Kidney Doc: Answering Your Questions on Kidney Health

In this episode, Dr.Irfan discusses the use of metformin in patients with diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD). It provides insights into the mechanism of action of metformin, its safety profile, and the FDA guidelines on its use in patients with chronic kidney disease

In this episode, Dr.Irfan discusses the importance of estimating kidney function using markers such as eGFR and cystatin C. She explains the stages of kidney disease and the role of reliable estimates of GFR in identifying and monitoring CKD. She also highlights the issue of using race to estimate kidney function and discusses new equations that may provide more accurate estimates without racial bias.

In this episode, Dr.Irfan discusses the most common causes of kidney failure. Join us as we explore how unmanaged diabetes and high blood pressure can damage your kidneys, leading to chronic kidney disease and eventual kidney failure. We'll also touch on other causes of kidney failure, such as polycystic kidney disease, glomerular diseases, and lupus. Plus, we'll take a closer look at acute kidney failure and the various factors that can contribute to its sudden onset.

In this episode of Kidney Doc, we discuss the common misconception that drinking more water can help improve kidney function, especially in individuals with chronic kidney disease. We share the story of Tom, a patient who experienced negative side effects from following advice to drink a large amount of water. We also discuss recent research that suggests a U-shaped curve when it comes to water intake and kidney function.

In the Kidney Doc Podcast, Dr. Bismah Irfan, a board-certified physician in kidney medicine and a specialist in functional medicine, lifestyle medicine, and nutrition, shares her knowledge and expertise on all things related to kidney health.

In this episode of Kidney Doc, Dr. Bismah Irfan discusses the 8 steps that patients with chronic kidney disease should take after being diagnosed. These steps include monitoring kidney numbers, managing blood pressure, reviewing medications, being mindful of contrast dyes, focusing on nutrition, seeing a nephrologist, quitting smoking, and checking blood cholesterol and sugar levels regularly. Dr. Irfan explains each step in detail and provides valuable insights for patients with chronic kidney disease.