Kidney Coach

01/02/2026

🧠🦠 Oxytocin Has an Effect on the Gut

Oxytocin isn’t just made in the brain, it also has a fascinating connection to the gut. In recent years, researchers have begun uncovering how oxytocin interacts with the gastrointestinal system, and the findings are exciting ✨

🧬 Here’s what science is showing:
Oxytocin is also produced in the gut, and certain gut bacteria can influence how much of it is released.

One standout bacterium is Lactobacillus reuteri 🦠
Research shows that L. reuteri can stimulate enteroendocrine cells in the intestine to release the gut hormone secretin.
Secretin then signals enterocytes to release oxytocin, creating a powerful link between the microbiome, hormones, and metabolism.

🔄 What Does This Mean?

🌱 Oxytocin may act as a key messenger in the gut–brain axis
This communication network links digestion, mood, stress response, and emotional health.

🧠💚 A balanced microbiome may support healthy oxytocin production
And in return, oxytocin may help:
• Support digestion
• Improve metabolic function
• Regulate inflammatory responses
• Enhance gut–brain communication

✨ This reinforces a powerful idea: gut health, emotional wellbeing, and hormonal balance are deeply interconnected.

➡️ More coming as we continue exploring how connection, calm, and chemistry work together inside the body 💙

01/02/2026

Did you know taurine isn’t just another amino acid? Your kidneys actually have some of the highest levels in the body.

I’m Fiona, a fully qualified naturopath, and in this reel, I share fascinating insights from my conversation with Jessianna Saville, a renal nutrition expert passionate about using nutrition to preserve kidney function.

Jess explains how taurine supports kidney health through cell volume control, calcium handling, membrane stabilization, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pathways, and even glucose homeostasis.

In the full episode, we explore:
✔️ Taurine’s role in kidney health
✔️ Benefits in diabetic kidney disease (DKD)
✔️ Supporting healthy blood pressure
✔️ Taurine & polycystic kidney disease (PKD)
✔️ Liver health in kidney disease
✔️ Practical supplementation tips
✔️ Safety and precautions

This reel is a quick peek into how a simple nutrient like taurine can have powerful protective effects on your kidneys and overall wellness.

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

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💬 Tell me, did you know taurine plays so many important roles in kidney health? Comment below and let’s chat!

31/01/2026

✨ Magical Oxytocin! ✨

Often called the “love hormone”, oxytocin is best known for its role in childbirth, breastfeeding, and the powerful bond between a parent and baby 🤍
But oxytocin is so much more than a bonding hormone.

Beyond early parenthood, oxytocin influences a wide range of physical and emotional processes; from stress regulation and social connection to metabolism, heart health, and even kidney function. Emerging research is now uncovering just how far-reaching this hormone really is 🧬

🔬 What Does Oxytocin Do in the Body?

🧠 Hormone + neuromodulator
Oxytocin acts both as a hormone and a brain messenger, influencing multiple hormonal systems.

💞 Supports bonding & emotional connection
Oxytocin receptors are found in brain regions linked to emotion, reward, bonding, and threat detection. It increases sensitivity to social cues and strengthens existing relationships.

🤗 Released during physical connection
Touch, intimacy, and closeness trigger oxytocin release; supporting relaxation, pleasure, and emotional safety.

🌿 Activates the “rest and digest” system
Oxytocin stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting calm, recovery, and improved sleep.

🔥 Supports metabolic health
It helps regulate appetite, improves insulin sensitivity, and supports healthy fat metabolism.

🧬 Anti-inflammatory & antioxidant effects
Oxytocin may reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, benefiting cardiovascular, metabolic, brain, and kidney health.

🦴 Supports bone health
It plays a role in bone formation and helps maintain bone density.

⚠️ Low oxytocin levels have been linked to:
• Mood challenges
• Reduced social bonding
• Metabolic dysfunction

✨ Oxytocin reminds us that connection, safety, and calm are deeply biological and essential for whole-body health.

