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The Overlooked Blood Test That Could Save Your Life: Understanding High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP)

Most people have heard of cholesterol and blood sugar checks. Your doctor likely runs those tests during an annual physical. But there’s another simple blood test—one that could literally save your life—that most physicians never order. It’s called high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and it is one of the most important markers of inflammation in the body.

Why This Test Matters

Inflammation is at the root of nearly every chronic disease, from heart attacks and strokes to memory loss, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, and autoimmune conditions. The hs-CRP test is a powerful early-warning system, often revealing hidden inflammation years before symptoms develop.

Large studies involving thousands of patients show that elevated hs-CRP levels strongly predict future cardiovascular events, including heart attacks, strokes, and early cardiac death. Lowering hs-CRP to the optimal range can significantly reduce your risk.

Unfortunately, most routine blood panels don’t include this test. Rheumatologists sometimes order it for autoimmune patients, but family doctors rarely do unless there’s already a major health concern. This is a missed opportunity for prevention.

What is hs-CRP?

C-reactive protein is produced in the liver and fat tissue in response to inflammation. The high-sensitivity version of the test (hs-CRP) can detect much lower levels in the blood, making it ideal for assessing heart and overall health risk.

Your target numbers:

Ideal: Less than 1 mg/L

Acceptable: 1–3 mg/L

High Risk: Over 3 mg/L

If your number is over 3, you’ve essentially “signed up” for a greater likelihood of heart disease, stroke, joint inflammation, memory decline, and metabolic disorders.

What Raises hs-CRP?

There are several major contributors to elevated inflammation:

1. Belly Fat

Excess abdominal fat is not just stored energy—it’s a metabolically active organ that produces inflammatory chemicals, including CRP itself.

2. Chronic and Acute Infections

Hidden infections—such as dental abscesses, gingivitis, chronic sinus infections, bronchitis, prostatitis, or herpes simplex (cold sores)—can keep your immune system in a constant state of attack.

3. Poor Diet

Highly processed foods, fried foods, refined sugars, and hydrogenated fats raise inflammation rapidly. The Standard American Diet is, unfortunately, a recipe for chronic disease.

4. Food Sensitivities

Delayed immune reactions to certain foods are common and often go undetected. My top inflammatory triggers are:

Dairy

Eggs

Peanuts

Tree nuts

Gluten

Soy

Sesame seeds

Fish

Shellfish

Chicken

5. Leaky Gut

Also called increased intestinal permeability, leaky gut allows inflammatory particles to pass into the bloodstream, driving hs-CRP higher.

Why Doctors Miss It

Insurance companies often limit lab orders to reduce costs, so doctors default to cholesterol, blood sugar, and perhaps a few additional markers. Vitamin D—which I consider a critical test—is often excluded. That’s why I personally check hs-CRP for every patient, every six months. To me, it’s as essential as checking the oil in your car—neglecting it can lead to disaster.

How to Lower hs-CRP Naturally

The good news is, inflammation is not destiny. You can take steps today to lower your levels and protect your health.

1. Lose Belly Fat

Following my Keto Zone Diet, Beyond Keto Diet, or a healthy Mediterranean diet helps your body preferentially burn belly fat—one of the fastest ways to lower inflammation.

2. Try Intermittent Fasting

A simple 16:8 fast (fast 16 hours, eat during an 8-hour window) can dramatically improve inflammation markers. For example, stop eating at 6 PM and have your first meal at 10 AM the next day. Morning exercise during the fasting window accelerates belly fat loss.

3. Identify and Avoid Trigger Foods

Rotating or eliminating the top 10 inflammatory foods can make a dramatic difference. Consider the P88 food allergy test to pinpoint sensitivities.

4. Heal Your Gut

My book Healthy Gut Zone outlines a complete gut-repair plan. Daily Fiber Zone and a high-quality probiotic are key to restoring gut integrity.

5. Clear Chronic Infections

Address dental problems, irrigate sinuses daily if prone to infections, and remove triggers like dairy that can cause mucosal swelling.

6. Consider Targeted Supplements

Fiber Zone – for satiety and stable blood sugar.

Carb Assist – with berberine, alpha lipoic acid, chromium, and cinnamon for healthy glucose support.

L-Lysine – for herpes simplex management (1,000 mg/day, more during outbreaks).

7. Medical Support for Severe Cases

For patients with class III obesity (BMI ≥ 40), GLP-1 agonist medications may help reduce belly fat and hs-CRP under physician supervision.

