Kidney Queen: Hydration, Recovery, and Performance Secrets for Athletes (ep 119)

In this episode, Dana Jones welcomes Dr. Raeeda Gheewala, also known as "The Kidney Queen," to discuss the vital connection between kidney health and athletic performance. Dr. Gheewala is a board-certified nephrologist and founder of Sports Nephrology, the only international sports clinic dedicated to athlete kidney health. They explore:

• Why athletes are at unique risk for kidney injuries, including conditions like rhabdomyolysis and exercise-associated hyponatremia.
• The impact of NSAIDs and pain medications on kidney function and best practices to protect your kidneys during recovery.
• Practical hydration strategies and why athletes need more than just water—electrolytes matter.
• How protein intake relates to kidney workload and individualized recommendations for athletes and active adults.
• The importance of getting a health baseline before starting or ramping up training.
• Key advice for parents, youth athletes, and coaches on supporting hydration and electrolyte balance for performance and safety.

Dr. Raeeda Gheewala is a double board-certified physician in Internal Medicine and Nephrology with over two decades of clinical experience. She is one of the few specialists in Sports Nephrology, combining her deep knowledge of kidney health with a passion for athletic performance and wellness.

Her work focuses on helping athletes and active individuals optimize hydration, recovery, and kidney function to achieve peak performance while reducing the risk of injury and long-term complications.

A strong advocate for prevention and proactive health, Dr. Gheewala empowers others to protect their kidneys and overall wellbeing through informed lifestyle choices. Her patient-centered, holistic approach has earned her respect among both medical professionals and athletes.

Through her clinical practice, public speaking, and digital platforms, Dr. Gheewala continues to educate and inspire, showing that pain-free, sustainable performance begins with healthy kidneys and balanced living.

Dr. Raeeda Gheewala’s Links:

Website: sportsnephrology.com

Instagram: @thekidneyqueenmd

Email: [e-mail]

Here’s the link to the Free Protein Quiz, which provides listeners with their personalized protein target and a high-protein meal plan when they subscribe to the newsletter: Protein Quiz

Dana’s Links:

⁠⁠https://www.painfreeathletepodcast.com⁠⁠

⁠⁠10 Day Journaling Journey⁠⁠

Podcast Disclaimer:

The Pain-Free Podcast is presented solely for general information, education, and entertainment purposes. Any information presented in this podcast is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional diagnosis. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user’s own risk. As always, users should not disregard or delay obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition that they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.