Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease Through a Functional Medicine Lens with Dr. M Isreb
Host & Guest Details
Host: Dr. Yousef Elyaman, Functional Medicine Primary Care Physician
Guest: Dr. M Isreb, Nephrologist & Functional Medicine Specialist, Founder of Integrative Kidney
Episode Overview
Discover the root causes, conventional blind spots, and integrative strategies for managing chronic kidney disease (CKD). Dr. M Isreb, a seasoned nephrologist and functional medicine practitioner, shares how we’re in the midst of a CKD epidemic—and why most patients and even doctors are missing it. This conversation is both an urgent call to action and a hopeful roadmap for preventing kidney failure before it's too late.
Whether you’re a practitioner seeking clinical clarity or a patient looking to avoid dialysis, this episode delivers both inspiration and precision.
Key Questions Answered
• Why do 1 in 9 Americans have CKD—but most don’t know it?
• What does conventional medicine miss when diagnosing kidney issues early?
• How can a functional medicine approach help reverse early-stage kidney disease?
• What are the key lab markers and lifestyle changes practitioners need to know?
• How do diet, gut health, and advanced labs tie into kidney preservation?
Why You Can’t Miss This Episode
37 billion dollars: That’s what we’re spending on dialysis in the U.S.—and most of it is preventable. Dr. Isreb breaks down how CKD can be reversed or slowed if caught early using a functional and integrative approach.
What Listeners Will Learn
Key Insight:
"By the time we diagnose kidney disease, 50% of kidney function is already lost." – Dr. M Isreb
Top Takeaways:
Creatinine isn’t enough—why cystatin C and urine albumin matter
The 5 buckets of CKD: from metabolic to autoimmune to stone-forming
Why dietary phosphorus and acid load accelerate kidney damage
How to individualize protein intake by CKD stage and diet type
Bonus Insight:
Patients with polycystic kidney disease may slow disease progression with a ketogenic diet and hydration—backed by emerging research.
Shareable Quotes
"We're in a kidney disease epidemic, but nobody’s talking about it."
"CKD isn’t one disease—it’s a spectrum of imbalances that need root-cause thinking."
"Your protein source and acid load may be silently stressing your kidneys."
Disclaimers
Educational Purpose Only – This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
No Doctor-Patient Relationship – Listening does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.
Supplement Use Disclaimer – Any supplement recommendations are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Consult your provider.
Professional Responsibility – Practitioners should use their professional judgment before applying strategies discussed.
Liability Disclaimer – The host, guest, and affiliated organizations assume no liability for the use or misuse of the information shared.
This Episode’s Sponsors
FMP Essentials – The #1 Resource for Functional Medicine Practitioner Success
Website: www.fmpessentials.com
Connect with Us
Dr. M Isreb
Instagram: @integrativekidney
Website: www.inkidney.com
FMP Essentials
Instagram: @fmpessentialshq
Website: www.fmpessentials.com
Dr. Yousef Elyaman
Instagram: @drelyaman
Music Credit: "Heroes Approaching - Extended" by tunes2go
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