Kidney Doctor Reveals: How Your Gut Bacteria Affects Kidney Disease | 60% Higher Risk

Sean Hashmi, MD April 30, 2025
Video Thumbnail
Sean Hashmi, MD Logo

Sean Hashmi, MD

@seanhashmimd

About

Your kidneys control more than you think—metabolism, aging, weight, and blood pressure. I teach you how to protect them before it's too late. I'm Dr. Sean Hashmi, a board-certified Nephrologist and Obesity Medicine Specialist. After 15 years of treating kidney disease and metabolic conditions, I realized something was broken. We wait until people are sick, then scramble to fix the damage. Losing my sister and watching my family's health struggles changed my path. I left the "treat the symptom" model to focus on prevention—teaching people the science of staying healthy. The SELF Principle Sleep. Exercise. Love. Food. Four pillars that protect your kidneys, reverse insulin resistance, and add years to your life. This framework guides everything I teach. New videos weekly on kidney health, metabolic health, longevity, and disease prevention. Practice kindness and gratitude—starting with your health.

Video Description

In this evidence-based video, Dr. Sean Hashmi explains how your gut microbiome directly impacts kidney health and shares practical strategies to support both systems for better outcomes. ABOUT THIS VIDEO Discover the critical connection between gut bacteria and kidney disease progression. Learn why people with kidney disease have up to 50% fewer beneficial gut bacteria and how this creates a vicious cycle of inflammation and damage. Dr. Hashmi reviews the latest research on diet, supplements, and lifestyle changes that can improve this gut-kidney axis. QUICK NAVIGATION 00:00 - Introduction 01:31 - What is the gut microbiome? 03:29 - The gut-kidney connection explained 04:52 - The vicious cycle of damage 06:20 - Changes in gut microbiome with CKD 07:55 - Consequences of gut dysbiosis 09:58 - Dietary strategies for gut health 11:57 - Gut-friendly foods to focus on 14:24 - Foods to limit 15:12 - Promising supplements (consult doctor) 16:40 - Research highlights 18:07 - 8 practical action steps 19:57 - Conclusion and key takeaways KEY INSIGHTS Gut dysbiosis worsens kidney disease by increasing harmful uremic toxins and inflammation Higher levels of gut-derived toxins are linked to a 33-62% increased risk of cardiovascular events in CKD patients Plant-based diets rich in berries, fiber, and prebiotic foods support both gut and kidney health Specific prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics show promise - one study found a 30% reduction in harmful toxins SCIENTIFIC REFERENCES Vaziri ND et al. (2013). Chronic kidney disease alters intestinal microbial flora. Kidney Int. Lin CJ et al. (2018). The role of protein-bound uremic toxins in chronic kidney disease. Toxins (Basel). Rossi M et al. (2016). Synbiotics Easing Renal Failure by Improving Gut Microbiology (SYNERGY): A Randomized Trial. CJASN. Kidney International (2024). KDIGO Clinical Practice Guideline for CKD. Zhu H et al. (2021). The Probiotic L. casei Zhang Slows the Progression of Acute and Chronic Kidney Disease. Cell Metabolism. ABOUT DR. SEAN HASHMI Dr. Sean Hashmi is a board-certified nephrologist specializing in kidney health, lifestyle medicine, and obesity medicine. He translates complex medical research into actionable strategies to help you maintain healthy kidneys and improve your overall wellbeing. CONNECT & GROW SUBSCRIBE for weekly evidence-based health content Get free resources: https://selfprinciple.org Follow Dr. Sean: @seanhashmimd MEDICAL DISCLAIMER This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with your physician before making any decisions about your health or treatment. Do not delay seeking professional medical advice because of information presented here.

Essential Camera Bags Now

AI-recommended products based on this video

Loading...
ANCEL AD310 Classic Enhanced Universal OBD II Scanner Car Engine Fault Code Reader CAN Diagnostic Scan Tool, Read and Clear Error Codes for 1996 or Newer OBD2 Protocol Vehicle (Black) Global Recycled Standard
Best Seller

ANCEL AD310 Classic Enhanced Universal OBD II Scanner Car Engine Fault Code Reader CAN Diagnostic Scan Tool, Read and Clear Error Codes for 1996 or Newer OBD2 Protocol Vehicle (Black) Global Recycled Standard

