KIDNEY HEALTH

Why listen to a kidney doctor?

I will tell you why!

The Cooking Doc believes in empowering you to take control of your kidney health through informed nutrition. Dr. Blake Shusterman is a board-certified nephrologist and his mission is to translate complex medical science into simple, actionable steps you can use in your daily life. With a deep understanding of how food impacts kidney function, Dr. Blake combines his medical expertise with a passion for home cooking. His science-backed recipes and practical advice are designed to help you make small changes that lead to significant health improvements.

From passion to practice

The story behind The Cooking Doc

I’ve always loved food—eating it, cooking it, sharing it, and even enjoying leftovers. In my family, food shapes our day-to-day life.

As a doctor, I’ve seen many of my patients share the same passion for food. So, I understand the frustration when they're told to give up their favorite dishes for health reasons like kidney issues or diabetes.

That’s why I created The Cooking Doc. Instead of focusing on what foods to avoid, I help patients discover new, delicious ingredients and make healthy meals that taste great. You can learn more about my philosophy here.

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Why home cooking works

Managing a medical condition can leave you feeling powerless. But anyone, at any age, can have a real impact on their health through their diet. By sharing simple recipes, I want to empower people to head to the kitchen, to make positive food choices, and to play an active role in their own care. I create science-based, everyday recipes that make healthy eating achievable, enjoyable, and delicious.

How eating the right things can improve kidney health

Nutrition is a powerful tool for improving kidney health, just as vital as medication or surgery. By making small, practical changes to your diet, you can see significant improvements in your well-being in just a month.

Based on science

Nutrition is an important, powerful too, just like medication or surgery.

Small Changes

Small, practical changes add up to make a big difference.

Delicious Recipes

Anyone can make delicious home-cooked meals.

Change your buds

Healthy eating becomes easier, and your taste buds can change quickly.

Buy my book to know more

I feel better when I eat the right foods. Food is Fuel.

I really enjoyed the details on how key ingredients will affect renal function and overall nutrition. The writing style is conversational and easy to understand -- not overly complicated. The recipes and directions really help elevate your culinary skills to the next level using everyday fresh ingredients at reasonable prices. I feel better when I eat the right foods. Food is Fuel.

Susan D.

Tasty foods that the whole family can actually enjoy

I have been following the doc on YouTube, and don't usually buy cookbooks. The doc has a really down to earth, easy to understand writing style and his recipes are basic tasty foods that the whole family can actually enjoy… His advice is sound. Good investment.

Shortsurket

Eating healthy never looked so good!

With recipes that range from sweet to savory and will take you from appetizer to dessert, healthy cooking takes the main stage...This delightful cookbook is full of stunning photographs and lovely illustrations; valuable, practical information about kidney health, and tantalizing, tasty go-to recipes...The Cooking Doc has done it - eating healthy never looked so good!

James Beard Award-winning Cookbook author Virginia Willis

Cooking healthy will make you healthier

I always tell my patients that what they eat is 100-fold more important than the pills I give them...Cooking healthy will make you healthier and this book will open the door to a new way of life.

Holly Kramer, MD, MPH. President, National Kidney Foundation, and Nephrologist

Wonderful tools and rules to follow for better health

Dr. Blake answers the question our patients always ask, "What can I actually eat?" He explains the crucial role of diet in management of chronic disease, providing wonderful tools and rules to follow for better health.

Jason Eckel, MD. Nephrologist, North Carolina Nephrology

Compassionate physician

Blake Shusterman, MD is a compassionate physician who shares his love of food and cooking in his journey to introduce healthy and flavorful recipes for his patients and readers.

Sandra Frank, Ed.D., RDN, FAND. Nutrient Analysis Expert, Social Media Consultant, Food Journalist, Researcher

High blood pressure

High blood pressure or hypertension impacts almost 50% of adults in the United States. Learn how to understand high blood pressure and manage it through diet.

Work with The Cooking Doc