
Is This Hurting My Kidneys?
A nurse's guide to medications, supplements, and what's actually safe
Some of the most common things in your medicine cabinet — and on your supplement shelf — quietly ask a lot of your kidneys. Written by a nephrology nurse with 20 years of experience, reviewed by a pharmacist with over 25 years of experience, and sourced from the National Kidney Foundation, this guide shows you exactly which everyday products deserve a second look, and gives you the words to bring the conversation to your pharmacist or prescriber.
What You'll Learn
How everyday pain relievers like NSAIDs affect kidney blood flow — and which combinations raise the risk
Why long-term use of common heartburn medications and antacids deserves a second look
Why "natural" doesn't mean kidney-safe, including a list of supplements flagged as high-risk
What creatine, pre-workout, and protein powder actually do to your kidney labs and kidney health
Which medications need a dose check (not a ban) — and which ones people wrongly try to quit on their own
How to prepare for four situations that catch people off guard: colonoscopy prep, lithium use, contrast dye imaging, and hospital admissions
What You'd Miss Without It
The awareness that a common combination of blood pressure medicine, a water pill, and an NSAID can stress your kidneys from three directions at once
A clear, simple framework for reading supplement labels and spotting red flags before you buy
A completed medication and supplement inventory to actually bring to your pharmacist — instead of trying to remember everything on the spot
The confidence to ask informed questions instead of guessing, or worse, stopping a protective medication on your own
Why Take It Now
You don't need kidney disease for this to matter — this guide is built for anyone with a medicine cabinet and a supplement shelf.
This guide is health education, not medical advice, and does not replace a conversation with your own healthcare provider. Do not start, stop, or change any medication based on this guide.