(57,635)
$23.99
FREE delivery Sun, Sep 21 on $35 of items shipped by Amazon
20K+ bought in past month
Loading...
1TB SSD Internal Solid State Drive 2.5" SATA III 6Gb/s, 550MB/s Read Speed 3D TLC NAND, 1TB SATA SSD PC/Laptop Upgrade, Shock-Resistant & Drop-Proof(ES106)

1TB SSD Internal Solid State Drive 2.5" SATA III 6Gb/s, 550MB/s Read Speed 3D TLC NAND, 1TB SATA SSD PC/Laptop Upgrade, Shock-Resistant & Drop-Proof(ES106)

(1,520)
51.99
PrimeFREE delivery Saturday, June 14
100+ bought in past month
Loading...
Lauren Ralph Lauren Women's Cameryn Iii Flat Ballet

Lauren Ralph Lauren Women's Cameryn Iii Flat Ballet

(4)
$75.68
Loading...
Sialicess Switch Case for Switch/OLED – Hard Shell Protective Oxford Travel Case, Durable & Shockproof Storage Box with Large Capacity, Portable Carry Bag for Console & Accessories

Sialicess Switch Case for Switch/OLED – Hard Shell Protective Oxford Travel Case, Durable & Shockproof Storage Box with Large Capacity, Portable Carry Bag for Console & Accessories

(40)
$14.99
FREE delivery Mon, Jun 16 on $35 of items shipped by Amazon
50+ bought in past month
Loading...
6 Pack Extra Heavy Duty Large Moving Bags with Strong Zipper & Comfortable Handles, Sturdy & Durable Clothes Storage Bags Totes Bins, Blue Packing Moving Boxes for College Supplies, Dark Blue
Best Seller

6 Pack Extra Heavy Duty Large Moving Bags with Strong Zipper & Comfortable Handles, Sturdy & Durable Clothes Storage Bags Totes Bins, Blue Packing Moving Boxes for College Supplies, Dark Blue

(5,071)
$29.99
FREE delivery Fri, Aug 29 on $35 of items shipped by Amazon
60K+ bought in past month
Loading...
ESR for iPhone 17 Pro Max Case, Camera Control, Compatible with MagSafe, Shockproof Military-Grade Protection, Magnetic Phone Case for iPhone 17 Pro Max, Classic Hybrid Case, Clear Carbonfree Certified

ESR for iPhone 17 Pro Max Case, Camera Control, Compatible with MagSafe, Shockproof Military-Grade Protection, Magnetic Phone Case for iPhone 17 Pro Max, Classic Hybrid Case, Clear Carbonfree Certified

(127,198)
$8.49
FREE delivery Fri, Oct 3 on $35 of items shipped by Amazon
10K+ bought in past month
Loading...
TOCOL for iPhone 17 Pro Case, Full Camera Protection, Built-in Magnetic Ring, Compatible with Magsafe Charger, Drop Protection, Translucent Matte Phone Case for iPhone 17 Pro 6.3 inch (Black) Global Recycled Standard
Best Seller

TOCOL for iPhone 17 Pro Case, Full Camera Protection, Built-in Magnetic Ring, Compatible with Magsafe Charger, Drop Protection, Translucent Matte Phone Case for iPhone 17 Pro 6.3 inch (Black) Global Recycled Standard

(23,902)
$9.99
FREE delivery Mon, Sep 29 on $35 of items shipped by Amazon
New on Amazon in past month
Loading...
Sialicess Switch Case for Switch/OLED – Hard Shell Protective Oxford Travel Case, Durable & Shockproof Storage Box with Large Capacity, Portable Carry Bag for Console & Accessories

Sialicess Switch Case for Switch/OLED – Hard Shell Protective Oxford Travel Case, Durable & Shockproof Storage Box with Large Capacity, Portable Carry Bag for Console & Accessories

(40)
$14.99
FREE delivery Mon, Jun 16 on $35 of items shipped by Amazon
50+ bought in past month
Loading...
COOWPS Switch Case for Nintendo Switch and Switch OLED Model, Portable Full Protection Carrying Travel Bag with 18 Game Cards Storage for Switch Console Pro Controller Accessories Black

COOWPS Switch Case for Nintendo Switch and Switch OLED Model, Portable Full Protection Carrying Travel Bag with 18 Game Cards Storage for Switch Console Pro Controller Accessories Black

(2,497)
$24.99$22.99
FREE delivery Mon, Jun 16 on $35 of items shipped by Amazon
800+ bought in past month