Rooted for Healing | Kidney Disease, Heart Disease, Blood Sugar

Think you need to cut protein, salt, bananas, or beans to protect your kidneys? Think again. In this episode, I’m busting the biggest myths about the “kidney diet” and showing you how overly restrictive rules can actually make things worse. From protein-energy wasting and muscle loss, to the hidden phosphorus and potassium in processed foods, we’re digging into the science of what really drives kidney decline. You’ll learn: Why slashing protein too far backfires in CKD The truth about sea salt, sodium, and processed foods Why fruits and veggies (yes—even potatoes and bananas!) improve survival in CKD The real danger of food additives with hidden phosphorus and potassium It’s time to ditch the fear, simplify your food choices, and rediscover eating as part of your healing.   👉 Hit play now and find out how to eat for kidney health without the stress.   References for Today’s Episode Review on Protein-Energy Wasting & Sarcopenia in CKD, Clinical Kidney Journal, 2020 Padial, M., Taylor, A., Sabatino, A. et al. From ultra-processed foods towards healthy eating for CKD patients: a proposal of educational infographics. J Nephrol 37, 323–329 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40620-023-01817-3 Front. Nutr., 27 March 2024, Sec. Nutritional Epidemiology, Volume 11 - 2024 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2024.1359229 Kranz S, Sharma B, Pourafshar S, Mallawaarachchi I, Ma JZ, Scialla JJ. Fruit and Vegetable Intake Patterns, Kidney Failure, and Mortality in Adults with and without Chronic Kidney Disease in the United States. J Nutr. 2024 Jul;154(7):2205-2214. doi: 10.1016/j.tjnut.2024.05.008. Epub 2024 May 15. PMID: 38754840; PMCID: PMC11282494.  

If you’re taking a PPI (like omeprazole or the “little purple pill”) to manage heartburn or reflux—and your labs keep getting worse—this episode is for you. Today we uncover the surprising truth about conventional heartburn treatments, the damage they can do to your gut and kidneys, and what you can do to start healing from the inside out. What You’ll Learn: How common heartburn drugs (like PPIs) contribute to chronic kidney disease The link between poor digestion, gut inflammation, and kidney decline  What the research says: real data on how PPI use damages kidney tissue   Natural, functional alternatives: HCl, digestive enzymes, and gut-healing support   A real-life story of freedom: how Lisa ditched the PPI and healed her gut + kidneys   A faith-based reminder that God didn’t design you to live broken—He designed you to heal Scripture Mentioned: John 10:10, Jesus says, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” Resources Mentioned Association between Proton Pump Inhibitors and Kidney Disease – A large body of research shows that long-term PPI use can lead to chronic kidney injury and decline, even in people without obvious symptoms.   https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10762285/ Listener Highlight: "For the first time in years, I can eat without fear. No more burning, no more belly pain, and I’m off the meds. I feel like I’ve got my life back—and my kidneys are finally healing too." – Lisa, podcast listener + client How to Leave a Review:   Leave a review on Apple or Spotify—it helps more people find the show.  https://us06web.zoom.us/clips/share/MTSDHZe5SvqU3Treki-iOw Join my Free Facebook Group:  https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1A47rZnu76/ Learn more at www.thrivenaturalnutrition.com