A Spiritual Perspective

As Mary shared on our program, it is God’s will for you to be in health. Psalm 138 reminds us: “The Lord will perfect that which concerns you.” Your health concerns matter to Him. Seek His wisdom and take action on what He reveals—whether that’s adjusting your diet, getting tested, or making lifestyle changes.

Take Action Today

Don’t wait until symptoms appear. Ask your healthcare provider for an hs-CRP test and track your number every six months. Combine regular testing with an anti-inflammatory lifestyle, and you can dramatically lower your risk of serious illness.

If you need help getting started:

Join our Keto Zone Facebook Group for support: facebook.com/ketozone

Explore my anti-inflammatory eating plans in Beyond Keto

Consider adding Fiber Zone and Carb Assist to your routine

Your health is one of your greatest gifts. Protect it.

If you’d like, I can now also create a hyper-realistic feature image for this article in the visual style of DrColbert.com—clean, professional, and wellness-oriented—so it’s ready for immediate publishing.

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#6 of 12: Know This Number – Lower this Inflammation Marker | Dr. Colbert MD Ep. 5

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#4 & #5 of 12: Know Your Number – Lower Cholesterol & Triglycerides Naturally | Dr. Colbert, MD Ep. 4

🎥 Watch Episode 4: Cholesterol & Triglycerides
How to Naturally #4 Lower Your Cholesterol & #5 Triglycerides

Episode 4 of 12 | Do You Know Your Number? with Dr. Don Colbert, MD

“If your cholesterol and triglycerides are high, you’re on a fast track toward disease… but the good news is, it’s fixable.” – Dr. Don Colbert, MD

In Episode 4 of Do You Know Your Number?, Dr. Don Colbert tackles two of the most critical – and misunderstood – numbers tied to your longevity: cholesterol and triglycerides.

Knowing these numbers — and how to lower them naturally — could be the difference between a life of vibrant health or one filled with preventable disease.

🩺 What Should Your Cholesterol Numbers Be?

According to Dr. Colbert, these are the optimal numbers you should aim for:

Lipid PanelHealthy TargetTotal CholesterolLess than 200 mg/dLLDL (Bad Cholesterol)Less than 100 mg/dLHDL (Good Cholesterol)More than 40 mg/dL (men)

| More than **50 mg/dL (women)** |

| Triglycerides | Less than 150 mg/dL |

“Many doctors say you’re ‘fine’ if you’re just a little high… but you’re not. You’re on the path to disease if you don’t correct it.” – Dr. Colbert

⚠️ The Hidden Danger of Multiple Elevated Numbers

Dr. Colbert explains that if several of your health markers — like blood pressure, blood sugar, waistline, cholesterol, and inflammation — are elevated at once, the risk isn’t just additive, it’s exponential.

“It’s a recipe for early death. You are signing up for disease.”

🥓 What Raises Cholesterol?

Dr. Colbert is direct:

“Most doctors don’t even know this… but the #1 cause of high cholesterol is saturated fat.”

Foods that raise cholesterol include:

Butter 🧈

Cheese 🧀

Bacon & sausage

Cream, ice cream, sour cream

Fatty red meats

Coconut oil (yes, even this)

Pizza, processed meats

“People are eating saturated fats and thinking they’re healthy because it’s ‘keto.’ But not all fats are created equal.”

🍬 What Raises Triglycerides?

While saturated fat spikes cholesterol, sugar and refined carbs are the main culprit behind high triglycerides.

Watch out for:

Sodas and sweet drinks

White bread, pasta, rice, potatoes

Honey, agave, maple syrup

Dried fruits (raisins, prunes, dates)

Sweet tropical fruits (mango, ripe bananas, grapes)

Processed snacks and baked goods

“Soft belly? Too much sugar. Hard belly? Too much saturated fat.”

✅ How to Lower Cholesterol & Triglycerides Naturally

Dr. Colbert recommends a layered, proven approach:

1. Follow the Beyond Keto Diet

A modified, heart-healthy ketogenic plan low in saturated fats and rich in fiber and plant-based fats.