➡️ Next post: We’ll explore oxytocin’s fascinating connection to the gut 🦠💙

31/01/2026

Did you know your kidneys are actually one of the richest organs in taurine, a vital amino acid that supports kidney function, blood pressure, and overall health?

I’m Fiona, a fully qualified naturopath, and in this reel, I share insights from my incredible conversation with Jessianna Saville, a renal nutrition expert dedicated to helping people preserve kidney health through nutrition.

Jess explains why taurine is so important for the kidneys, how it supports diabetic kidney disease (DKD), polycystic kidney disease (PKD), liver health, and what you need to know about safe supplementation.

In the full episode, we dive deeper into:
✔️ Taurine & its role in kidney health
✔️ Taurine benefits in DKD
✔️ Taurine for healthy blood pressure
✔️ Taurine and PKD support
✔️ Practical taurine supplementation tips
✔️ Taurine safety & precautions

This reel is just a small glimpse of a science-backed discussion on how nutrition can actively protect and improve kidney function.

👇👇👇
Watch the full Podcast 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

💬 I’d love to know, were you aware that your kidneys need taurine to function optimally? Comment below and let’s chat!

30/01/2026

🧬 When Might Taurine Be Helpful in CKD?

Another important area to consider is fibrosis.

Fibrosis is the gradual buildup of scar tissue in the kidneys. Over time, this scarring reduces healthy kidney tissue and interferes with normal kidney function. Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation are two major drivers of this process.

🔬 Why Taurine Shows Promise for Fibrosis

Taurine is emerging as a supportive nutrient in fibrotic conditions due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cell-signalling effects. These properties make it a compelling option when fibrosis is progressing.

⚙️ How Taurine Works in Fibrosis:

🛡️ Antioxidant Protection
Taurine helps reduce oxidative stress, which is a key trigger for fibrogenic (scar-forming) signalling pathways.

🔥 Anti-Inflammatory Effects
It may lower macrophage infiltration and dampen pro-inflammatory signals that drive ongoing fibrotic remodelling in kidney tissue.

🧠 Modulates Fibrogenic Pathways
Taurine has been shown to inhibit cytokine and TGF-β–driven collagen production, helping reduce activation of fibroblasts and stellate-like cells involved in kidney scarring.

📌 Takeaway: Taurine isn’t a cure for fibrosis, but it may help slow progression, reduce inflammatory damage, and support healthier kidney tissue when oxidative stress is high.

➡️ Always consult your healthcare provider before adding supplements, especially if you have CKD.

29/01/2026

🧬 When Might Taurine Be Helpful in CKD?

One key situation to consider is diabetic neuropathy, a common complication in people with diabetes and chronic kidney disease.

Taurine has been studied for its neuroprotective and metabolic support in this context.

⚡ How Taurine Supports Diabetic Neuropathy:

🔬 Reduces Oxidative Stress
Chronically high blood sugar increases free radicals that damage nerve tissue. Taurine acts as an antioxidant, helping limit this damage.

🧠 Supports Healthy Nerve Signalling
Nerves rely on precise electrical signals. Taurine helps stabilise ion flow, supporting balanced and effective nerve communication.

🔋 Protects Mitochondria
Neuropathy often begins with mitochondrial dysfunction inside nerve cells. Taurine supports mitochondrial health, improving energy production and reducing cellular fatigue.

🩸 Improves Microcirculation
Healthy blood flow delivers oxygen and nutrients needed for nerve repair. Research suggests taurine may help enhance microcirculation.

🧪 Reduces Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs)
AGEs form in high-glucose environments and contribute to nerve degeneration. Taurine has been shown to help limit their formation.

📌 Takeaway: Taurine doesn’t “cure” neuropathy, but it may help protect nerves, support repair, and reduce ongoing damage; especially when blood sugar and kidney health are under strain.

➡️ Always discuss supplementation with your healthcare team, particularly in CKD.

29/01/2026

Did you know one protein can influence how well all your other proteins function as you age?

I’m Fiona, a fully qualified naturopath, and in this reel, I highlight the powerful role of Klotho protein in maintaining protein homeostasis, longevity, brain health, and cellular balance based on my fascinating conversation with my honored guest, Dr. Alexander Grinberg, an expert in integrative medicine, epigenetic wellness, and rejuvenation science.

