Carly Valencia-Ochoa, MD

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  muscles and...

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 bones.  • Helps...

Carly Valencia-Ochoa, MD Creatine (the exercise supplement) What it is and why people take it Creatine monohydrate helps build muscle strength and is widely used by athletes and older adults to preserve muscle mass, but also has function in preserving brain health. What it does to the labs and kidneys Creatine breaks down into creatinine , so taking creatine commonly ↑ increases serum creatinine. That can make eGFR appear worse, even if kidney function hasn’t changed. Major take home point...