For most Americans, the word “nephrology” does not typically stir much excitement. Not because they do not know what it means (which may be the case for the vast majority), but because the study of the kidneys simply seems irrelevant. Kidneys? Who needs to worry about those? With more than 1 in 7 US adults having Kidney Disease, and 1 in 10 of US adults having Diabetes, a frequent precursor to Kidney Disease, well, perhaps people should begin getting more invested in their kidney health—and health overall, for that matter.
Good news is in store for both Americans ambivalent about kidney health and those eager to begin adopting healthier lifestyles going into the new year: Dr. Blake Shusterman, a South Carolina nephrologist, and passionate foodie and cooking enthusiast has a multimedia platform, The Cooking Doc, that produces a wide variety of healthy recipes and educational content.
The Cooking Doc platform, which consists of a cooking show, a website with a robust recipe collection, and fast growing social media channels, was developed several years ago out of Dr. Blake Shusterman’s passion for healthy food.
“I love food. I love eating it, making it, sharing it and eating it again as leftovers. In my family, many of our daily-decisions revolve around food. We plan day trips, vacations and nightly excursions around-what foods we wish to experience.”
What separates The Cooking Doc brand from typical health and wellness websites is its emphasis on kidney healthy eating.
“During my years of practice, I have-come to realize that many of my patients and their families live equally food-focused lives. So, I understand the furious looks I-get from my patients when I tell them to give up their favorite foods,” commented Dr. Blake.
Building the Cooking Doc platform into what it is today has been more than a labor of love but a massive commitment. Although Dr. Blake spends numerous hours as a practicing physician at Carolina Nephrology out of Greenville, SC, his joy for giving back carries him through any fatigue to develop the recipes, resources, and content that he knows can support Americans who desperately need to adopt healthier lifestyles.
Today, the brand has amassed thousands of followers across the country, and landed Dr. Blake an exclusive ambassadorship with America’s largest kidney nonprofit, American Kidney Fund (AKF). This relationship allows Dr. Blake to further leverage his platform for good. So far he and the organization have partnered up on live streaming events to provide an education to those suffering from or concerned about being diagnosed with kidney disease.
“Can you imagine having your doctor right-next to you in the kitchen, telling you what delicious foods-you need to try? Well, that’s me. I won’t tell you what tasty foods you need to give up, instead I’ll help you find creative ways to use new ingredients-and together we’ll make them taste amazing,” emphasized Dr. Blake about his realistic approach to health.
In October 2020, Dr. Blake launched his first book to a massive success—“THE COOKING DOC’S® KIDNEY-HEALTHY COOKING:A MODERN 10-STEP GUIDE TO PREVENTING & MANAGING KIDNEY DISEASE.” The book is available for digital download and also in hard copy format on Amazon.
To learn more about The Cooking Doc and to get your copy of Dr. Blake’s new book visit his website here. The time for New Year’s Resolutions has arrived, and Dr. Blake has your back.