If you’re ready for the #1 longevity hack that helps you live longer and better—while also improving kidney function—this episode is for you! We’re talking about one simple thing that lowers your risk of early death, protects your kidneys, improves your blood sugar and blood pressure, lifts depression, boosts your mood, and gives you more energy. (Hint: It’s not a pill!) Join me, Karin Nicole Allumbaugh—Functional Medicine Practitioner & Christian Kidney Care Coach—as I share why movement and exercise are truly the most powerful biohacks for anyone, at any level. You’ll learn: What studies show about exercise lowering risk of death and improving kidney health How even small amounts of daily movement change your labs Simple ways to start (whether you’re exhausted, limited in mobility, or out of practice) Why fear, pain, or embarrassment don’t have to hold you back A faith-based reminder that your body is designed to move This episode is FUN, relatable, full of hope, and packed with stats you can take to heart (and to your doctor!). Links: Learn more about The Kidney Care Blueprint: www.thrivenaturalnutrition.com Scriptures mentioned: James 1:5, Galatians 6:9    If this episode spoke to you, please: ✅ Leave a review on Apple or Spotify—it helps more people find the show.  https://us06web.zoom.us/clips/share/MTSDHZe5SvqU3Treki-iOw ✅ Follow Rooted for Healing so you never miss a new episode. References: How consistent exercise is linked to a 30-40% lower risk of death https://www.eatingwell.com/movement-for-longevity-study-11773321?utm_source=chatgpt.com 7000 Steps per Day:  https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpub/article/PIIS2468-2667(25)00164-1/fulltext Only 75 minutes a week can have significant impact!  https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.124.068669 Lower all cause Mortality https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-024-19383-z?utm_source=chatgpt.com Resistance Training for CKD patients improved muscle mass, grip strength, walking capacity, and notably reduced CRP and A1c. https://bmcnephrol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12882-024-03547-5?utm_source=chatgpt.com   Scripture Mentioned: 1 Corinthians 6:19 – “Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit…” Joshua 1:9 – “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid… for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”  

In this episode, Karin shares why prediabetes isn’t just about food and exercise. You’ll learn why typical advice like “eat less sugar” falls short, especially when it comes to kidney health, and how stress, toxins, and poor sleep play a much bigger role than you might realize. Karin also introduces The S.A.F.E. Method to help you start taking back control in a way that honors both your body and your faith. What You’ll Learn: Why prediabetes feels hard to control, even when you’re doing “all the right things.” How hidden factors like mercury exposure, sleep loss, and stress affect blood sugar. How prediabetes and kidney disease are linked. The S.A.F.E. Method: A simple, faith-rooted plan to break free from prediabetes. Research References: Bae W, et al. Toenail mercury and incident diabetes in young adults. Diabetes Care. 2013;36(10):3091-6. doi:10.2337/dc13-0267. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23423697/ Zohal MA, et al. The relationship between mercury exposure and prediabetes: Case-control study among car painters. Environmental Science and Pollution Research. 2024. doi:10.1007/s11356-024-30739-7. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39712637/ Cappuccio FP, et al. Quantity and quality of sleep and incidence of type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Diabetes Care. 2010;33(2):414-20. doi:10.2337/dc09-1124. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20007940/ Spiegel K, et al. Sleep curtailment in healthy young men is associated with decreased leptin levels, elevated ghrelin levels, and increased hunger and appetite. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2004;141(11):846-50. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15583226/ Links: Learn more about The Kidney Care Blueprint: www.thrivenaturalnutrition.com Scriptures mentioned: James 1:5, Galatians 6:9  If this episode spoke to you, please: ✅ Leave a review on Apple or Spotify—it helps more people find the show.  https://us06web.zoom.us/clips/share/MTSDHZe5SvqU3Treki-iOw ✅ Follow Rooted for Healing so you never miss a new episode.

You’ve been told high blood pressure is the cause of your kidney issues, your fatigue, or even your declining health. But what if that’s not the full story? In this episode, we’re turning that idea on its head. Join me as we unpack the real root cause behind elevated blood pressure—and why blindly medicating the number may be missing the point entirely. We’ll talk about how blood pressure guidelines have shifted over time, why “lower” isn’t always better (especially as we age), and the deeper inflammatory and lifestyle patterns that might be driving your symptoms. You’ll also learn: The invisible root causes of high blood pressure most doctors overlook What the research says about over-lowering BP in older adults How to begin advocating for root-cause healing—not just symptom suppression Whether you’re dealing with kidney disease, heart concerns, or just want to take a more informed, faith-led approach to your health, this episode will equip and encourage you. The scientific research referred to in today's podcast can be found here:   Leiden 85‑Plus Study https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/Articles/2020/02/26/06/24/Older-Adults-and-Hypertension?utm_source=chatgpt.com   Nambu Cohort Study https://www.nature.com/articles/s41440-021-00769-0?utm_source=chatgpt.com   The U‑Shaped BP Survival Curve https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0895435601003602?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Do you feel you are taking more prescriptions than you would like?  Do you wonder if some of the adverse things you are feeling might be due to prescription stacking, or taking multiple prescriptions? Today we discuss the hazards of multiple prescriptions, we will discuss how this may be negatively impacting you.  We will also discuss what to do about it! And I'll give you a step by step approach if you are wondering how to talk to your health care team about your medications.   I sure could use some help form you- please can you share on social media, and tag me.  That would be a great way for me to reach more people.   I would also love it if you could leave me a review.  That would definitely help me spread the word.  How to do that?  It actually takes less than a minute, and I’ve included a tutorial here https://us06web.zoom.us/clips/share/MTSDHZe5SvqU3Treki-iOw   You are a rockstar.  You are beautiful and gifted, and my mission is to help you shine your light for others.  And you were designed to heal.  My mission is to help you do that!     In love and wellness, Karin Nicole Allumbaugh www.thrivenaturalnutrition.com    