Dr. Grinberg explains how Klotho supports proper protein function, protects against misfolded proteins, and may help reduce risks linked to cognitive decline, inflammation, and accelerated aging.

We also explore how lifestyle, peptides, and regenerative strategies can support healthier Klotho levels naturally.

In the full episode, we dive deeper into:
✔️ Klotho & its role in the body
✔️ Natural Klotho boosters & mitochondrial connection
✔️ Mitochondrial peptides and Klotho activation
✔️ Benefits of restoring Klotho levels
✔️ Klotho Peptide-6 for kidney regeneration
✔️ Klotho protein vs Klotho peptides
✔️ Supporting kidney function through regenerative therapies

This reel is just a small preview of a much deeper, science-based conversation on longevity, cellular regeneration, and optimal aging.

👇👇👇
Watch the full video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sjloIomcTE

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

If you’re interested in longevity, brain health, protein balance, and regenerative wellness, this episode is for you.

💬 Let me know in the comments, have you heard aboutthe Klotho protein before today?

28/01/2026

💙 Why Is Taurine So Important for the Kidneys?

Taurine may be small, but its impact on kidney health is powerful.

🚨 When Taurine Levels Dip:

🔻 Kidney cells become more vulnerable to injury
⏳ Recovery after stress or ischemia slows down
🩸 Conditions like diabetes or hypertension cause more oxidative damage

Low taurine means the kidneys have less protection when they need it most.

🌱 When Taurine Levels Are Sufficient:

✅ Proper filtration is better maintained
⚖️ Electrolytes are more tightly regulated
🔥 Inflammation is easier to resist
🛠️ Kidney cells repair themselves more efficiently after injury

Adequate taurine helps the kidneys stay resilient, adaptable, and protected especially under metabolic or vascular stress.

📌 Bottom line: Taurine supports the kidneys’ ability to cope, recover, and regenerate.

➡️ In the next post, I’ll explain when taurine supplementation may be worth considering and who should approach it with guidance.

27/01/2026

💙 Taurine & the Kidneys: Why Being an Osmolyte Matters

Taurine is often praised for its benefits to the brain, heart, and metabolism 🧠❤️
But one of its most important (and least talked about) roles happens inside the kidneys.

In the kidneys, taurine acts as an osmolyte and that matters a lot.

🔬 What Is an Osmolyte?

Osmolytes are small molecules that help cells stay stable and protected when fluid levels, salt concentration, or pressure change 💧⚖️

Think of osmolytes as cellular shock absorbers.

Your kidneys are constantly exposed to extreme shifts because they:
• Filter blood
• Regulate hydration
• Control electrolyte balance

Without osmolytes like taurine, kidney cells would be vulnerable to damage.

🚨 Without Osmolytes, Kidney Cells Can:

🔻 Shrink
🔺 Swell
⚠️ Become damaged
🧩 Lose function over time

Taurine helps prevent this by acting as a buffer system, allowing kidney cells to adapt smoothly to their constantly changing environment.

🧬 Why This Matters in CKD

In chronic kidney disease, the kidneys are already under stress.
Adequate osmolyte support helps maintain cell integrity, filtration efficiency, and resilience; all essential for preserving kidney function 💙

📌 Bottom line: Taurine isn’t just supportive, it’s protective. Its role as an osmolyte is one of the reasons the kidneys naturally store more taurine than any other organ.

27/01/2026

Did you know your daily habits can naturally increase one of the body’s most powerful longevity proteins, Klotho?

I’m Fiona, a fully qualified naturopath, and in this reel, I share natural, practical ways to improve Klotho levels based on my inspiring conversation with my honored guest, Dr. Alexander Grinberg, a specialist in integrative medicine, epigenetic wellness, and longevity science.

We talk about how simple practices like meditation, deep breathing, emotional balance, appropriate exercise, calorie awareness, acupuncture, and reducing inflammation can all support higher Klotho production, helping protect mitochondria, kidney function, and cellular health.

