Kidney Coach

22/02/2026

❤️💧 Vasopressin & Heart Failure

Understanding the hormone–heart connection

Vasopressin plays an important role in fluid balance, but when levels stay elevated, it can contribute to heart failure progression; especially in more advanced disease.

Here’s what’s happening 👇
• Heart failure occurs when the heart can’t pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs
• In response, the body activates several compensatory systems, including:
– The renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS)
– The sympathetic nervous system (SNS)
– The vasopressin system

⚠️ While these systems are meant to help short term, chronic activation causes problems.

Elevated vasopressin leads to:
• Water retention, increasing fluid in the bloodstream
• Vasoconstriction, narrowing blood vessels
• Increased cardiac workload, forcing the heart to work harder

💔 In people with heart failure, this extra fluid can worsen swelling, congestion, and shortness of breath, while the increased blood returning to the heart places additional strain on an already weakened muscle.

Understanding vasopressin’s role helps explain why hormonal balance and fluid management are so critical in heart failure care.

❤️🧠

21/02/2026

🧠💞 Vasopressin & Social Behaviour

The science behind bonding, protection, and connection

Vasopressin isn’t just about fluid balance and blood pressure, it also plays a fascinating role in social behaviour and emotional processing.

Here’s how it works 👇
• Vasopressin acts on the prefrontal cortex (often called the brain’s “personality centre”), influencing decision-making, social judgement, and behaviour
• It also affects the amygdala, the brain region involved in emotions like fear, anxiety, and threat detection
• Through these pathways, vasopressin is linked to vigilance, protective instincts, and social bonding
• Research suggests these effects may be particularly pronounced in males, especially in relation to territoriality and protective behaviour

💙 When paired with oxytocin, the hormone of comfort, safety, and trust, vasopressin helps shape emotional attachment and long-term bonding.

Together, these hormones are often viewed as part of the biological foundation of connection and “love”, blending protection, closeness, and emotional security.

🧠💫

21/02/2026

💡 Ever wondered how your body controls water balance and blood pressure?

In this reel, I break down vasopressin, also called antidiuretic hormone, produced in the hypothalamus and stored in the posterior pituitary.

This hormone is crucial for keeping water in your body, regulating blood pressure, and supporting overall kidney and heart health. Understanding vasopressin can help you make smarter lifestyle choices that protect your kidneys and cardiovascular system.

I’m joined by Lindsey Zirker (MS, RD, CSR, LD), a renal dietitian helping clients in Utah and Idaho improve kidney health through cutting-edge nutrition research.

In the full video, we dive deeper into:
Vasopressin in CKD, diabetes & heart disease
Measuring vasopressin in clinical care
Lifestyle interventions: hydration, diet, stress & sleep
Its social & emotional impact as the “bonding hormone”

👇👇👇
Watch the full video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSb7yH3ubUs

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💬 Comment below: Did you know about vasopressin and its role in kidney and heart health?

20/02/2026

⚖️💧 Consequences of Vasopressin Imbalance

When fluid balance goes off track

Vasopressin (ADH) plays a critical role in keeping fluids and electrolytes in balance. When this system becomes disrupted, it can lead to significant medical conditions; especially affecting the kidneys, brain, and electrolytes.

⬇️ Too Little Vasopressin

Diabetes Insipidus (DI)
This occurs when:
• The body doesn’t produce enough vasopressin or
• The kidneys don’t respond properly to it

🔹 Result: Excessive urine output, dehydration, intense thirst, and difficulty maintaining fluid balance.

⬆️ Too Much Vasopressin

SIADH – Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone

When vasopressin is overproduced:
• The kidneys retain too much water
• Blood becomes diluted
• Sodium levels fall (hyponatremia)

⚠️ Common symptoms include:
• Nausea
• Headaches
• Confusion
• Lethargy
• In severe cases, seizures

🧠 What Can Cause SIADH?

SIADH can be triggered by a wide range of factors, including:
• Brain disorders (head injury, infection, stroke)
• Brain or hypothalamic surgery
• Exposure to general anaesthesia
• Certain infections and diseases (e.g. tuberculosis, cancer, HIV)
• Substance use disorders
• Medications such as:
– Antiseizure medications
– Antidepressants
– Chemotherapy agents

🩺 Why This Matters

Both too little and too much vasopressin can disrupt:
• Fluid balance
• Electrolytes (especially sodium)
• Kidney and brain function

Early recognition and proper management are key to protecting overall health.

https://www.verywellhealth.com/vasopressin-7111624

💧⚖️

Vasopressin is a hormone involved in metabolism, reproduction, and homeostasis. Learn about natural production and synthetic injections.

