Patient Resources

Meet Our Providers — Part 1

Our nephrologists introduce themselves and share their philosophy of care.

Meet Our Providers — Part 2

More from our team on what sets Houston Kidney Specialists Center apart.

Meet Our Providers — Part 3

Our providers discuss their areas of focus and expertise in nephrology.

Meet Our Providers — Part 4

Closing thoughts from our team on patient-centered kidney care.

A comprehensive overview of chronic kidney disease stages, symptoms, and what to expect at each stage of your care.

Practical dietary guidance including foods to limit, safer alternatives, and kidney-friendly meal planning tips.

An overview of hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and home dialysis to help you make an informed decision with your care team.

A guide covering evaluation, the waitlist, surgery, recovery, and life after transplant — written for patients and families.

Your glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is the most important number for tracking kidney function. Learn what it means.

High potassium (hyperkalemia) is common in CKD and can affect your heart rhythm. Here is how to keep levels safe.

Learn about the vital functions your kidneys perform every day — from filtering waste to regulating blood pressure and bone health.

An overview of kidney disease types, causes, symptoms, diagnostic tests, and the five CKD stages with treatment goals for each.

Discover why CKD patients commonly develop anemia, how it is diagnosed, and the treatment options available to improve energy and quality of life.

Understand how declining kidney function affects calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D balance — and what you can do to protect your bones.

Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease worldwide. Learn who is at risk, how diabetic kidney disease develops, and steps to slow its progression.

High blood pressure damages the delicate filters inside your kidneys over time. Learn how to detect it, monitor kidney health, and keep pressure in a safe range.

A guide to understanding carbohydrates, protein, fat, and key minerals — and how dietary needs shift as chronic kidney disease progresses.

Standard multivitamins can be harmful for kidney patients. Learn which vitamins are safe, which to avoid, and why renal-specific supplements matter.

A quick-reference guide to the most common medical terms used in kidney disease care — from creatinine and GFR to dialysis and transplant terminology.

Dialysis removes many toxins but cannot do everything healthy kidneys do. Learn how to manage fluids, phosphorus, potassium, and sodium on a dialysis diet.

A detailed look at how hemodialysis works — from the dialyzer and dialysate solution to vascular access and what to expect during treatment.

Home hemodialysis offers flexibility and independence. Learn about training, access site care, and the daily responsibilities involved in self-managed treatment.

Peritoneal dialysis uses your body's own peritoneal membrane to filter blood at home. Learn about CAPD and APD — the two main types of PD treatment.

Explore the benefits and risks of kidney transplantation, who qualifies as a candidate, and how it compares to long-term dialysis.

Patients with type 1 diabetes and kidney failure may be candidates for a simultaneous kidney-pancreas transplant. Learn about eligibility, risks, and success rates.

Understanding living and deceased donor options, and how compatibility is determined through blood typing, tissue typing, and cross-matching.

Before hemodialysis can begin, a vascular access must be created. Learn about AV fistulas, AV grafts, central venous catheters, and HeRO grafts.

Calcium plays a critical role in bone health — but its management is complex for CKD patients. Learn recommended levels, high-calcium foods to watch, and treatment options.

Excess phosphorus weakens bones and damages soft tissues in CKD patients. Learn which foods to avoid, how to read labels, and the role of phosphate binders.

Too much potassium can cause dangerous heart rhythm problems in CKD. Learn safe potassium ranges, food swaps, leaching techniques, and dietary tips.

Protein is essential for tissue repair — but too much strains diseased kidneys. Learn how to find the right balance with guidance from your renal dietitian.