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Andrew Kowalski, MD, FASN Nephrology has historically centered on the management of advanced CKD, dialysis, and transplantation. It does dabble in other issues, but I would consider these 3 to be the foundation of our speciality. CKD affects nearly 10% of the global population and is a leading contributor to morbidity, mortality, and health care costs. Guess what? The numbers are going up and the number of doctors are dropping! So, what do we doe now??? Traditionally, calling

Andrew Kowalski, MD, FASN Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease: A Growing Concern Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) has emerged as a significant challenge in global health. Current estimates indicate that approximately 850 million people worldwide live with CKD, with around 4 million receiving dialysis or living with a kidney transplant (Herrington et al., 2025). These numbers are staggering. What makes them alarming is the trajectory: CKD is projected to become the fifth leading

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). This demand makes kidney tissue uniquely vulnerable to mitochondrial dysfunction. Further

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