In the full episode, Dr. Grinberg also explains:
✔️ Klotho’s role in the body
✔️ Natural Klotho boosters & mitochondrial connection
✔️ Mitochondrial peptides and Klotho activation
✔️ Klotho Peptide-6 for kidney regeneration
✔️ Klotho protein vs Klotho peptides
✔️ Supporting kidney function with regenerative therapies

This reel is just a small preview of a powerful, science-based conversation on longevity and cellular renewal.

👇👇👇
Watch the full video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sjloIomcTE

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

If you’re interested in longevity, kidney health, peptides, and mitochondrial support, this episode will truly expand your understanding.

💬 Tell me, which habit are you already practicing to support your health?

26/01/2026

⚠️ Symptoms of Taurine Deficiency

Taurine plays a critical role in cell protection, metabolism, and kidney health. When taurine levels drop, the body often gives subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) signals 👀

Common signs of low taurine may include:
🔹 Vision changes or visual strain
🔹 High blood pressure (hypertension)
🔹 Reduced endurance and slower recovery after exercise
🔹 Low mood, anxiety, or depressive symptoms
🔹 Unexplained weight gain
🔹 Kidney dysfunction or worsening kidney disease
🔹 Thyroid imbalance (including hyperthyroidism)

👉 These symptoms often overlap with metabolic and renal conditions, which is why taurine status is frequently overlooked.

🧬 What Causes Taurine Deficiency?

There are many factors that can reduce taurine levels in the body, including:

🥦 Dietary factors
• Vegetarian or vegan diets (taurine is mainly found in animal foods)

🩺 Medical conditions
• Diabetes
• Cancer
• Liver disease
• Heart disease
• Kidney disease

⚙️ Reduced taurine production
• Low levels of cysteine and methionine (taurine precursors)
• Reduced activity of the enzyme cysteine sulfinic acid decarboxylase

🧪 Nutrient deficiencies
• Vitamin A
• Zinc
• Pyridoxal-5-phosphate (active vitamin B6)

🍜 Lifestyle & environmental factors
• Excess intake of foods high in MSG
• Chronic Candida (yeast) infections
• General aging (natural decline in synthesis)

📌 Takeaway: Taurine deficiency is often multifactorial and may quietly contribute to fatigue, poor recovery, metabolic strain, and kidney stress. Addressing root causes matters 💙

https://kidneycoach.com/kidney-nutrients/taurine-and-its-role-in-chronic-renal-disease/

Taurine & its Role in Chronic Renal Disease. Taurine also has a healthy regulatory effect on the cardiovascular system via taurine acts.

25/01/2026

🧬 Taurine & Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Taurine isn’t just another amino acid, it’s a powerful cell-protective antioxidant that plays a key role in kidney health 💙

Although taurine is considered a non-essential amino acid (meaning your body can make it), it’s also a sulphur-containing amino acid with unique protective functions; especially for the kidneys.

🔬 Research shows taurine helps prevent lipid peroxidation (cell membrane damage) in kidney cells exposed to:
• High blood sugar
• Low-oxygen (hypoxic) environments

👉 This means taurine helps shield kidney tissue from oxidative stress, particularly in diabetes-related kidney strain.

✨ Did you know?
The kidneys contain more taurine than any other organ in the body 👀

🩺 Inside the kidneys, taurine supports:

✔️ Healthy glomerular filtration rate (GFR)
✔️ Proper renal blood flow
✔️ Ion transport and reabsorption
✔️ Fluid balance (acts as an osmolyte)

🚑 Taurine & Kidney Recovery

Studies show a strong link between taurine levels and how well kidneys recover from ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury (a type of acute kidney stress).

• Low taurine → poorer recovery, delayed repair, impaired urine concentration
• Adequate taurine → faster structural and functional kidney recovery

👉 Simply put: the less taurine available, the harder it is for the kidneys to bounce back.

📌 Next post: I’ll walk you through the signs and symptoms of taurine deficiency, stay tuned 👀