📘 Get the Beyond Keto Book →

2. Avoid These Fats

Reduce:

Butter, cheese, coconut oil, and bacon

Processed meats and fatty cuts of beef

Replace with:

Extra virgin olive oil

Avocado oil

Nuts and seeds

Avocados and fatty fish

3. Increase Fiber Intake

Fiber binds to cholesterol and sweeps it from the body. Great sources include:

Berries 🍓

Broccoli, peas, hummus, beans

Walnuts, pumpkin seeds

Chickpeas and salads

💪 Use a daily fiber supplement like:
👉 Fiber Zone →

“Every night, I take a scoop of Fiber Zone — especially if I’ve had any red meat. It helps bind and remove cholesterol naturally.”

4. Use Natural Cholesterol Helpers

🟢 Plant Sterols (like Divine Health’s Ferstrol) bind saturated fat and escort it out.
🟣 Red Yeast Rice: A proven natural supplement that supports healthy cholesterol levels.

5. Watch Out for Wheat & Gluten

Dr. Colbert emphasizes:

“Wheat and gluten are highly inflammatory… they raise insulin and cause weight gain.”

Avoid:

White breads, crackers, pastries

Baked goods with gluten

“Healthy” whole wheat products — many still spike blood sugar and increase inflammation

💊 What About Prescription Statins?

Statins work — but they come with potential side effects:

Muscle pain

Joint issues

Fatigue

Elevated blood sugar

Lowered CoQ10 levels (so supplement with at least 100mg/day)

“Statins help reduce heart disease — but they’re not your only option. Many people lower cholesterol naturally when they follow the Beyond Keto protocol with the right supplements.”

🧪 How to Track Progress

Test cholesterol and triglycerides before you begin

Retest after 3 months of following Dr. Colbert’s plan

Continue testing every 6 months to track success

💡 Recap: Natural Steps to Lower Cholesterol

✅ Follow the Beyond Keto Diet
✅ Cut out saturated fat & sugar
✅ Add Fiber Zone, plant sterols, and red yeast rice
✅ Exercise and move daily
✅ Use healthy fats like olive and avocado oil
✅ Stay accountable (Join the Keto Zone Facebook Group)

🎥 Watch the Full Episode

👉 Episode 5 – How to Lower Cholesterol & Triglycerides

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#3 of 12: Know This Number – Why Your Waistline Is Your Lifeline | Dr. Don Colbert, MD Ep. 3

🎥 Watch Episode 3: Waistline & BMI
Why Your Waistline Is Your Lifeline: How Weight, Waist Size & BMI Predict Disease Risk

Episode 3 of 12 | Do You Know Your Number? with Dr. Don Colbert, MD

“Your waistline is your lifeline.” — Dr. Don Colbert, MD

In the third episode of Dr. Don Colbert’s powerful health series Do You Know Your Number?, the focus turns to a topic that many people avoid — weight, waist size, and BMI. But as Dr. Colbert explains, understanding these numbers is critical if you want to live long, live strong, and avoid the most common lifestyle-related diseases.

Why Your Waist Size Matters

Dr. Colbert explains that belly fat is not just extra padding — it’s actually a metabolically active organ that produces harmful, inflammatory chemicals like C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 (IL-6). These substances can:

Constrict arteries and raise blood pressure

Increase insulin resistance

Trigger systemic inflammation

Lead to arthritis, heart disease, dementia, and more

“When your waist is high, your belly fat produces the most inflammatory and toxic fat in the body. It’s a metabolic machine.” – Dr. Colbert

What Should Your Waist Size Be?

Dr. Colbert gives a simple formula:
✅ Your waistline should be less than half your height.

For example: A woman who is 5’4” (64 inches) should have a waist under 32 inches

A man who is 6’0” (72 inches) should aim for a waist under 36 inches

First Goal:

Women: 35 inches or less

Men: 40 inches or less

“If your waistline is more than half your height, your risk for cardiovascular disease and chronic illness goes up dramatically.”

Understanding BMI (Body Mass Index)

Dr. Colbert also explains how Body Mass Index (BMI) can help you understand if you’re in a healthy weight range:

BMI 30+ = Obese

BMI 35–39.9 = Moderately Obese

BMI 40+ = Formerly “Morbidly Obese” (now called Class III Obesity)

🧮 To calculate your BMI, use this free tool:
👉 BMI Calculator – CDC

“What you are not willing to face, you will never change.”

The Problem with Ignoring the Scale

Many people avoid stepping on the scale, especially women. But Dr. Colbert encourages viewers to face the truth — privately, if needed — because avoiding your number doesn’t make the health risks go away.

