Kidney Coach

16/03/2026

🌿 Natural Support for IgA Nephropathy (IgAN)
Dietary strategies to calm inflammation & protect kidney health

When it comes to natural support for IgA nephropathy, the focus is on reducing inflammation, lowering oxidative stress, and easing the workload on the kidneys. Nutrition plays a powerful role here.

Here are key dietary principles often recommended for IgAN support 👇

🥗 Aim for an alkaline, whole-food diet
This helps reduce inflammatory load and supports metabolic balance.

🥩 Eliminate red & processed meats
These can increase inflammation and place extra strain on kidney filtration.

🥛 Avoid dairy products
Dairy may contribute to immune activation and inflammation in some individuals.

🌱 Moderate protein intake
Focus mainly on plant-based proteins, with small amounts of white meat or seafood if appropriate.

🚫 Cut out refined & ultra-processed foods
These promote oxidative stress and worsen immune dysregulation.

🧂 Reduce salt intake
Lower sodium helps protect blood pressure and kidney function.

☕🍷 Avoid caffeine & alcohol
Both can irritate the kidneys and increase inflammatory burden.

🌾 Consider a gluten-free diet
Studies suggest gluten-free diets may lower circulating IgA levels.
This means avoiding wheat, rye, spelt, kamut, oats, and other gluten-containing grains.

✨ Small, consistent dietary shifts can make a meaningful difference over time.

👉 In the next post, I’ll share lifestyle strategies that may further support people living with IgA nephropathy.

15/03/2026

IgA Nephropathy (IgAN): What You Need to Know 🧬🩺

IgA nephropathy (IgAN), also known as Berger’s disease, is the most common glomerular kidney disease worldwide. It’s an autoimmune condition that affects the kidney’s filtering units and, in some people, can gradually progress to chronic kidney disease or kidney failure.

🔬 What is IgA?
IgA (Immunoglobulin A) is a type of antibody and an important part of your immune system. Its job is to:
• Defend against invading pathogens
• Help fight infections, especially in the gut and respiratory tract

In IgA nephropathy, IgA deposits build up in the kidneys, triggering inflammation and damage to the glomeruli (the kidney’s filters).

❓ What causes IgA nephropathy?
The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but research suggests several contributing factors:

🧬 Genetics
IgAN tends to run in families and is more common in certain ethnic groups.

🫀 Liver disease
Including cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis B or C, which can affect how IgA is processed in the body.

🌾 Coeliac disease
An immune reaction to gluten that may increase abnormal IgA production.

🦠 Infections
Including certain bacterial infections that overstimulate the immune system.

🚨 Signs that may prompt testing for IgAN
Talk to your healthcare provider if you notice:

• Blood in the urine, especially after infections
• Pink, brown, or cola-coloured urine
• Foamy urine, which may signal protein loss
• Puffiness around the eyes, particularly in the morning
• Swelling of the legs, feet, or ankles; more common in advanced disease

✨ Early detection matters
IgA nephropathy can be silent for years. Recognising symptoms early and monitoring kidney health can make a meaningful difference in long-term outcomes.

15/03/2026

💞 Did you know one little hormone could change how you connect, feel, AND even support your kidneys?

Hi, I’m Fiona, a fully qualified naturopath, and in this reel, we’re diving into oxytocin, not just the “bonding hormone” but a powerful neuromodulator that impacts your brain, emotions, and kidney health.

In the full podcast, we explore:
What oxytocin actually does in your body 🧠
How it affects your emotions, reward system, and social sensitivity
Its surprising role in kidney disease
Practical ways to naturally boost oxytocin levels

Here’s a 10% OFF Gift Code for you to support your wellness journey: https://manage.kmail-lists.com/subscriptions/subscribe?a=KdbBq7&g=QfWJsW

👀 Curious for the full insights and deeper science? 👇👇👇
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3l3BBJjoQeQ

Drop a comment below 👇 and tell me: Which oxytocin-boosting tip are you going to try first?

14/03/2026

Supporting Solitary Kidney Health Through Diet 🩵🥗

When you’re living with one kidney, what you eat truly matters. The right dietary choices can reduce strain, protect long-term function, and support overall wellbeing.

