What I Learned from Pseudoaldosteronism – A Night of Thinking About Medicines, Kampo, and Health Supplements – July 18, 2026 (Saturday) Reiwa8

Tonight, I tried to go to bed around 8:00 p.m., but I couldn't fall asleep. I had slept for about three hours during the day because I was exhausted from my shoulder rehabilitation.

My rehabilitation has finally begun without my arm holder or sling. My body feels much more tired than I expected. Although I complete three rehabilitation sessions each day, I have realized that recovery requires not only exercise but also physical strength.

Since I couldn't sleep, I talked with my husband on the phone and then decided to continue studying for the Registered Sales Clerk Examination.

Today, I learned about pseudoaldosteronism.

At first, it seemed like a very difficult condition to understand. However, I realized that the most important point is:

Sodium and water are retained in the body, while potassium is lost.

As a result, the following symptoms may occur:

- High blood pressure
- Swelling (edema)
- Weakness in the arms and legs
- Muscle cramps
- Muscle weakness
- In severe cases, difficulty standing, difficulty walking, and convulsions

I also learned that this condition can develop when licorice root (Kanzo), a traditional medicinal herb, is taken for a long period or through multiple medicines containing the same ingredient.

When I studied acupuncture and moxibustion, I also learned about Kampo medicine, in which medicinal herbs are traditionally boiled to make herbal decoctions.

Long ago, people gathered medicinal plants, dried them, and boiled them before drinking them. Today, these herbal medicines are processed into extracts and manufactured as granules or tablets, making them much easier to use.

Another interesting lesson was that white blood cells have different roles.

- Neutrophils: The main defenders against bacterial infections.
- Lymphocytes: Responsible for fighting viruses and supporting immunity.
- Monocytes: Remove foreign substances and clean up damaged tissue.
- Eosinophils: Help fight parasites and are involved in allergic reactions.
- Basophils: Release substances that trigger allergic responses.

For the Registered Sales Clerk Examination, it is especially important to remember that a decrease in neutrophils increases the risk of bacterial infections.

I also finally understood why the hospital asked me before surgery whether I was taking any health supplements or dietary products.

Health supplements are not always completely safe. They may interact with medicines or even cause side effects.

I used to take vitamin B supplements and Biofermin-style yeast tablets, but after moving to Matsuyama Eden no Sono, I began eating well-balanced meals every day. Even after stopping those supplements, I have not experienced any problems.

Today's lesson reminded me that:

Supplements are meant to make up for nutritional deficiencies. If your daily meals provide enough nutrition, they may not always be necessary.

Although I couldn't sleep tonight, studying one medical condition led me to learn more about white blood cells, Kampo medicine, medicinal herbs, and health supplements.

It turned out to be a very meaningful and rewarding evening of study.

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