“Everything has a load limit… Your body, your joints, your heart. Exceed it, and things start breaking down.”

How to Lower Your Waistline and Weight Naturally

Dr. Colbert recommends a 3-part strategy for lowering weight and belly fat:

1. Follow the Beyond Keto Diet

A modified Mediterranean-style ketogenic plan designed to burn belly fat without sacrificing nutrients.

📘 Learn more: Beyond Keto Book by Dr. Colbert →

2. Incorporate Intermittent Fasting

Start with a 16:8 fasting window. You can still take:

Coffee with stevia

Fiber Zone (has zero net carbs) → Try Fiber Zone →

3. Exercise with Joint-Friendly Movement

Start with 20 minutes, 5 days a week. Great options include:

Recumbent bike

Elliptical

Swimming

Walking or pickleball

“Find an activity you love — make it your appointment with yourself.”

Collagen Support for Joints, Hair & Nails

Overweight individuals often experience joint pain, which can make movement difficult. Dr. Colbert recommends daily collagen for joint and connective tissue support — especially Type II collagen sourced from chicken sternum.

🥤 Try Dr. Colbert’s multi-source collagen with Type II & marine collagen:
👉 Shop Collagen Powder →

Accountability Matters

Dr. Colbert and Kyle also encourage you to find an “accountability buddy.” If you don’t have someone locally, join the free Keto Zone Challenge Group with over 10,000 members supporting each other online.

👥 Join the community:
👉 Keto Zone Challenge Group on Facebook →

Final Word

“Bring your BMI down. Bring your waistline down. And your numbers will begin to align.” – Dr. Don Colbert, MD

Small, daily changes can dramatically improve your health. You don’t have to do it alone — and you don’t have to be perfect. You just have to get started.

🎥 Watch Episode 3 now:
👉 Do You Know Your Number – Episode 3

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#2 of 12: Know This Number – Natural Ways to Lower Blood Sugar & Live Long & Strong | Dr. Don Colbert, MD ep. 2

📺 Watch the Full Video Below:

Nearly 50% of Americans are either diabetic or pre-diabetic—and most don’t even realize it. In Episode 2 of Do You Know Your Number?, Dr. Don Colbert, alongside Kyle and Mary Colbert, reveals why knowing your hemoglobin A1C may be the most critical number for your long-term health.

What Is Hemoglobin A1C?

Your A1C is a blood test that shows your average blood sugar levels over the past 2–3 months. It reveals how much glucose has attached to your red blood cells and helps identify early warning signs of diabetes or pre-diabetes.

A1C below 5.7% = Healthy

5.7–6.4% = Pre-Diabetic

6.5% or higher = Type 2 Diabetes

“We reverse Type 2 diabetes all the time,” Dr. Colbert shares. “And almost no one believes us—until their blood sugar is under 5.7 and their doctor is shocked.”

The Hidden Dangers of High Blood Sugar

Dr. Colbert warns that high blood sugar levels silently accelerate aging and disease—even if you’re not overweight. Elevated glucose:

Ages your organs, skin, arteries, and brain

Increases plaque in arteries (especially the penile artery in men—leading to ED)

Raises your risk of stroke, dementia, kidney disease, and more

“High A1C is like termites in your house—you can’t always see it, but it’s slowly destroying your foundation.”

Why Most People Struggle

Cravings for sugar and refined carbs are not just about willpower. As Mary Colbert admits:

“I’m a carbaholic. I love chips and donuts. But I had to make a decision—do I want to check out early because of a donut?”

These cravings often stem from insulin resistance, the root cause of Type 2 diabetes. Fortunately, there’s a path to reversing it.

Dr. Colbert’s 4 Keys to Lowering A1C Naturally

Follow the Beyond Keto Diet
A powerful blend of the Keto and Mediterranean diets, designed to burn fat and reduce inflammation.

Use Targeted Supplements

Carb Assist – combines berberine, alpha-lipoic acid, chromium, cinnamon, and more to support healthy blood sugar

Extra Berberine – helps mimic the effects of blood sugar-lowering medications

Fiber Zone – lowers the glycemic impact of meals and curbs cravings

Track Your Numbers
Just like elite athletes track performance metrics, you should track your A1C, fasting glucose, and inflammation markers like hs-CRP.

Add Intermittent Fasting & Movement
Combine walking, strength training, or cardio with a consistent fasting routine to increase insulin sensitivity.

