Dr. Jean-Jacques Dugoua spotlights kidney disease care at AANP convention

Dr. Jean-Jacques Dugoua presented an accredited session at the 2026 American Association of Naturopathic Physicians convention focused on evidence-informed approaches to preventing and managing kidney disease. The talk emphasized early detection, medication safety, and careful use of nutrition and nutraceuticals in integrative care.

Why it matters: - Chronic kidney disease affects millions worldwide, and rising rates of diabetes and hypertension are adding pressure to prevention efforts. - Earlier detection and safer treatment choices can help slow kidney damage before patients reach advanced disease. - Evidence-based naturopathic care may play a role in prevention, monitoring, and supportive treatment when used alongside conventional medicine.

What happened: - Dr. Jean-Jacques Dugoua presented an accredited continuing education session at the 2026 Annual Convention of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians in Madison, Wisconsin. - The session was titled "Naturopathic Strategies for Managing, Preventing and Reversing Kidney Disease." - The presentation was part of the AANP Convention's continuing education program for licensed naturopathic physicians. - Dr. Dugoua said early recognition of high-risk clinical scenarios and careful interpretation of diagnostic testing can help clinicians prevent kidney injury before it progresses.

The details: - The presentation examined kidney function, chronic kidney disease progression, acute kidney injury, medication safety, laboratory interpretation, nutrition, lifestyle medicine, and nutraceutical use in an integrative model of care. - Dr. Dugoua reviewed serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate, or eGFR, as common markers of kidney health. - The session also discussed cystatin C as an additional test that may add clinical value in some cases. - The presentation stressed interpreting lab results in the context of the whole patient, not relying on one value alone. - Medication-related kidney injury was a major focus, including recognition of potentially nephrotoxic therapies and appropriate monitoring. - The presentation identified acute kidney injury as an important and often preventable contributor to long-term kidney disease when addressed promptly. - Dr. Dugoua emphasized collaboration with other healthcare professionals rather than positioning naturopathic medicine as a replacement for conventional care. - The talk reviewed published research on nutritional interventions and nutraceuticals studied for kidney health. - The presentation also noted where evidence is limited, inconsistent, or calls for caution. - Dr. Dugoua urged clinicians to individualize recommendations rather than apply supplements universally. - The presentation included practical guidance on identifying patients at elevated risk, supporting lifestyle change, recognizing medication-related concerns, and using integrative therapies alongside medical treatment.

Between the lines: - The session reflects a broader shift in integrative care toward tighter evidence standards and more cautious supplement use. - The emphasis on lab interpretation and medication safety suggests naturopathic clinicians are being encouraged to work more like risk managers, not just wellness advisers. - The National Kidney Foundation says chronic kidney disease affects about one in seven U.S. adults, and many people are not diagnosed until kidney function has already declined.

What's next: - Dr. Dugoua said education remains one of the most powerful tools for clinicians and patients as kidney disease continues to strain healthcare systems. - Continued professional education at conferences like AANP is likely to keep focusing on early intervention, prevention, and collaboration across disciplines. - Dr. Dugoua's work will continue to center on translating research into practical strategies for patients and healthcare providers.

The bottom line: - The message from the AANP session was direct: kidney disease care works best when clinicians spot risk early, avoid preventable harm, and let evidence guide integrative treatment.