19/02/2026

💧🧠 What Is Vasopressin (ADH)?

Your body’s master water-balance hormone

Vasopressin, also called arginine vasopressin (AVP) or antidiuretic hormone (ADH), is a hormone made in the hypothalamus and released by the posterior pituitary gland. Its main job?
👉 Regulating fluid balance, blood pressure, and kidney function

🚨 When Is Vasopressin Released?

Your body releases vasopressin when:
• Blood water levels drop
• Blood becomes too concentrated (hyperosmolar)
• Blood volume falls (dehydration, blood loss)

This is your body’s built-in protection system against dehydration 💦

🧪 How Does Vasopressin Work?

Once released, vasopressin travels to the kidneys, where it acts on the collecting ducts and tubules:

✔️ Increases water permeability
✔️ Allows more water to be reabsorbed back into the bloodstream
✔️ Reduces urine volume
✔️ Produces more concentrated urine

The result?
➡️ Blood concentration normalises
➡️ Fluid balance is restored
➡️ Blood pressure is supported

🩺 Why This Matters (Especially for Kidney Health)

Vasopressin helps:
• Prevent dehydration
• Maintain stable blood pressure
• Support efficient kidney filtration
• Regulate electrolyte and fluid balance

When this system is disrupted, fluid and blood pressure regulation can become impaired something we often see in kidney disease.

💡 Bottom line: Vasopressin is a quiet but powerful hormone that keeps your internal environment stable, especially when fluids are low.

💧🧠

19/02/2026

⚠️ Is creatine really unsafe in CKD… or is it time to rethink the rulebook?

In this reel, I share why creatine is no longer an automatic “no” in chronic kidney disease. Like many practitioners, I was cautious for years, until newer research (2023–2025) challenged that long-held belief.

We talk about why creatine doesn’t directly damage the kidneys, how lab markers can be misleading, and why context matters when interpreting eGFR and creatinine.

I’m joined by Jessianna Saville, renal nutrition expert and passionate advocate for preserving kidney function through nutrition.

In the full YouTube discussion, we explore:
Debunking the myth: Does creatine damage kidneys?
Creatine vs. creatinine and why labs can be confusing
Safe dosing in CKD and kidney markers to consider
When creatine may help with muscle loss, fatigue, and cognition

👇👇👇
Watch the full video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jq-ML51ZhA

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💬 Let’s talk: Has creatine ever been a “hard no” for you, or are you starting to rethink it?

18/02/2026

🌱🍳 Delicious Oven-Baked Tofu Frittata

Light, protein-rich, and plant-powered; perfect for any time of day!

This vegan tofu frittata is simple, nourishing, and packed with flavour, without relying on eggs. Great for meal prep, brunch, or a quick dinner 👇

🥣 Ingredients

• 7 oz silken tofu (drained)
• 4 Tbsp garbanzo beans (boiled, no salt added)
• 4 Tbsp cornstarch
• 2 Tbsp water
• 1 clove garlic, minced 🧄
• 1 onion, finely chopped 🧅
• A handful of fresh parsley 🌿
• Pinch of oregano
• Pinch of basil
• Pinch of turmeric ✨
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1–2 pinches salt
• Ground pepper (optional)

🔥 Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C)
2️⃣ Lightly grease a baking pan with olive oil
3️⃣ Add all ingredients to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth
4️⃣ Pour batter into the prepared pan
5️⃣ Bake for ~30 minutes, until golden and set
6️⃣ Let cool for 5 minutes, then slice and serve

💡 Tip: Add chopped spinach, zucchini, or capsicum for extra colour and nutrients.

🌱 Enjoy warm or cold, it’s delicious either way!

🌿💚

17/02/2026

🧠💪 Creatine Supplementation: What You Need to Know

Creatine can be a helpful supplement for many people, but context matters, especially when kidney health is involved. If you’re considering creatine, here are some science-smart steps to follow 👇

🧪 Before You Start

✔️ Test first
Get baseline blood work (creatinine, eGFR, etc.) so you know where your kidney function sits before supplementation.

✔️ Know your dose
Stick to the recommended dosage, more is not better. There’s no added benefit to exceeding it.

