Andrew Kowalski 🫘

Our new mantra..."FLATTEN THE SLOPE!"
We need to have consistent and open conversations with our PCP colleagues to try to catch changes early.
#NANI #KidneyStrong #CKD #nephrology #prevention

For nephrology to survive, we need to develop a preventative mindset. As I am in private practice, that is the furthest from actuality and we will need a generation to pass before we see these results. Academia might have a different mindset, but as of now that goal is extremely unrealistic.

Plateauing for now; much of that is also a repercussion of COVID. Give it 5yrs and the tables will turn. My stance, ultimately, is that is nephrology will take on a proactive approach, also unrealistic. The PCP's are too over burdened and we do not have enough resources to manage all CKD II patients

CKM needs to include the main driver into the equation and that is chronic dysregulated inflammation, which is also the dominate cause of disease. Furthermore, and equally important, is the issue of sarcopenia that develops in the elderly population. So much literature and yet no meaningful action.

I also have issues with the CKM model. It is, at best, a limited approach to preventative care. Once the "boxes are checked" most providers will claim victory. Unfortunately, they will neglect the larger picture that will continue to progress despite achieving GDT.

I do not disagree entirely. Change, in this country, appears to happen extremely slow and with the increase in the elderly population and therefore CKD population we will need nephrologists and especially APP more than ever.

PCP's have a lot on their plate, There is no blame for the amount of work they need to do and oversee. For those interested, follow this simple structure and your patients will thank you.

We Can Actually do Something and Finally Move to a Proactive Culture in Nephrology Andrew Kowalski, MD, FASNNephrology 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 f...

A short, but important rant about how the field, and spirit, of nephrology needs to change if we are to continue to help patients in the near and upcoming future.
#NANI #KidneyStronger #nephrology #CKD

www.kidneystronger.com/post/we-can-...

Creatine and Protein Powder: More Info Before Starting these Supplements Carly Valencia-Ochoa, MDCreatine (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 preser...

Have you ever wondered about Creatine and CKD? Dr Carly Valencia has contributed an excellent blog just about this topic. Click on the link to read more!
#NANI #KidneyStrong #nephrology #CKD #creatine
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Ultra-Processed Food Rant, Part II Andrew Kowalski, MD, FASNNot long after I saw the heading of my last blog post did another WSJ article come across my news feed. “My Family Went Off Ultra-Processed Foods for a Month. The Results Surp...

My thoughts about an author's experiment with processed food
#NANI #KidneyStrong #nephrology #Patientcare

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The Hidden Impact of Ultra-Processed Foods on Chronic Kidney Disease; Much Needed Publicity Andrew Kowalski, MD, FASNAn article by the Wall Street Journal (WSJ, Nov. 2023) titled Trouble With America’s Ultra-Processed Diet crossed my news feed this past week and greatly sparked my interest. ...

Ultra-processed foods and their impact on CKD, as well as life in general.
#NANI #KidneyStronger #CKD #nephrology #patientcare

www.kidneystronger.com/post/the-hid...

The Impact of Food Processing on Phosphorus in Plant-Based Foods Andrew Kowalski, MD, FASNThe current trend in providing healthy food options has been "lion in sheeps clothing." The plant-based trend has taken the Western food markets by storm creating a ridiculous...

The plant-based trend has taken the Western food markets by storm creating a ridiculous amount of alternative choices. The question is, are these right for CKD patients?
#NANI #KidneyStrong #nephrology #processedfoods

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Phosphorus and Chronic Kidney Disease: Why Diet Matters Andrew Kowalski, MD, FASNThe Role of Phosphorus in the BodyPhosphorus is a mineral found in nearly every cell of the body. It helps form strong bones and teeth, supports muscle function, fuels energy ...

Adding a blog post about phosphorus choices with additional patient handouts included
#NANI #KidneyStrong #nephrology #phosphorus #CKD

www.kidneystronger.com/post/high-ph...

Understanding the Role of Potassium Intake in Chronic Kidney Disease Management Andrew Kowalski, MD, FASNIntroductionPotassium is a critical dietary electrolyte essential for maintaining the electrical gradients across cell membranes, particularly in muscle and nerve tissue. This...

New blog post to share with your patients. Big topic...Potassium
Handout included in the blog
see if there is a nephrologist near you www.nephdocs.com
#NANI #KidneyStrong #potassium #nephrology

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🌱 Core Nutrition Moves That Help Slow CKD Andrew Kowalski, MD FASNIntroductionCKD progression is not just influenced by medical therapies. What is often overlooked and likely the biggest reason of progression is lifestyle and nutrition. While...

I'm uploading a new dietary series to the KidneyStronger Blog.
Attached to each blog is a summarized patient handout for them to review after your visit.

#NANI #KidneyStrong #CKDDiet #nutrition
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Nephrology Associates of Northern Illinois and Indiana (NANI) For almost 50 years, NANI doctors have been leaders in Nephrology. World-Class Kidney Care Across Chicagoland, Indiana & Northern New Jersey. The Largest Kidney Specialist Group in the U.S.

As one of the largest nephrology groups in the US, NANI has something for all patient needs. If you have questions about kidney health, dialysis or transplant click “Find a Clinician” or “Appointments” and get your kidney journey started.

