How Renowned Nephrologist Dr. Shusterman, A.k.a the Cooking Doc, Changes Lives Through Nutrition, One Recipe at a Time

It’s not common for doctors to host cooking shows, especially nephrologists who treat patients with kidney disease. Dr. Blake Shusterman, aka The Cooking Doc is the exception. The doctor is on a mission to encourage Americans to adopt a healthy diet. In 2020, the first year of their Annual Kidney Week, the American Kidney Fund partnered with Dr. Blake, naming him as the organization’s ambassador.

The American Kidney Fund works with millions of people with kidney disease and those at risk for developing the disease, providing resources for people newly diagnosed with CKD. 

The Annual Kidney Week event was created using a series of webinars and live panels to educate people about kidney disease. Kidney disease still poses a risk to many Americans, especially those with underlying health problems, including high blood pressure and diabetes. One of the goals of the American Kidney Fund is to educate people about taking control of their health through preventive education.

Education and knowledge are powerful, and can greatly assist in seeking out a healthier lifestyle. 

Dr. Blake believes that food is an art and science and should be an enjoyable experience for everyone. 

His website offers valuable information for anyone with a chronic health issue and for people who want advice on eating healthier. The website is fun and educational. Resources include a selection of educational videos to learn about kidney disease, dietary changes you can make to keep your kidneys healthy, and questions people have about kidney stones. 

A foodie himself, he wants to shift the focus on simple, whole foods that can easily be implemented in a low-sodium nutrition guideline. There are so many alternatives to popular snacks, fast-food and calorie-dense meals that can make the transition easier. The focus is not on diets but on supplementing one’s body with the right nutrients.

The Kidney Fund is partnering with Dr. Blake on the venture The Kidney Kitchen Pro. The program is designed for dieticians that work with kidney disease patients and people at risk for the disease. This digital resource allows dieticians to access and share ideas and create meal plans customized to the individual’s needs. When people eat healthy meals, it’s easier to manage their disease.

Using the program, dieticians can access resources related to nutrition, build meal plans, customize patient folders, and use an online portal to share information with their patients. Kidney Kitchen Pro is an excellent resource for the latest research on kidney disease. Dr. Blake serves as an advisor to Kidney Kitchen Pro. The collaboration is a support system for his patients and kidney patients around the country.