Andrew Kowalski 🫘
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kidneystrong.bsky.social
Andrew Kowalski 🫘
@kidneystrong.bsky.social
20 followers 54 following 23 posts
Interventional nephrologist working for Nephrology Associates of Northern Illinois (NANI). My goal is to spread CKD education to patients to empower them to slow down their kidney disease and better their lifestyle. Aspiring author and blogger.
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kidneystrong.bsky.social
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
www.kidneystronger.com/post/creatin...
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...
www.kidneystronger.com
October 11, 2025 at 2:06 AM
kidneystrong.bsky.social
My thoughts about an author's experiment with processed food
#NANI #KidneyStrong #nephrology #Patientcare

www.kidneystronger.com/post/ultra-p...
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...
www.kidneystronger.com
September 14, 2025 at 1:46 AM
kidneystrong.bsky.social
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 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. ...
www.kidneystronger.com
September 14, 2025 at 1:43 AM
kidneystrong.bsky.social
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

www.kidneystronger.com/post/the-imp...
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...
www.kidneystronger.com
September 13, 2025 at 10:55 PM
kidneystrong.bsky.social
Adding a blog post about phosphorus choices with additional patient handouts included
#NANI #KidneyStrong #nephrology #phosphorus #CKD

www.kidneystronger.com/post/high-ph...
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 ...
www.kidneystronger.com
September 13, 2025 at 10:12 PM
kidneystrong.bsky.social
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

www.kidneystronger.com/post/high-vs...
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...
www.kidneystronger.com
September 13, 2025 at 9:12 PM
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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
www.kidneystronger.com/post/core-nu...
🌱 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...
www.kidneystronger.com
September 13, 2025 at 7:51 PM
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August 20, 2025 at 11:03 PM
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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.

nephdocs.com
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.
nephdocs.com
August 20, 2025 at 10:59 PM
kidneystrong.bsky.social
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

www.kidneystronger.com/post/the-hea...
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...
www.kidneystronger.com
June 24, 2025 at 4:56 PM
kidneystrong.bsky.social
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...
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...
www.kidneystronger.com
May 6, 2025 at 5:44 PM
kidneystrong.bsky.social
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

www.kidneystronger.com/post/living-...
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...
www.kidneystronger.com
April 30, 2025 at 5:58 PM
kidneystrong.bsky.social
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

www.kidneystronger.com/post/myo-ino...
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...
www.kidneystronger.com
April 17, 2025 at 3:59 PM
kidneystrong.bsky.social
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...
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...
www.kidneystronger.com
April 11, 2025 at 12:57 AM
kidneystrong.bsky.social
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...
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...
www.kidneystronger.com
April 3, 2025 at 8:26 PM
kidneystrong.bsky.social
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 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...
www.kidneystronger.com
April 3, 2025 at 8:03 PM
kidneystrong.bsky.social
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...
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...
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April 3, 2025 at 8:00 PM
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www.linkedin.com/posts/nani--...
#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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March 25, 2025 at 1:18 AM
Reposted by Andrew Kowalski 🫘
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Please join & share our Group & Page Links:

KIDNEY SOLUTIONS: A NETWORK OF TRANSPLANT EXPERIENCE SUPPORT GROUP
www.facebook.com/groups/13104...

KIDNEY SOLUTIONS PAGE: KIDNEY SOLUTIONS: A NETWORK OF TRANSPLANT EXPERIENCE
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WE MENTOR KIDNEY PATIENTS
March 2, 2025 at 1:46 PM
Reposted by Andrew Kowalski 🫘
azosteo.bsky.social
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
March 2, 2025 at 5:01 PM
kidneystrong.bsky.social
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...
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...
www.kidneystronger.com
March 2, 2025 at 6:13 PM
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Share some wonderful info with your patients, especially to help them delay renal disease and protect their heart!

www.kidneystronger.com/post/chronic...
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...
www.kidneystronger.com
March 2, 2025 at 5:49 PM
kidneystrong.bsky.social
Spent some time updating my blog. If you want to share some information with your patients about dialysis options...these quick reads should be perfect to help start the conversation.

www.kidneystronger.com/blog/categor...
Dialysis Options
Discussion the different types of dialysis options including a conservative approach to ESRD
www.kidneystronger.com
March 2, 2025 at 5:47 PM
kidneystrong.bsky.social
I have also put together some quick posts to share with your patients about dialysis access, the pros and cons and what to expect. These should start some good conversations with your patients.

www.kidneystronger.com/blog/categor...
Dialysis Access
Discussing the various types of dialysis access and diving into the differences, risks, and benefits of each
www.kidneystronger.com
March 2, 2025 at 5:46 PM
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Take a look at my new blog posts about Kidney transplantation. Share this information with patients to educate and begin the process of transplant initiation.

www.kidneystronger.com/blog/categor...
Kidney Transplantation
Focusing on the benefits of working up to get a kidney transplant
www.kidneystronger.com
March 2, 2025 at 5:45 PM