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The Healing Steps: Walking to Slow Down Kidney Disease Progression Andrew Kowalski, MD, FASNIntroductionIn the landscape of CKD management, medication and diet often take center stage. Unfortunately, I strongly believe that we are missing the boat in on kidney functi...

It's amazing, and I am still in awe regarding how little physical effort we all need to do to experience tremendous health benefits and significantly slow the progression of kidney disease.
#kidney #kidneystronger #walking #kidneyfunction

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Rethinking AVF Surveillance: Why Routine Monitoring Is No Longer Standard Practice Andrew Kowalski, MD, FASNIntroductionArteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) remain the gold standard for hemodialysis vascular access due to their longevity, low infection risk, and superior patient outcomes c...

I still battle with patients being sent for 3 month surveillance…we are doing more harm than good. Evolving evidence and large-scale trials have shifted clinical guidelines of routine AVF surveillance.
#nephrology #vascularaccess #kidneystrong #dialysis

www.kidneystronger.com/post/rethink...

Living with One Kidney — Adapting, Thriving, and Protecting Long-Term Renal Health Andrew Kowalski, MD, FASNIntroductionMany individuals are born with or acquire a solitary kidney due to congenital absence (renal agenesis), surgical removal (nephrectomy), or organ donation. While li...

While living with one kidney is often compatible with a normal, healthy life, it presents a unique physiological and metabolic scenario that demands attention to long-term renal health.
#nephrology #CKD #kidneytransplant #KidneyStrong

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Myo-Inositol – A Natural Ally in Slowing CKD Progression and Fighting Disease Andrew Kowalski, MD, FASNIntroductionMyo-inositol, a naturally occurring sugar alcohol found in many foods and produced in the human body, has gained increasing recognition in the scientific and medic...

CKD has a large negative footprint across the globe. We as healthcare providers, scientists and thinkers need to entertain other potential options support the treatments we have currently.

#Kidneystrong #renal #CKD #CKDprogression #nephrology

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The Influence of Microplastics on CKD Progression Andrew Kowalski, MD, FASN IntroductionRecently the New England Journal of Medicine published an article detailing the plague of microplastics that were found in the plaque of carotid arteries. The dis...

Finally the spotlight has found that what we put in our food and water is slowly contributing to our medical problems. Read my latest blog on how microplastics can lead to CKD progression.
#CKD #microplastics #kidneyhealth #nephrology

www.kidneystronger.com/post/the-inf...

Understanding Depression and Suicidal Thoughts in Kidney Disease Andrew Kowalski, MD, FASNYou Are Not AloneI am not a trained psychiatrist and what I learned in medical school was minor at best. What I am is a human being with patients that are going through a roll...

Living with CKD or ESRD can be incredibly hard; physically, emotionally, and mentally. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, hopeless, or like you just can’t keep going, please know this: you are not alone, and your feelings are valid.

www.kidneystronger.com/post/underst...

The Vicious Cycle – How CKD, Chronic Inflammation, and Sarcopenia Fuel Depression and Anxiety Andrew Kowalski, MD, FASNIntroductionChronic illnesses rarely exist in isolation. CKD, chronic inflammation, and sarcopenia (a progressive loss of muscle mass and strength) form a trio that not only u...

The "Unholy Triad" of CKD, chronic inflammation, and sarcopenia are frequently seen plaguing our patients and driving depression. Here is a recent blog post that we can use to identify and address this issue.

www.kidneystronger.com/post/the-vic...

The Prevalence of Depression in Chronic Kidney Disease Andrew Kowalski, MD, FASNAs CKD progresses, patients face numerous obstacles such as physical complications, psychological, and emotional challenges that can profoundly impact their quality of life. O...

Depression in CKD is severely under diagnosed and underrated. Frequently we as clinicians focus on CKD progression and forget about the impact the diagnosis will have on a patient's mental health

www.kidneystronger.com/post/the-pre...

#nephrologytoday #worldkidneyday #kidneyhealth #nephrology… | NANI - Nephrology Associates Northern Illinois / Indiana On this edition of Nephrology Today, we’re joined by Dr. Andrew Kowalski, a board-certified nephrologist and interventional nephrologist, who brings attention…

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WE MENTOR KIDNEY PATIENTS

March is National Kidney Month! Your kidneys play a vital role in keeping your body healthy. Stay hydrated, eat well, and get regular check-ups to protect these essential organs. #NationalKidneyMonth #KidneyHealth

Exploring the Benefits of Kerendia (Finerenone) in Treating Chronic Kidney Disease Andrew Kowalski, MD, FASNChronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a serious health condition affecting millions of people worldwide, characterized by a gradual loss of kidney function over time. Left unmanaged...

Newer drug that’s not that well known among PCPs. Shows some surprising benefit and kidney protection in patients with CKD. Share with your patients and friends

www.kidneystronger.com/post/explori...

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and Sodium-Glucose Co-Transporter 2 (SGLT2) Inhibitors: A Game Changer in Renal Care Andrew Kowalski, MD, FASNChronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a silent, progressive condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It involves the gradual loss of kidney function over time, potential...

Share some wonderful info with your patients, especially to help them delay renal disease and protect their heart!

www.kidneystronger.com/post/chronic...