Here are evidence-informed nutrition tips to help your single kidney thrive 👇

🚫 Skip soft drinks entirely
Soft drinks are especially hard on the kidneys due to phosphorus, artificial sweeteners, sugar, colouring, and preservatives.

🥩 Limit red meat
Aim for no more than twice per week. Excess animal protein can increase kidney workload over time.

🚭 Avoid alcohol & to***co
Both are toxic to kidney tissue and accelerate long-term kidney damage.

🧂 Watch sodium—especially hidden salt
Salt isn’t just in “salty foods.” It hides in:
• Bread & wraps
• Muesli bars
• Pre-packaged meals
• Sauces, soups & stocks
• Sports drinks

Too much sodium = higher blood pressure = more kidney stress.

🍞 Reduce refined carbohydrates
Think “white foods”: white sugar, white flour, white rice. These are linked to worsening kidney function and metabolic strain.

🐟 Increase kidney-protective fats
Eat more:
• Oily fish
• Linseed & chia seeds
• Dark leafy greens 🥬

Omega-3 fats from these foods are strongly associated with kidney protection.

💊 Use medications cautiously
Avoid recreational drugs and only use medications when necessary and prescribed.

🍵 Choose herbal teas over coffee or black tea
Coffee and black tea can irritate the kidneys and bladder.

✨ Bottom line:
A single kidney can function beautifully, but it needs thoughtful daily support.

👉 For a deeper dive, check out the article linked below:

https://kidneycoach.com/anatomy-and-physiology/living-with-one-kidney/?utm_source=Klaviyo&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=dk%20%7C%20Campaign%3A%2001%2F10%2F26%20-%20Article%20Feature%3A%20Living%20with%20One%20Kidney%2C%20What%20Does%20it%20Mean%20for%20You%3F&utm_id=01KEGMZKDE9D19R70G6V0XS2K7&utm_term=campaign&_kx=T5WPtRbNaGG2aF4XOvqXqahthgFPz7RRifCLp0m8pVE.KdbBq7
🩵

Living with One Kidney, What Does it Mean for You? Having half of your renal system missing might sound like something you, or somebody,

13/03/2026

Living With One Kidney 🩺🩵
How Does It Impact Overall Health?

Living with a single kidney, whether from birth or after surgery, can raise important health questions. The good news? The kidneys are remarkably resilient organs 💪

When someone is born with one kidney, it often functions well for many years. However, over time, kidney function can slowly decline, especially if additional stressors are present.

🔬 What does the research say?
A study funded by NYU School of Medicine looked at adults living with a solitary kidney and found:
▫️ 8% had increased protein in the urine
▫️ 21% had elevated creatinine levels
▫️ 20–50% developed high blood pressure

✨ Reassuring news:
Having one kidney is not associated with a shorter life expectancy. With a healthy lifestyle, one kidney is often more than capable of doing the work of two.

⚠️ However, lifestyle matters. Over time, certain factors can place extra strain on a single kidney, including:
• Alcohol 🍷
• Smoking 🚬
• Certain medications 💊
• Obesity
• Malnourishment
• Poor dietary choices
• Low physical activity 🏃‍♀️

💡 The takeaway:
A solitary kidney can thrive, but it needs support.

👉 In the next post, we’ll share dietary strategies specifically designed to support single-kidney health.

🩵

13/03/2026

💗✨ What Helps Boost the “Love Hormone”, Oxytocin?

Hi, I’m Fiona, a fully qualified naturopath, and in this reel, we explore how to naturally increase oxytocin, the “bonding hormone” that impacts not just connection and love, but also brain health and even kidney function.

I’m honored to share insights from Lindsey Zirker (MS, RD, CSR, LD), a renal health expert helping clients in Utah and Idaho stay at the forefront of nutrition research.

Lindsey explains how oxytocin pathways are supported by the vagus nerve and a healthy gut microbiome and how simple lifestyle practices like hugs, positive social interactions, laughter, meditation, breathwork, eye contact, and even rhythmic experiences like music and dance can boost oxytocin naturally.

From our full YouTube video, you’ll also learn:
Gender differences & supplementation
Oxytocin’s role in kidney health
The importance of community in chronic illness

👇👇👇 Watch the full video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3l3BBJjoQeQ

🎁 Claim your 10% OFF Gift Code here:
https://manage.kmail-lists.com/subscriptions/subscribe?a=KdbBq7&g=QfWJsW

💬 I’d love to hear from you which natural way of boosting oxytocin you will try first?

