the teeth, which, over time, can affect their structural integrity, making them hypersensitive to temperature and potentially more cavity-prone, explains Edmond R. Hewlett, consumer adviser for the American Dental Association and professor at the UCLA School of Dentistry.
Eating stimulates the flow of acid-neutralizing saliva, so save that bottle of strawberry-kiwi water to drink along with a meal or snack to dilute the acid effect.
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Common Artificial Sweeteners Used In Water Flavor Enhancers:
- Aspartame This sweetener is very low-calorie and is 200 times sweeter than table sugar
- Acesulfame potassium Ace-K is a non-nutritive sweetener that is 200 times sweeter than table sugar
- Saccharin A non-nutritive sweetener that is 200 to 700 times sweeter than table sugar
- Sucralose A non-nutritive sweetener that is 600 times sweeter than table sugar
- Stevia A non-nutritive sweetener that is 200 to 400 times sweeter than table sugar
What Are Clinical Trials And Are They Right For You
Clinical trials are part of clinical research and at the heart of all medical advances. Clinical trials look at new ways to prevent, detect, or treat disease. Researchers also use clinical trials to look at other aspects of care, such as improving the quality of life for people with chronic illnesses. Find out if clinical trials are right for you.
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Energy Drink Manufacturers’ Stand
Currently, most manufacturers participate in;voluntary and mandatory reporting on the adverse effects of their respective energy drinks.
The current official line from the manufacturers seems to be that;insufficient data exist;with regards to most ingredients found in major energy drinks and therefore a cause and effect relationship between any energy drink and death/illness cannot be conclusively established.
Not Drinking Enough Coffee
We often assume that coffee is bad for us, however drinking coffee may actually protect your kidneys.
A scientific study suggests that drinking coffee can decrease the risk of developing chronic kidney disease.
Another study involving a Korean women found that drinking 2 or more cups of coffee daily can protect the kidneys.
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If You Are A Living Kidney Donor Or Plan To Donate Your Kidney In The Future
The COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials did not get information about the effect on people who have donated their kidney in the past. However, if you are in good health and do not have a history of severe side effects from vaccines, there are no special safety concerns for you at this time. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine and being an organ donor.
Sip Sparingly: Coconut Water
Its the clear liquid youd find if you cracked open a coconut. It has electrolytes and less sugar than many sports drinks or fruit juices. Still, the nutrients vary a lot from brand to brand. For all but the most draining workouts, water is all you need to rehydrate. And some coconut water is sweetened with added sugar, so check the label.
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Best Choice: Filtered Coffee
Coffee has gotten a bad rap before, but studies show it may protect against type 2 diabetes, liver disease, and lower your odds of heart disease. Three to five cups a day seems to be healthy, as long as you go easy on the cream and sugar. But if youre pregnant or breastfeeding, ask your doctor how much to sip. If you have high cholesterol, brew yours with a paper filter. It gets rid of a substance called cafestol that can raise LDL cholesterol.
Is Crystal Light Healthy
Although Crystal Light offers a flavorful way to break up your day, it appears that most of its options contain various artificial sweeteners and colors that some people may want to avoid, especially in excess.
These beverages dont quite fit the bill for being healthy drinks, as they dont offer health benefits, but there are worse beverages out there.
The Crystal Light Pure option, which uses more naturally derived ingredients, is a better choice, though it does contain added sugar.
As such, Crystal Light could certainly be enjoyed on occasion, but plain water remains the best way to meet your hydration needs.
If you get bored with plain water, you can flavor it yourself naturally with fresh berries, slices of fruit, or cucumber. Alternatively, you could opt for naturally flavored seltzer water.
SUMMARY
Crystal Light isnt the worst offender when it comes to beverages, but its not exactly a health food either. Your best option for hydration is plain or naturally flavored water, leaving Crystal Light as an occasional option.
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Stur Liquid Water Enhancer
Again, this is not going to make your water healthier, but at least it doesn’t contain some of the more egregious chemicals found in most other drink squeezers. That is, if you don’t mind Stevia extract, which we’re still on the fence about. Stur Natural Water Enhancers are sugar-free and available in 12 flavors, with variety packs available on .
Sip Sparingly: Protein Shakes And Powders
They can help you meet your daily nutrition goals. But Its important to be picky about your protein. Some mixes have a lot of added sugars, artificial flavorings, or extra calories. Protein shakes and powders may also cause digestive issues for some people. Be sure to talk to your doctor first to find the right protein source for your body.
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History Of Energy Drinks
If you do not include coffee, , Coca-Cola or Coke might have been the first modern energy/stimulant drink.;And that’s not just due to the caffeine content, but also because it contained cocaine as an ingredient. It was finally removed in 1903.
Today, energy drinks are ubiquitous and sales have surged. It only takes a quick visit to the neighborhood gas station to figure out how popular they are.;Their use has dramatically increased across most age groups.;Which, obviously raises questions about these energy drinks’ health effects.
Be Careful About Using Over
If you take OTC or prescription medicines for headaches, pain, fever, or colds, you may be taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug . NSAIDs include popular pain relievers and cold medicines that can damage your kidneys if you take them for a long time, or lead to acute kidney injury if you take them when you are dehydrated or your blood pressure is low.
Ibuprofen and naproxen are NSAIDs. NSAIDs are sold under many different brand names, so ask your pharmacist or health care provider if the medicines you take are safe to use.
You also can look for NSAIDs on Drug Facts labels like the one below.
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How Does The Covid
The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are called mRNA vaccines. An mRNA vaccine contains a harmless piece of protein from the virus called a spike protein. When you get the vaccine, the spike protein tells your immune system to make antibodies to fight the COVID-19 virus. Antibodies are what keep you from getting sick if you come into contact with the actual COVID-19 virus.
The Johnson & Johnson vaccine uses a harmless virus called an adenovirus. This virus is unrelated to COVID-19 but gives the same spike protein as the mRNA vaccines, which tells your body to make antibodies that protect you from COVID-19.
Are Liquid Water Enhancers A Healthy Option
Most of us know we should be drinking more water. But when thirst kicks in, maybe were craving the flavor of a sports drink instead, or the afternoon caffeine boost of a soda.
Thats where liquid water enhancers come in, a relatively new player in the market that some experts see as a $1 billion business by 2020.
Weve all seen them, whether in the beverage aisle or maybe the checkout of your local grocery. Made by brands such as Mio, Kool-Aid, Crystal Light, and available in flavors from berry pomegranate to tropical coconut and everything in between, they can turn your ordinary bottle of water into something closer to your favorite sports drink, if not a Tiki bar.
Some, such as Mio Energy, also add caffeine to help give you the lift youre looking for; some, such as Mio Fit, boast supplemental vitamins and other health benefits.
So are they beneficial in the long run? To answer that question, said Rachel Wagner, dietitian with St. Elizabeth Physicians Weight Management Center, you should consider another: When you add flavor-enhanced water to your diet, what are you replacing?
A lot depends on your motives, Wagner said. If youre someone who never drinks water, then if youre drinking water with Mio or Crystal Light, certainly its better than drinking a pop. But if youre only drinking flavored water, then that might not be the best either.
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