Yes! Chaga is most definitely bad for your kidney when over consumed. Knowledge of Chagas health benefits is very limited. No human trials have given definite beneficial outcomes for kidney health generally. On the contrary, most research has shown that many irreversible kidney failures have been linked to the overuse of Chaga.
What exactly is Chaga?
Birch Canker, Black mass, Cinder Cone, Clinker, or Conk rot, or as commonly known, Chaga is an ugly mushroom that grows on a Britch. It is found in cold areas such as the northern European countries and Russia, where it is highly popular as a tea or supplement.
Chaga is identified as a woody charcoal-like mushroom whose core is soft and orange in color.
It is traditionally favored for its health benefits such as its;
· Anti-inflammatory properties
· General health benefits
· Low calories
· High fiber hence its oxidation properties
But even with all the above properties, Chaga is still very dangerous for the kidney.
The Kidneys
We have two kidneys, and both are shaped like beans. The kidneys are tasked with passing urine and blood filtration before it is sent back into circulation.
A perfectly functional kidney ensures that the body;
· Has a perfect fluid balance.
· It can filter minerals and salts from the blood.
· The kidney Is adequately and continuously facilitating the production of hormones.
These hormones are instrumental in producing red blood cells (RBC), the regulation of calcium, which is necessary for healthy bones, and blood pressure regulation.
Therefore, the intake of any substance that might compromise the functionality of the kidneys even in the least way is dangerous for the kidney,
So, What makes Chaga bad for the kidneys?
1. Chaga mushroom induced oxalate nephropathy.
Oxalate nephropathy is a chronic kidney condition that occurs when the calcium oxalate crystals are released into the renal parenchyma leading to sometimes irreversible failure of the kidney.
Chaga contains high levels of insoluble oxalates (potassium oxalates and sodium oxalates), which then release free oxalate anions into the bloodstream. The oxalates that have been released into the bloodstream then combine with the free calcium to form calcium oxalate crystals, resulting in kidney stones (renal calculi, nephrolithiasis, or urolithiasis).
Kidney stones are excruciating to pass naturally and may, at times, require surgery to remove. If you have been taking Chaga and are experiencing the following symptoms, you might be suffering from kidney stones;
· Chills
· Fever
· Nausea
· Pain when urinating
· Pink, brown, or red urine
· High intensity in urine smell
· Frequent bathroom breaks to urinate
· Pain on the lower abdomen and groin
2. Diabetes (hypoglycemia)
Chaga interferes with the way nutrients are absorbed into the blood circulation. For example, blood sugar levels, especially for people who take insulin. Based on research, A person with diabetes is at risk of further and irreversible kidney damage if they were to take chaga. This is because the sugar narrows and clogs the many blood vessels in the kidney.
This then causes the kidneys’ functions to halt or even be compromised, whereby filtration of blood does not occur, leading to the blood retaining all the impurities absorbed during circulation. These impurities may lead to a range of health problems and more organ failure.
Since the kidneys are clogged and cannot receive enough blood, Albumin, a harmful protein, is released into the urine, which is wrong. Water and salts also build-up leading to weight gain and swollen ankles.
We are people driven by culture. Still, we are knowledgeable, and we understand that culture is dynamic. Chaga is a traditional medicine that is still in the review phase. Researches have barely scratched the surface of its properties and how they benefit humanity. Sure, there have been many medicinal advantages to Chaga’s use, but research has proven that some of its properties have more adverse harm to that essential organ.
The kidney is one of the many essential organs in the body. You cannot do without it, and given that the damage that Chaga causes is irreversible, living on a transplant list should not be a compromise one is willing to make. Until researchers have come up with the right dosage on the usage of Chaga, avoid it. After all, prevention is better than cure.
