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Carla Valencia-Ochoa, MD In early January 2026 , the U.S. government released updated Dietary Guidelines for Americans . The main idea is simple: “eat real food.”  These guidelines encourage people to eat mostly whole, minimally processed foods and avoid added sugars and highly processed products, as we described in this blog before. This new focus aligns with growing scientific evidence on inflammation  and chronic disease, including kidney disease . What Is Inflammation? In

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 The Role of Phosphorus in the Body Phosphorus is a mineral found in nearly every cell of the bod y. It helps...

Andrew Kowalski, MD, FASN Introduction Potassium is a critical dietary electrolyte essential for maintaining the electrical gradients...