EP 119. How to Take Care of Your Kidneys: Protein, Salt, and Warning Signs with Dr. Górriz

In this episode, Dr. Isabel Viña speaks with Dr. Górriz, head of the Nephrology Department at the University Clinical Hospital of Valencia and one of the leading figures in nephrology in Spain, to understand in a simple and practical way how our kidneys really work , why they get sick without us realizing it, and what we can do from today to protect them .

We often think that the kidneys only "filter," but the reality is that they regulate blood pressure, control electrolytes, balance body water, produce essential hormones, and even influence our cardiovascular health . That's why it's so important to know what warning signs we shouldn't ignore.
 
In this episode we discuss issues that affect millions of people:

• Why most people with chronic kidney disease don't know they have it and what symptoms (sometimes very subtle) should prompt them to seek medical advice .
  
  
• What markers should we check in a blood test to ensure our kidneys are functioning properly: creatinine, glomerular filtration rate, cystatin C, urea, albumin/creatinine ratio… And how often should we measure them according to age and risk?
  
  
• Habits that silently damage the kidneys : repeated use of anti-inflammatories, untreated hypertension, alcohol, tobacco, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and ultra-processed foods.
  
  
• Proteins and the kidneys : whether or not they are harmful in healthy people, who should have more control over their intake, and what the current evidence says .
  
  
• Realistic hydration : if it's true that we need to drink 2 liters a day, how do we know if we are well hydrated and what role do coffee, tea and electrolyte drinks play?
  
  
• Salt, blood pressure and kidney damage : what is the relationship between them and what dietary changes can help us reduce the risk of hypertension and kidney disease.
  
  
• Supplements and medications : which ones can be protective and which ones can damage the kidneys if not used correctly.

Dr. Górriz explains everything with absolute clarity and clarifies concepts that often generate fear or confusion. This is a key episode for understanding why the best way to care for our kidneys is to prevent disease, and that means knowing more so we can fear less and make better choices. Because, while kidney problems often go unnoticed until it's too late, we can start taking care of them today.