Kidney Strong Blog
Turning Complex Science into Clear Action

Andrew Kowalski, MD, FASN The Scale of the Problem CKD has quietly emerged from the shadows of nephrology to become a defining challenge in global health. Current estimates suggest that approximately 850 million people worldwide live with CKD, with roughly 4 million receiving dialysis or living with a kidney transplant (Herrington et al., 2025). These numbers are staggering, but what makes them truly alarming is the trajectory: based on current trends, CKD is projected to be

Andrew Kowalski, MD, FASN The mitochondria, often described as the “powerhouses” of our cells, provide the energy required for nearly every biological process known. In the kidney, which is one of the most energy-demanding organs in the body, mitochondria play an especially critical role. Every filtration, reabsorption, and secretion step along the nephron requires a steady supply of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), and this demand makes kidney tissue uniquely vulnerable to mit

Carla Valencia, MD Introduction When you think about kidney health, you probably hear a lot about potassium, sodium, or phosphorus, but  magnesium is just as important! This small but mighty mineral plays a significant role in how our bodies function , and for individuals with CKD , maintaining the right magnesium balance can make a substantial difference.   🌿 What Is Magnesium and Why Is It Important? Magnesium is a mineral that helps your body in many ways: • Keeps your 

Carla Valencia, MD Introduction Vitamin D is not just for strong bones, it helps many parts of the body, including the kidneys. For individuals with CKD, maintaining a balanced vitamin D level is particularly crucial . This guide explains why vitamin D is important, the different types of vitamin D, when and how doctors may treat low vitamin D levels, and what the research says. 🌟 What does vitamin D do in the body? • Helps the body  use calcium and phosphorus  for strong bo

Andrew Kowalski, MD, FASN Our kidneys work tirelessly every day to filter waste, remove toxins, and keep the body’s fluid and mineral balance in check. However, kidney disease often develops silently, showing few or no symptoms until it’s already advanced. This is why regular testing, especially for people at risk, is crucial. One of the simplest yet most powerful tests for early kidney damage is the albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) test. Understanding what this test measur