Today we are talking about WHY- the podcast, the Kidney Care Blueprint, all of it.   And we'll talk about what all of my most successful clients have in common.  I sure could use some help from you- please can you share on social media, and tag me.  That would be a great way that I can reach more people.   I would also love it if you could leave me a review.  That will definitely help me to spread the word, it will allow me to help more folks to be brave and bold in their healing journey, and it will further the mission that I am called to.  Here's a short clip that describes how to do that.   https://us06web.zoom.us/clips/share/MTSDHZe5SvqU3Treki-iOw You can also follow me on Instagram at karin.allumbaugh.health In love and wellness,  Karin Nicole Allumbaugh www.thrivenaturalnutrition.com

What if getting better sleep meant that your kidney function would get better? I hear what you’re saying… but ever since my kidney disease got worse I sleep terribly.  Ok, let’s bring in some tools to make it better.   Because bad sleep correlates with your kidney disease getting worse.  And when you improve your sleep- the quality and quantity-  you improve your blood pressure, your diabetes, your gut health… and even your kidney disease.  So what are we going to do to make it better?   That’s what this latest podcast episode is all about.  We’ll talk about WHY your sleep is crud. We’ll talk about why it REALLY matters that you improve it. And finally we’ll talk about how you can go about taking some steps to improve it. Because it IS that important! That’s why addressing sleep IS an important component of the Kidney Care Blueprint. In love and wellness,  Karin Allumbaugh www.thrivenaturalnutrition.com Founder:  Kidney Care Blueprint What’s the source? https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6411180/ https://bmcnephrol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12882-023-03177-3 https://jcsm.aasm.org/doi/10.5664/jcsm.7652 https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-68602-1

For individuals who are diagnosed with kidney disease, a great number are told that there is little that can be done. Furthermore, many are even told that chronic kidney disease is irreversible. In this episode, I bring you research that proves that kidney disease is indeed reversible. And I also tell you specifically what can be done to begin to halt or even reverse chronic kidney disease. There is no better gift you can give to yourself than ensuring your optimal health. May this episode bring you or a loved one hope and practical tips on what to do to begin to treat chronic kidney disease. In love and wellness, Karin Nicole Allumbaugh Thrivenaturalnutrition.com In this episode: 0:45 The biggest travesty. 1:09 The Impact. By this way, this should say 807,000 Americans are living with kidney failure, NOT 107,000!! 1:30 Defining the stages of kidney disease. 3:18 What do the kidneys do? 5:04 How do I halt or reverse kidney disease? 12:10 What to do if my root cause is diabetes? 15:23 What to do if my root cause is high blood pressure? 18:40 What to do if my root cause is poor gut heatlh?

