Welcome to another episode of The Enlightened Pharmacist. I’m Therese, your pharmacist, health strategist, and fellow wellness seeker. Whether you’re a long-time listener or new to our community, I’m grateful you’re here.
Today, I have the honor of welcoming back a very special guest: Fiona Chin—naturopath, co-founder of and Kygenesis, and the inspiring force behind Kidney Coach, and now a two-time guest on this very podcast. Fiona’s energy, research, and heart-centered approach have helped countless people reclaim their health and hope. If you missed our previous conversations, don’t worry—I’ll link them in the show notes.
In earlier episodes, we uncovered the silent danger of chronic kidney disease (CKD)—a condition often unnoticed until much of our kidney function is lost. Kidneys play countless, often-overlooked roles: detoxification, fluid balance, control of blood pressure, hormone production, and more. Unlike the liver, kidneys aren’t regenerative—so prevention and early intervention are critical.
As a pharmacist and health coach, I’ve seen firsthand how the right blend of science and strategy can turn the tide for patients. But too many of us don’t realize the stakes until it’s late in the game. Today, Fiona and I will translate the complex science into actionable, hope-fueled steps you can begin right now—no matter where you stand on your health journey.
In this episode, you will learn:
Why Fiona started KYGENESIS®: Fiona identified a gap in the market for evidence-based, high-quality nutritional support for kidney health. With over a decade in clinical practice, she combines Traditional Chinese Medicine, contemporary naturopathy, and targeted micronutrients to support optimal mitochondrial function and kidney health. Kygenesis® supplements are stacked for synergistic (dovetailing) effects and designed to be convenient and cost-effective.
Respecting the kidney as a detox organ: Fiona emphasizes the importance of supplements that are batch-tested for contaminants and manufactured to rigorous quality standards—KYGENESIS® is produced in a GMP-certified, FDA-registered facility in the USA, with vegan, non-GMO, and kidney-safe formulas.
Root causes of kidney disease (naturopathic view): Fiona describes how mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis—often driven by chronic microvascular damage—lead to metabolic decline.
Highlight of key products and ingredients:
Features herbs that improve microcirculation with kidney affinity such as Dan Shen, Tienchi ginseng (Panax notoginseng), Rehmannia, and Astragalus (known to help lower creatinine).
Cautions: Astragalus caution in organ transplant as may interact with immunosuppressants or chemotherapy; Dan Shen can have additive effects with antihypertensive medications, and Astragalus with hypoglycemic agents (diabetes medicines).
Focuses on antioxidants—Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA), CoQ10, NAC (N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine)—to reduce oxidative and inflammatory burden.
Created to support her grandmother with chronic kidney disease, this blend contains lavender as a legacy to her grandmother’s feedback
Kidney Alkalizing Formula: Provides alkalinizing minerals, with versions for both early and advanced CKD stages. [Alkalizing Formula Stages 4–5]
Fiona’s dietary approach for CKD:
In the main, she advocates for a “ketogenic alkalizing diet” rich in leafy greens, olive oil, unprocessed nuts, avocado with quality protein (fish, poultry, tempeh, and portion-controlled red meat).
Stresses the importance of assessing for acidity in the body and mitigating chronic kidney disease with 75% alkalizing foods (fruits and veggies) with 25% acidic (meats, grains). For eGFR > 75, change the ratio to ~60:40. She utilizes keto analogues and other specialised protocols in end-stage disease management
Action Steps for Listeners:
- Don’t wait for symptoms: Check your kidney risk and talk to your doctor about kidney function tests if you have metabolic dysfunction, vitamin D deficiency, hypertension, diabetes, or family history.
- Embrace prevention: Focus on balanced nutrition, hydration, and daily movement. Limit processed foods and excess salt.
- Be supplement smart: Always consult a healthcare professional before starting new supplements—especially with kidney or other health concerns.
- Stay informed: Listen, share, and check out Kidney Coach and Kygenesis for expert kidney support.
Resources:
- Pathology Testing for Chronic Kidney Disease (Fiona’s article)
- KYGENESIS® Supplements Overview & Shop
- 1st podcast with Fiona
Fiona Chin: Biohacking Autoimmune Disease & Optimizing Longevity
Other episodes you’ll enjoy:
- Introduction to The Enlightened Pharmacist
- Dr Marc Cohen – Smart Health & Wellness
- Nicole Bijlsma Environmental Toxins Impacting Health & What You Can Do
- Dr Ron Ehlrich: Holistic Dentistry & How It Can Improve Your Breathing
- Dr Sandeep Gupta: Reverse Engineers Type 2 Diabetes
- Dr James Muecke: What an Eye Surgeon is Doing to Prevent Blindness
- Shivaun Conn Transforms My Potato Chips Addiction
- Prof Gary Egger: Lifestye Medicine, Find Your Flow & Fulfill Your Life’s Purpose
- Catherine Saxelby: Australia’s Award Winning Nutritionist & How You Can Eat Healthy
- Dr David Cowhig: Top Strategies for Effective & Holistic Options for Healthy Teeth & Gums
- Dr Nelum Dharmapriya: How to Achieve Weight Loss without Feeling Hangry
- Prof Grant Schofield: The Impact of Glutamate Excitotoxicity on Mental Health
- Dr Kathleen Holton: Feeding Your Brain Key Nutrients for Optimal Health
- Saalihah Sedat: Building Community for Business, Mental Health, and Personal Growth
- Yvonne Coleman: Unveiling the Secrets of Drug-Nutrient Interactions
- Prof Julia Rucklidge: Transforming Mental Health with Nutrients
- Dr Michelle Woolhouse: Uncovering the Wonder Within: Conquering Stress, Burnout, and Finding Joy
- Navigating Metabolic Wellness with Dr Louis Phillips – Don’t be a TOFI (Thin-Outside-Fat–Inside)
- Shannon Swales: From Burnout to Recover: Turning Lemons into Lemonade
- Dr Peter Brukner Revolutionizing Health with The Power of ‘Just Eat Real Food’
- Unmasking Oxalates: Understanding Toxic Superfoods with Sally Norton
- Dr Dinesh Palipana: A Journey to Resilience and Overcoming Adversity
- Dr Matthew Phillips: Feeding Your Brain ~ A Nutritional Approach to Neurological Health
- Dr Gina Cleo: How to Transform Bad Habits into Good Habits
- Dr Carolyn Ee: Simplying Health By Embracing Self-Compassion & Mindfulness
- Dr Jessica Turton: Personalized Strategies for Optimal Gut Health
- Joe Cohen 1 Decoding Your Destiny & Navigating the World of Precision Health
- Joe Cohen 2 Decoding Your Destiny & Navigating the World of Precision Health
- Paul Jaminet: How an Astrophysicist Optimizes Nutrition & Pioneers New Cancer Therapies
- Carolyn Ledowsky: Unlocking Fertility, How MTHFR & Methylation Can Transform
- Dr. Vyvyane Loh Revolutionizing Health By Preventing Chronic Diseases (Part 1)
- Dr. Vyvyane Loh Revolutionizing Health By Preventing Chronic Diseases (Part 2)
- Kylie Van Luyn: From Survival Mode to Self-Mastery: Rewiring Your Mindset
- Fiona Chin: Biohacking Autoimmune Disease & Optimizing Longevity
- Ananda Mahony: Beyond Pain medicines: The Nervous System, Nutrition & the Real Roots of Chronic Pain
- Theresa Loo: Unlocking Personalised Wellness – How DNA Testing Can Transform Your Health, Nutrition & Lifestyle