🔄 After Starting Creatine

✔️ Recheck labs
Repeat blood tests 6–12 weeks after starting to monitor kidney markers and ensure values remain stable.

🩺 For Health Professionals

🔍 Always ask if a patient is using creatine
🔍 Clarify dose and duration of use

Many people don’t realise creatine is relevant to lab results and often don’t mention it (not intentionally!).

📌 Bottom line:
Creatine can influence creatinine and eGFR readings, so communication and monitoring are key.

17/02/2026

💡 Did you know creatine deficiency is a hidden problem in kidney disease?

In this reel, I share what recent research reveals: people with CKD, especially stages 3–5 and dialysis patients, often struggle to produce enough creatine naturally. This can lead to muscle wastage, chronic fatigue, cognitive decline, and lower quality of life.

We also talk about the safety and benefits of dietary creatine, even in kidney disease, and how it can support muscle, brain, and kidney function.

I’m joined by Jessianna Saville, a renal nutrition expert passionate about helping people preserve kidney health with the power of nutrition.

In the full video, we cover:
Debunking the myth: Does creatine damage kidneys?
Creatine vs. creatinine: Understanding lab results
Safe dosing & kidney markers for CKD

👇👇👇
Watch the full video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jq-ML51ZhA

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💬 Comment below: Did you know creatine could actually protect kidney function?

16/02/2026

🧠💪 Is Creatine Deficiency a Hidden Problem in Kidney Disease?

A major scientific review published in 2019 revealed something unexpected 👀
People living with chronic kidney disease (CKD), especially those on dialysis, are often low in creatine.

🔬 Why does this happen?

As kidney function declines (particularly in stages 3–5 CKD), the body’s ability to produce creatine naturally is reduced.
For those on dialysis, the challenge is even greater:
• Less creatine is made
• Creatine is also lost during dialysis treatments

⚠️ Why this matters

Creatine deficiency isn’t just a minor nutritional issue. Research suggests it may contribute to several common and impactful CKD-related concerns:

🔹 Muscle loss (sarcopenia)
🔹 Persistent fatigue
🔹 Reduced quality of life
🔹 Cognitive decline 🧠
🔹 Possibly reduced longevity

Creatine plays a key role in energy production, muscle function, and brain health; all areas that are often compromised in kidney disease.

🩺 Important reminder:
Always speak with your healthcare professional before starting or changing any supplements, especially if you have kidney disease.

https://kidneycoach.com/clinical-studies/creatine-and-kidney-disease-what-you-need-to-know-before-supplementing/

Discover if creatine supplements are safe for kidney disease—Kidney Coach reviews emerging research, benefits, risks & expert guidance.

15/02/2026

🦴💪 Creatine & Bone Health

Creatine isn’t just for muscles, it may play a valuable role in bone health too, especially as we age ✨
Emerging research suggests creatine supplementation can support bone density and skeletal strength, particularly when paired with resistance training.

🔬 How Creatine Supports Bones

🔹 Stronger muscles = stronger bones
By increasing muscle mass and strength, creatine helps place healthy mechanical load on bones, a key signal for bone maintenance and growth.

🔹 Supports bone-building cells
Creatine has been shown to increase osteoblast activity (bone-forming cells) while reducing markers of bone resorption driven by osteoclasts.

🔹 Important for postmenopausal health
After menopause, the risk of sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss) increases. Creatine may help preserve muscle strength, lowering fall risk; a major factor in fractures and bone injury in aging women 👩‍🦳✨

Creatine continues to show promise beyond performance, supporting muscle, bone, and healthy aging when used thoughtfully and appropriately 🌱

💬 Have you tried creatine?
We’d love to hear about your experience!

15/02/2026

⚡ Want to understand how creatine really works in your body?

In this reel, I break down the fundamentals of creatine, your body’s rapid-response energy system.

Inside your muscles, creatine primarily exists as phosphocreatine, acting like a fully charged battery ready to fuel high-intensity activity. It helps replenish ATP, supports muscle performance, and even benefits brain and bone health.

I’m joined by Jessianna Saville, a renal nutrition expert passionate about using nutrition to preserve kidney function.

In the full video, we also discuss:
Debunking the myth: Does creatine damage kidneys?
Creatine vs. creatinine and how it affects lab results
Safe dosing for CKD patients

👇👇👇
Watch the full video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jq-ML51ZhA

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

💬 Comment below: Did you know creatine had so many benefits beyond muscle energy?