Is Sea Moss Good for Kidney Disease & Kidney Stones?
Sea moss, also known as Irish moss or Chondrus Crispus, is an edible seaweed that grows in the Atlantic Ocean along the rocky shores of Ireland and other parts of Europe and Northern America. It has been used for centuries as a traditional remedy for various ailments, including respiratory problems, skin issues, overweight, and digestive disorders.
In recent years, sea moss has gained popularity as a superfood in the U.S. due to its many health benefits, including its ability to support kidney health.
So, let’s investigate: Is sea moss really good for your kidneys? How can it help with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or kidney stones? Can you take it if you've had a kidney transplant?
Related article: 18 Sea Moss Benefits for Your Health & Wellness!
Sea Moss Benefits for Kidney HealthThe kidneys are vital organs playing a crucial role in filtering waste products from the blood and maintaining the body's fluid balance and electrolyte levels.
Several disorders can affect the kidneys' ability to function correctly, including the following ones:
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a long-term condition where the kidneys gradually lose function over time. CKD is often caused by conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
- Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a sudden and often reversible loss of kidney function that various factors, including dehydration, infection, and certain medications, can cause.
- Kidney stones are hard mineral deposits in the kidneys or urinary tract, causing pain and discomfort.
- Other kidney disorders include polycystic kidney disease (PKD), glomerulonephritis, nephrotic syndrome, pyelonephritis, etc.
When the kidneys are not functioning properly, waste products can build up in the blood, leading to a variety of health problems, including high blood pressure, anemia, and bone disease.
Sea moss has been shown to support kidney health in several ways.
1. Essential nutrients for kidney functionFirst and foremost, sea moss is rich in nutrients essential for kidney health. It's one of the foods with the broadest range of vitamins and minerals, including electrolytes like potassium, magnesium, calcium, and iodine, which are critical for maintaining healthy kidney function.
Potassium, for example, helps to regulate blood pressure and prevent the formation of kidney stones, while magnesium is essential for muscle and nerve function. However, people with kidney disease may need to limit their intake of these nutrients, as excess levels can be harmful.
Related article: Zoom In On Sea Moss’s Actual Nutrition Facts
2. Anti-inflammatory properties help reduce kidney disordersIn addition to its nutrient content, sea moss is also good for kidneys thanks to its natural anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is a common cause of kidney damage and can lead to a variety of kidney disorders, including glomerulonephritis and interstitial nephritis.
Sea moss contains compounds that can help reduce inflammation and protect the kidneys from this kind of damage. Fucoidans found in sea moss have been extensively studied for their ability to treat renal diseases.
Additionally, sea moss contains no saturated fats but has high levels of healthy Omega-3 fatty acids. Besides being excellent for heart health, consuming foods with healthy fats like sea moss helps reduce inflammation and promote overall kidney health.
Related article: How Does Sea Moss Help with Inflammation & Joint Pain?
3. A natural diuretic to prevent kidney stonesSea moss is also a natural diuretic. It can help increase urine production and flush out toxins from the body. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals at risk of kidney stones or other kidney problems.
By increasing urine output, sea moss can help prevent the buildup of minerals and other substances that can lead to kidney stones and other kidney disorders.
Related article: Does Sea Moss Detox & Cleanse Your Body?
4. Carrageenan may reduce kidney damageFurthermore, sea moss contains high levels of a type of fiber known as carrageenan. While degraded carrageenan has been shown to cause inflammation and other health concerns, the undegraded kind found in sea moss is safe for consumption and beneficial for health.
The type of carrageenan found in sea moss has protective effects on the kidneys. It can help prevent the formation of calcium oxalate crystals, a common cause of renal stones formation. It can also help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, which both contribute to kidney damage.
In addition to its direct benefits for kidney health, consuming sea moss regularly helps improve overall health and wellness. The seaweed is a rich source of antioxidants, which can help to protect the body from oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, or even cancer. Sea moss can also help boost the immune system and support healthy digestion, which can positively impact overall health, including kidney health.
Organics Nature's Premium Sea Moss Gel
Is Sea Moss Safe if you Have Kidney Disease?
First, it is important to note that while sea moss can benefit kidney health, it should not be used as a substitute for medical kidney treatment. Individuals with chronic kidney disease or other kidney disorders should consult a healthcare professional before using sea moss or any other dietary supplement.
Sea moss is generally considered safe for consumption and known to cause few side effects. But there is still limited scientific research on its effects, especially on kidney function. Some studies have suggested that certain types of seaweed, including kelp and hijiki, may contain high levels of iodine and other minerals that can be harmful to people with kidney disease.
Besides, sea moss may interact with certain medications. Therefore, people with certain medical conditions, such as thyroid or bleeding disorders, should use caution when consuming sea moss or talk to their healthcare provider.
If you have concerns about sea moss or any other dietary supplement and its effects on your kidney health, it is recommended to speak with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian for personalized advice.
Additionally, sea moss must always be consumed in moderation and as part of a balanced diet, as excess intake of any food or supplement can have negative health effects. One to two tablespoons of sea moss gel or two sea moss capsules per day is a safe yet efficient sea moss dosage for most adults.
Related article: Find Out How Moss Sea Moss You Should Have Daily!
Organics Nature's Sea Moss Capsules
Can you take sea moss if you have a kidney transplant?
People who have undergone kidney transplant surgery must be cautious about their diet and supplement intake, as certain foods and supplements can interact with their medications or affect their kidney function.
In general, it is recommended for kidney transplant recipients to follow a well-balanced diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources. They may also need to limit their intake of certain nutrients, such as sodium, potassium, and phosphorus.
No research is available on sea moss's effects on kidney transplant recipients. If you have concerns about sea moss or other dietary supplements and their impact on your kidney health after a transplant, speak with your healthcare provider.
In conclusion, sea moss is a nutrient-rich superfood that can support kidney health. Its anti-inflammatory properties, diuretic effects, and ability to prevent the formation of kidney stones make it a valuable addition to any kidney-healthy diet. As with any dietary supplement, it is always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional first, especially if you’ve been diagnosed with kidney disease or have undergone a kidney transplant.
What about you? Do you use sea moss for kidney disorders? How has it improved your kidney health?
 Wang J, Geng L, Yue Y, Zhang Q. Use of fucoidan to treat renal diseases: A review of 15 years of clinic studies. Prog Mol Biol Transl Sci. 2019;163:95-111. doi: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2019.03.011. Epub 2019 Apr 10. PMID: 31030763.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31030763/
 Borsani B, De Santis R, Perico V, Penagini F, Pendezza E, Dilillo D, Bosetti A, Zuccotti GV, D'Auria E. The Role of Carrageenan in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases and Allergic Reactions: Where Do We Stand? Nutrients. 2021 Sep 27;13(10):3402. doi: 10.3390/nu13103402. PMID: 34684400; PMCID: PMC8539934. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8539934/
 Bhadja, Poonam & Lunagariya, Jignesh & Ouyang, Jian. (2016). Seaweed sulphated polysaccharide as an inhibitor of calcium oxalate renal stone formation. Journal of Functional Foods. 27. 10.1016/j.jff.2016.10.016.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/309546114_Seaweed_sulphated_polysaccharide_as_an_inhibitor_of_calcium_oxalate_renal_stone_formation