12/03/2026

❤️‍🔥 Erectile Dysfunction & Hypertension
When Blood Pressure Medications Play a Role

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is common in men with hypertension, and sometimes the treatment, not just the condition, can contribute. 💊➡️🩺

🧠 Medications Matter

Some blood pressure medications are known to affect s*xual function by altering blood flow, nerve signalling, or hormone balance.

⚠️ More commonly linked to ED
• Beta-blockers
• Diuretics

That said, not all blood pressure medications affect erections, and many are much less likely to cause issues.

✅ BP Medications Less Likely to Cause ED

Research shows these drug classes are generally more erectile-friendly:

• ACE inhibitors
(Capoten, Lotensin, Prinivil, Zestril)
• Alpha-blockers
(e.g. Cardura)
• Calcium channel blockers
(Amlodipine, Diltiazem, Verapamil)
• ARBs (Angiotensin II receptor blockers)
(e.g. Losartan)

🔑 Why This Is Important

Medication-related ED is often reversible. In many cases, symptoms may improve with:
• Dose adjustment
• Switching medication classes
• Addressing other contributing factors (blood flow, stress, kidney health)

👉 Never stop or change medication without medical advice.

🤝 Bottom Line

ED is a medical side effect, not a personal failing. If you notice changes after starting or changing blood pressure medication, speak openly with your healthcare provider. Help is available.

*xualHealth 💙🩺

11/03/2026

🔗❤️‍🩹 The Triple Link: Hypertension, Kidney Disease & S*xual Function
Loss of S*x Drive & S*xual Interest in Women

S*xual health in women is closely tied to blood flow, hormones, and emotional wellbeing. When blood pressure remains high over time, it can affect circulation throughout the body, including the pelvic region, with important implications for s*xual function.

🌸 How Hypertension May Affect Women’s S*xual Health

Although research is still evolving, studies suggest that hypertension can:

• Reduce blood flow to the va**na
• Lower nitric oxide levels (a molecule that helps relax smooth muscle and support arousal)
• Interfere with normal s*xual response before and after in*******se

⚠️ Possible Effects Include

• Reduced s*x drive or arousal
• Difficulty reaching or**sm
• Vaginal dryness
• Discomfort during intimacy

These changes are physiological, not personal or psychological failure.

💔 The Emotional Impact Matters Too

Just like men, women may experience:
• Anxiety
• Frustration
• Relationship strain
• Reduced confidence

For some, this can feel isolating and deeply distressing.

🤍 Please Don’t Suffer in Silence

S*xual concerns are valid medical issues. Support, guidance, and treatment options exist, and conversations with your healthcare team can be an important first step toward relief and reassurance.

📌 Key message:
Blood pressure and kidney health don’t just affect the heart, they influence intimacy, confidence, and quality of life.

*xualHealth 🌸🩺

11/03/2026

⚡ You’ve heard of taurine in energy drinks… but did you know it plays a powerful role in blood pressure and kidney health?

Hi, I’m Fiona, a fully qualified naturopath, and in this reel, we’re exploring how taurine supports healthy blood pressure, not just generally, but specifically through the kidneys.

In the full podcast with renal expert Jessianna Saville, who is deeply committed to using nutrition as a tool to preserve kidney function, we discuss how taurine works by calming the renal sympathetic nervous system and helping regulate stress hormones like epinephrine and norepinephrine.

Why does this matter? Because chronic vasoconstriction and stress signaling can contribute to hypertension. Taurine helps promote vascular relaxation, modulate calcium balance, support potassium channels, and influence the renin-angiotensin system, all critical pathways for blood pressure control.

In the full podcast, we also dive into:
Taurine’s role in Diabetic Kidney Disease (DKD)
Its impact on Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)
Liver support in kidney disease
Practical supplementation considerations
Safety and precautions

This reel is just a snapshot of a much deeper discussion on protecting kidney and cardiovascular health through targeted nutrition.

👇👇👇
Watch full video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhS9atKyR6E

🎁 Get your 10% OFF Gift Code here:
https://manage.kmail-lists.com/subscriptions/subscribe?a=KdbBq7&g=QfWJsW

Have you ever considered taurine for blood pressure support?
Comment below and let me know your thoughts.