Anemia is pretty straightforward, right? I mean, you need iron to transport oxygen throughout your body. That means if your iron is low, you better supplement, right? Well today I discuss why supplementation may be actually making your symptoms worse, and how to know if you need to add more iron in, or address some other reasons why your iron may be low. The goal? Help you understand your symptoms, help you be in control of them for good, and finally make you a master of your own health. Do NOT put your health into the hands of your health care provider. Understand your symptoms and become a master of taking charge of your health for good!! Remember, no one knows YOU better than YOU!! In health and wellness, Karin Nicole Allumbaugh Check my facts!! Here are the sources for today's discussion: Drakesmith, H., Prentice, A. Viral infection and iron metabolism. Nat Rev Microbiol 6, 541–552 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrmicro1930 Fida A. Khan, Melanie A. Fisher, Rashida A. Khakoo,  Association of hemochromatosis with infectious diseases: expanding spectrum, International Journal of Infectious Diseases, Volume 11, Issue 6, 2007, Pages 482-487, ISSN 1201-9712, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijid.2007.04.007. Khan A, Khan WM, Ayub M, Humayun M, Haroon M. Ferritin Is a Marker of Inflammation rather than Iron Deficiency in Overweight and Obese People. J Obes. 2016;2016:1937320. doi: 10.1155/2016/1937320. Epub 2016 Dec 27. PMID: 28116148; PMCID: PMC5223018. Kell DB, Pretorius E. No effects without causes: the Iron Dysregulation and Dormant Microbes hypothesis for chronic, inflammatory diseases. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc. 2018 Aug;93(3):1518-1557. doi: 10.1111/brv.12407. Epub 2018 Mar 25. PMID: 29575574; PMCID: PMC6055827. Dignass A, Farrag K, Stein J. Limitations of Serum Ferritin in Diagnosing Iron Deficiency in Inflammatory Conditions. Int J Chronic Dis. 2018 Mar 18;2018:9394060. doi: 10.1155/2018/9394060. PMID: 29744352; PMCID: PMC5878890. Firkin F, Rush B. Interpretation of biochemical tests for iron deficiency: diagnostic difficulties related to limitations of individual tests. Aust Prescr 1997;20:74-6. https://doi.org/10.18773/austprescr.1997.063

Sarah was a client that taught me a lot about symptoms that sometimes don't make any sense. She taught me that there is one misunderstood concept that lies right there in the midst of all of the most common health conditions currently. And when it's a factor, there can be a train wreck of other symptoms that come along as well. That's what this episode is all about. I hope her story can give you some insight into your own health and wellness journey. Remember, there is no better investment than in your health. In love and wellness, Karin Nicole

Have you recently found out your cholesterol is running high? What does it mean? What should I do? In this episode: What is cholesterol and why do we want it? Is LDL cholesterol really bad? What is the hazard for taking a statin to reduce LDL cholesterol levels? What extra labs should I have run? LDL-particle is not the same as total LDL! What can I really do about all of this?

The Podcast Intro

The increasing blood pressure and cholesterol, the increasing blood sugar levels, and climbing weight, especially around the middle- these are the trio of symptoms that are confusing an alarming 1 out of 3 adults. These are not only scary, but also leave most clients feeling like a failure. In this episode, I describe my 6 domain framework to help clients gain control of their health and finally manage the symptoms of metabolic syndrome.

Feeling like a hot mess? Tried the resolutions and feel like a failure because you can't stick to them? You're not alone! It doesn't work! But this here, this is the WAY to get out of the hot mess! Beyond the resolutions, this is the way to get started creating your health by design, creating the health that you desire to achieve! You have the courage to and you have the strength to take the big leaps to make health happen! In love and wellness, happy listening!

We approach New Year's Resolutions the wrong way- and then before the month is even over, we feel defeated. Let's talk about how to finally get it right this time, and make sure that this new year is one that leaves you achieving your goals and becoming a better version of you!

Today's episode is my own story about how I transformed my health from a big hot mess into finally thriving and feeling amazing. I talk about why conventional medicine does not bring about healing by outlining what is being done wrong. And I give you an approach to begin your own healing journey.

In today's episode I discuss why we quit, and how to stop quitting on yourself- on your goals, your aspirations, your dreams. It starts with one realization of who you ARE!

Helping you to understand your symptoms and put the control to managing them into your hands! Today's podcast is 5 ways you may begin eliminating them for good, starting today!

Today we talk about how you can begin to restore the energy- and gain control back to eliminate your symptoms.