Course Description
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects up to 15% of adults in the United States and is often under-recognized and under-diagnosed, with an estimated 9 in 10 adults unaware of having CKD. The rising prevalence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus will contribute to the growing global burden of CKD. This presentation will briefly review the 2012 KDIGO guidelines for CKD evaluation with the 2021 updates in eGFR equations, discuss new dietary approaches for CKD, and highlight integrative strategies from an evidence-based perspective. Emphasis for estimating GFR will be focused on the 2021 CKD-EPI creatinine equation with greater utilization for CKD-EPI creatinine-cystatin C equation. In contrast to the previous renal diet, a plant-based and plant-dominant low protein diet (PLADO) will be proposed as a new dietary approach to mitigate CKD progression. The effects of plant-based diets on the microbiome in relation to CKD progression will also be discussed. Lastly, integrative strategies to delay CKD progression will be highlighted as a treatment framework targeted for oxidative stress, inflammation, and vascular changes.
Learning Objectives
1. Review the differences and utility of both CKD-EPI creatinine and creatinine-cystatin C equations.
2. Understand the principles of plant-based dietary approaches and clinical application in CKD patients.
3. Apply the role of integrative strategies and develop treatment ideas to help mitigate CKD progression.
Example Curriculum
About the Instructor
Dr. Jacob Hwang is a naturopathic doctor at the UCI Health Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute (SSIHI). Besides patient care, Dr. Hwang leads the SSIHI ND residency didactic program, contributes to various educational initiatives, and is actively involved in different interprofessional collaborations. Dr. Hwang earned his doctoral degree in naturopathic medicine from Bastyr University in Kenmore, Washington, followed by a one-year ND residency program at Bastyr University Clinic in San Diego, California. He was an adjunct didactic and clinical faculty at Bastyr University California for 2.5 years before he went on to complete an additional two-year ND residency program at the UCI Health Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute.