The Good News: Your Body Can Heal

“You don’t catch diabetes—you develop it from years of wrong choices. The good news is you can reverse it by making the right ones,” says Dr. Colbert.

When you support your body with the right tools—faith, food, supplements, and lifestyle—it responds. Healing begins. Energy returns. And diseases retreat.

Join the Free Keto Zone Challenge

Ready to take the next step?
Join the 21-Day Keto Zone Challenge—a free step-by-step guide with:

Daily videos from Dr. Colbert & Kyle

Delicious recipes

Facebook community support

Final Word

Knowing your A1C is one of the most important decisions you can make for your health. Don’t wait. Ask your doctor for a simple blood test—or request it online—and take the first step to living long and strong.

🧠 “Athletes know their numbers—and so should you.” – Kyle Colbert

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#1 of 12: Know This Number – Natural Ways to Lower Blood Pressure & Live Long & Strong | Dr. Don Colbert, MD Ep. 1

📺 Watch the Full Video Below:

In this episode of Dr. Colbert’s Divine Health Broadcast, Mary Colbert, Dr. Don Colbert, MD, and Kyle Colbert reveal why nearly 80% of adults over 65 struggle with high blood pressure—and exactly what you must do to “Live Long & Strong.” You’ll learn:

Know Your Numbers: Why monitoring blood pressure (now defined as ≥130/80) is the most critical first step.

Lifestyle Triggers: How coffee, stress, excess salt, weight gain, and undiagnosed sleep apnea quietly drive your numbers upward—and what to do about it.

Dietary Strategies: The power of a modified Keto Zone or Mediterranean-style eating plan rich in fiber and healthy fats.

Practical Tools: Simple tips for accurate at-home readings, water intake, and stress-busting practices like deep breathing and laughter.

Helpful Links & Resources

Fiber Zone for daily gut-friendly fiber ➤ https://divinehealth.com/fiber-zone

Keto Zone Starter Pack for optimized low-carb living ➤ https://divinehealth.com/keto-zone-starter-system

Whether you’re just beginning to track your blood pressure or you’ve tried everything under the sun, this episode will arm you with actionable steps and real-world tips from a family of experts.

🔔 If you found this information helpful, please subscribe, hit that like button, and share with loved ones. Visit divinehealth.com for more supplements and resources, and let’s all live long and live strong!

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Do You Know Your Number? Lower this Number So You Can Live Long & Strong w/ Dr Don Colbert, MD Ep. 1

📺 Watch the Full Video Below:

In this episode of Dr. Colbert’s Divine Health Broadcast, Mary Colbert, Dr. Don Colbert, MD, and Kyle Colbert reveal why nearly 80% of adults over 65 struggle with high blood pressure—and exactly what you must do to “Live Long & Strong.” You’ll learn:

Know Your Numbers: Why monitoring blood pressure (now defined as ≥130/80) is the most critical first step.

Lifestyle Triggers: How coffee, stress, excess salt, weight gain, and undiagnosed sleep apnea quietly drive your numbers upward—and what to do about it.

Dietary Strategies: The power of a modified Keto Zone or Mediterranean-style eating plan rich in fiber and healthy fats.

Practical Tools: Simple tips for accurate at-home readings, water intake, and stress-busting practices like deep breathing and laughter.

Helpful Links & Resources

Fiber Zone for daily gut-friendly fiber ➤ https://divinehealth.com/fiber-zone

Keto Zone Starter Pack for optimized low-carb living ➤ https://divinehealth.com/keto-zone-starter-system

Whether you’re just beginning to track your blood pressure or you’ve tried everything under the sun, this episode will arm you with actionable steps and real-world tips from a family of experts.

🔔 If you found this information helpful, please subscribe, hit that like button, and share with loved ones. Visit divinehealth.com for more supplements and resources, and let’s all live long and live strong!

The post Do You Know Your Number? Lower this Number So You Can Live Long & Strong w/ Dr Don Colbert, MD Ep. 1 appeared first on .

Berry Lemon Fiber Zone Cooler

A hydrating, gut-friendly drink that supports digestion, balances blood sugar, and curbs cravings.

🥤 Ingredients:

1 scoop Fiber Zone (Lemon-Lime or Berry flavor)

8–12 oz cold water or sparkling water

2–3 fresh strawberries, sliced

A few blueberries (for antioxidant power & patriotic color 🇺🇸)

2–3 slices of lemon

3–4 mint leaves (optional)

Ice

🧑‍🍳 Instructions:

In a shaker or large glass, mix Fiber Zone with water until dissolved.