10/03/2026

🔗❤️‍🩹 The Triple Link: Hypertension, Kidney Disease & S*xual Function

S*xual health is influenced by many factors, blood flow, hormones, energy levels, and emotional wellbeing all play a role. When blood pressure stays high for too long, it can quietly damage blood vessels throughout the body; including those supplying the pelvis.

💥 How High Blood Pressure Impacts S*xual Health

• Chronic hypertension damages blood vessels
• Reduced blood flow to the pelvis affects both men and women
• Hormonal disruption and fatigue can lower libido
• Kidney disease can further amplify these effects

Healthy circulation = healthy s*xual function.

🚹 Erectile Dysfunction (ED) & Hypertension

The effects of high blood pressure can be more physically noticeable in men.

🔬 Research shows:
• Men with hypertension are nearly twice as likely to experience ED compared to those with normal blood pressure
• Erections depend on adequate blood flow
• Long-term hypertension can lead to atherosclerosis, hardening and narrowing of arteries, which restricts blood supply to the p***s

🔁 The Vicious Cycle

Experiencing ED can trigger:
• Anxiety 😰
• Stress 🧠
• Low self-esteem 💔

These emotional responses can further worsen erectile function, creating a self-perpetuating cycle.

🤝 You’re Not Alone

S*xual dysfunction is common, treatable, and nothing to be ashamed of.
Seeking medical advice and emotional support can make a real difference.

📌 Key takeaway:
Managing blood pressure isn’t just about heart and kidney health, it’s also essential for s*xual wellbeing and quality of life.

*xualHealth ❤️🩺

09/03/2026

🚨🩺 The Hidden Cost of High Blood Pressure

Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

High blood pressure is often called a silent condition, and that’s because many people feel absolutely nothing. The only reliable way to know your blood pressure is elevated is to check it regularly.

🤫 Why It’s So Dangerous

Most people with hypertension have no symptoms at all, even when damage is occurring behind the scenes. This is why routine monitoring is so important.

⚠️ When Blood Pressure Becomes Very High

When blood pressure reaches 180/120 mmHg or higher, symptoms may appear. This is a medical emergency.

Possible symptoms include:

• 🤕 Severe headaches
• ❤️ Chest pain
• 😵 Dizziness
• 😮‍💨 Difficulty breathing
• 🤢 Nausea or vomiting
• 👀 Blurred vision or vision changes
• 😰 Anxiety
• 🧠 Confusion
• 👂 Buzzing or ringing in the ears
• 👃 Nosebleeds
• 💓 Abnormal heart rhythm

🚑 Important

If you or someone else is experiencing any of these symptoms, seek medical care immediately.

📌 Key takeaway:
Don’t wait for symptoms, measure your blood pressure regularly. Early detection saves lives.

➡️ In the next post, I’ll explain how hypertension can impact s*xual function.

🚨💙

09/03/2026

Do you know that Renalase Deficiency can cause Kidney Stress?

I had the absolute pleasure of discussing this with my honored guest, Dr. Robin Rose, MD, an integrative physician trained at the University of Arizona with residency at UCSF Santa Rosa, and a pioneer in Renology and peptide medicine.

In this reel, I’m diving into the effects of renalase deficiency, a powerful but often overlooked enzyme that plays a critical role in kidney health, blood pressure regulation, and sympathetic nervous system balance.

When renalase levels drop, we can see things like hypertension, oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokines, and chronic disease patterns, not just in the kidneys, but throughout the body.

This reel is taken from our full YouTube podcast, where we go much deeper into topics like the adrenal–renal axis, renalase and sympathetic overdrive, FGF-23 and cardiovascular risk, klotho, aldosterone, mitochondrial health, and practical kidney support using lifestyle, herbs, and bioregulators.

👇👇👇
Watch the full video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjC0XEr0qkc

And don’t forget, here’s your 10% OFF Gift Code 🎁
Sign up here:
https://manage.kmail-lists.com/subscriptions/subscribe?a=KdbBq7&g=QfWJsW

I’d love to hear from you. Have you heard of renalase before, or was this new for you? Drop your thoughts or questions in the comments 💬