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Faith-Based Wellness

Dr. Don Colbert, MD

New York Times Bestselling Author

Your trusted source for health articles, recipes, and spiritual wellness from the doctor behind Divine Health.

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#9 of 12: Know This Number: Prevent Kidney Failure Naturally by Correcting this Number | Dr Colbert MD 8

Do You Know Your Number? – Episode 9: Know Your Kidney Numbers

Diabetes and hypertension are the top drivers of chronic kidney failure. In this episode, Dr. Colbert
(with Kyle & Mary) explains the critical lab numbers to watch, why morning blood pressure spikes,
meds and habits that stress the kidneys, and practical ways to protect renal function.

🔢 Target Kidney Lab Ranges

  • Serum Creatinine (Men): ~0.7–1.3 mg/dL
  • Serum Creatinine (Women): ~0.6–1.1 mg/dL
  • Blood Pressure (goal): under ~130/80 (per the 2017 threshold noted in the episode)

🔑 Key Takeaways

  1. Top risks: Diabetes and hypertension; together they’re a “double whammy” on the kidneys.
  2. Know your numbers: Creatinine in range; monitor BP throughout the day—often highest in the morning.
  3. Morning spike: Cortisol rises around ~8am and can elevate blood pressure; caffeine can add 4–15 mmHg for 2–3 hours.
  4. Med classes that can stress kidneys: Frequent NSAIDs, certain antibiotics (e.g., aminoglycosides), high-dose antivirals, PPIs, and contrast dye—work with your physician and hydrate well.
  5. Stones: Calcium oxalate and uric acid are most common; hydration and diet patterns matter.

✅ Action Steps to Support Kidney Health

  1. Lower blood pressure & blood sugar: Work with your doctor on the right medications and lifestyle plan.
  2. Dial in nutrition: Beyond Keto / Keto Zone approach (lower sugar/processed carbs; Mediterranean-style whole foods).
  3. Watch sodium & belly fat: Restaurant foods are salt-heavy; aim for ~1.5g sodium/day if advised by your provider.
  4. Smart caffeine: Consider limiting to ~2 cups/day and re-check BP later in the visit/day.
  5. Exercise that’s joint-friendly: Elliptical, cycling/recumbent bike, pool work.

🛒 Suggested Divine Health Products

🙏 Spiritual Insight

God’s best is that we walk in divine health daily. Caring for our bodies—lowering blood pressure, keeping blood sugar in check,
eating wisely—is a way of partnering with God to live long and strong for those we love.

Show transcript highlights

• Diabetes and hypertension are the two main drivers of chronic kidney failure and dialysis.

• Creatinine: men ~0.7–1.3 mg/dL; women ~0.6–1.1 mg/dL. Monitor BP (morning often highest); aim <130/80.

• Be cautious with frequent NSAIDs, some antibiotics/antivirals, PPIs, and contrast dyes; hydrate and monitor labs.

• Practical supports discussed: Nano-glutathione, NAD+, berberine (Carb Assist), high-phenolic olive oil; lifestyle and physician-guided care first.

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Don Colbert, MD, has been board-certified in family practice and in anti-aging and integrative medicine for more than 25 years. He is the medical director of the Divine Health Wellness Center, where he has treated more than 50,000 patients, and a New York Times bestselling author of books including The Seven Pillars of Health, What Would Jesus Eat?, Deadly Emotions and Keto Zone Diet, with more than ten million books sold. He hosts Dr. Colbert's Broadcast with his wife Mary and son Kyle, where faith meets functional medicine. He and Mary live in Orlando, Florida and Dallas, Texas.