Add sliced berries, lemon, and mint.

Fill the glass with ice and stir well.

Let sit for 3–5 minutes to infuse flavor.

Garnish with a lemon wheel and a mint sprig for a festive touch.

✅ Benefits:

Supports gut health & regularity

Helps balance post-meal blood sugar

Keeps you hydrated and satisfied

Beautiful and festive for BBQs or brunch!

Order Fiber Zone 30 Servings – HereOrder Fiber Zone 60 Servings – Here

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5 Clinically Proven Tips to Stop Sugar Spikes at Your July 4th Cookout

Summer cookouts, sweet treats and celebratory drinks can send your glucose on a wild ride—unless you have a plan. These five common-sense strategies, each backed by peer-reviewed research, will help you enjoy your July 4th without the sugar spikes. Let’s dive in.

1. Pack Portable Fiber—Your “Dietary Insurance”

“Fiber covers a multitude of dietary sins,” I always say.

Why It Works: Soluble fiber forms a gel in the gut that slows carbohydrate absorption, blunting the post-meal glucose surge. In a review of 17 clinical trials, high-fiber diets improved A1C (average blood sugar) by nearly 0.5% on average¹.

How to Do It:

Spoon 1–2 heaping scoops of Fiber Zone into small resealable baggies before you leave home.

Tuck the baggies into your pocket or cooler.

After you’ve sampled pie, ice cream or cookies, stir a baggie into water within 30 minutes of your last bite.

Did You Know? Just 10–15 g of soluble fiber added after a meal can lower the glucose peak by up to 30%².

2. Double Down on Lean Protein

Build your plate around protein first.

Why It Works: Protein has minimal impact on blood glucose and slows gastric emptying. In one trial, adding 25 g of lean protein to a carb-heavy meal reduced the glucose rise by nearly 40%³.

How to Do It:

Begin your meal with grilled chicken skewers, turkey burgers or shrimp.

Even a hard-boiled egg appetizer gives your system a head start, taming sugar surges when dessert arrives.

3. Embrace Healthful Fats

Not all fats are created equal.

Why It Works: Monounsaturated fats (olive oil, avocado, nuts) slow carb digestion and improve insulin sensitivity. A meta-analysis found replacing just 10% of carbs with unsaturated fats cut post-meal glucose by 20% on average⁴.

How to Do It:

Drizzle extra-virgin olive oil over your summer salads.

Snack on almonds or walnuts instead of chips.

Top burgers with avocado slices for a tasty fat-plus-fiber combo.

4. Take a 10-Minute Post-Meal Stroll

Move your body—your blood sugar will thank you.

Why It Works: Light activity after eating shuttles glucose into muscles and boosts insulin sensitivity. Even 10 minutes of walking can reduce peak blood sugar by 12–15%⁵.

How to Do It:

After the main course, invite friends and family on a quick lap around the yard.

Make it fun: who can collect the most patriotic leaf or spot the first firework sparkler?

Little-Known Fact: Post-meal spikes predict heart disease risk more strongly than fasting glucose—so that brief walk is more powerful than you think.

5. Hydrate Strategically

Don’t let dehydration sabotage your efforts.

Why It Works: When you’re even mildly dehydrated, your blood concentrates and glucose levels rise. In a population study of over 3,000 adults, those drinking less than 1 liter of water per day had a 17% higher risk of elevated blood sugar⁶.

How to Do It:

Alternate every sweet cocktail or soda with a glass of water.

Infuse your water with cucumber slices, mint or a squeeze of lemon—zero sugar, all refreshment.

Why Taming Spikes Matters for Aging & Disease Prevention

Every glucose surge triggers oxidative stress and inflammation. Over years, these repeated hits accelerate cellular aging, damage blood vessels, and fuel chronic disease—from heart attacks and Alzheimer’s to certain cancers. By keeping those peaks in check—whether via fiber, protein, fats, movement or water—you’re not just avoiding crashes; you’re protecting your future health and staying strong into your 90s.

References

Weickert MO et al. “Dietary fiber and glycemic control in type 2 diabetes: review and meta-analysis.” Nutrition Reviews 2012.

Jenkins DJA et al. “Effect of viscous fiber on post-prandial glycemia.” The Lancet 1978.

Leidy HJ et al. “Additional dietary protein reduces post-meal glycemic response.” American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2015.

Schwingshackl L et al. “Unsaturated fats reduce postprandial glucose: meta-analysis.” Diabetes Care 2011.

Karstoft K et al. “Ten minutes of walking reduces post-meal glycemia.” Journal of Applied Physiology 2016.

Perrier ET et al. “Water intake and hyperglycemia risk: population study.” PLoS ONE 2014.

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These Two Things Could Save Your Kidneys – Ep. 5

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Save Your Kidneys with a Low-Protein Keto Approach & Glutathione Support

Maintaining optimal kidney function is essential for overall health—especially if you’ve embraced a ketogenic lifestyle. While traditional keto emphasizes high protein intake, too much can overwork your kidneys and accelerate decline in those prone to chronic kidney disease (CKD). In Episode 5 of Dr. Colbert MD, we explore how a low-protein ketogenic diet, paired with targeted glutathione support, can protect and even improve renal health.

Why the Standard High-Protein Keto May Harm Your Kidneys

Excess Nitrogen Waste
Eating large amounts of protein forces your kidneys to filter more nitrogen byproducts (urea). Over time, this added strain can worsen kidney function, especially if you have preexisting renal impairment.

Increased Glomerular Pressure
High protein loads raise pressure inside the glomeruli—tiny filtration units—leading to “hyperfiltration.” Chronic hyperfiltration speeds up nephron loss, the functional units of your kidneys.

By moderating protein and shifting the macronutrient balance, you can maintain ketosis without taxing your renal system.

The Low-Protein Keto Blueprint

Adjust Your Macros

Protein: 0.6–0.8 g per kg of ideal body weight

Fat: 70–75% of total daily calories

Carbs: 5–10% (typically under 30 g net carbs per day)

Choose High-Quality Sources

Proteins: Small portions of pasture-raised poultry, fatty fish, grass-fed dairy and eggs

Fats: MCT oil powder, avocado oil, grass-fed butter, olive oil

Veggies: Leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables to boost fiber and antioxidants

Monitor Kidney Markers

Get regular blood work (e.g., serum creatinine, BUN) and urine tests (albumin-to-creatinine ratio) to track how your kidneys respond.

Work with your healthcare provider to adjust as needed.

The Power of Glutathione for Renal Protection

Glutathione is your body’s master antioxidant, crucial for neutralizing free radicals and detoxifying harmful compounds. In the kidneys, it:

Reduces Oxidative Stress: Protects renal cells from damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS).

Supports Detoxification: Aids in removal of heavy metals and metabolic toxins that can accumulate in kidney tissue.

Enhances Recovery: Promotes cellular repair after injury or inflammation.

Supplementation Tips:

Dosage: 250–500 mg of reduced glutathione daily, or take precursors like N-acetylcysteine (NAC) under your doctor’s guidance.

Timing: With meals to improve absorption, or split into morning and evening doses.

Formulation: Look for liposomal glutathione for enhanced bioavailability.

Real-World Meal ExampleMealProteinFatNet CarbsBreakfast2 eggs1 Tbsp MCT oil powder & coffee3 gLunch3 oz salmonAvocado & olive oil dressing5 gSnackHandful macadamias—2 gDinner2 oz chickenCauliflower rice sautéed in butter6 g

Total protein remains under 60 g per day for most adults, while fats keep you in deep ketosis.

Actionable Tips for Kidney-Friendly Keto Success

Stay Hydrated: Aim for 2–3 L of water daily to help clear urea and support filtration.

Test Ketones & Glucose: Use blood meters to ensure you’re in ketosis without overconsuming protein.

Incorporate Antioxidant Foods: Berries, bell peppers, and leafy greens add phytonutrients that further protect renal tissue.

Work with a Professional: Regular check-ins with a nephrologist or your primary care physician help catch any early changes.

Ready to Protect Your Kidneys?

Adopting a low-protein ketogenic diet alongside targeted glutathione supplementation can be a game-changer for kidney health. Start by recalibrating your macros, choosing clean protein sources, and adding a high-quality glutathione supplement. With regular monitoring and the right support, you can enjoy the benefits of ketosis while safeguarding your most vital filter.

For more detailed meal plans, dosing guidelines, or personalized support, visit Dr. Colbert’s Kidney Health Hub or consult your healthcare provider.

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