In this powerful follow-up conversation, I sit down again with Stephen McConnell Msc to unpack the real causes of kidney disease, why the thyroid is deeply involved, and how lifestyle factors like alcohol and uric acid quietly drive damage long before symptoms appear. This is the perfect continuation to help fill in any gaps from our first conversation (go listen if you haven't already). This episode is essential listening if you or someone you love has kidney issues, gout, thyroid dysfunction, or unexplained metabolic symptoms. In this episode, we discuss: • How kidney disease should really be diagnosed • The different stages of kidney disease and what they mean • Why African-Americans experience kidney disease at much higher rates • Foamy or bubbly urine as a sign of protein loss and kidney stress • The critical thyroid–kidney connection that is very much overlooked • Why up to 90% of stage 4 kidney disease patients are hypothyroid • How niacin supports deiodinase activity and T4 → T3 conversion • How modern lifestyle habits increase acidity and damage kidney tissue • Alcohol as a metabolic and renal toxin ☠️ • Natural strategies for lowering uric acid and improving gout, including methylfolate, colchicine seeds and tart cherry extract This conversation connects dots most people and many practitioners never look at. We think you will enjoy this, let us know in the comments. Stephen D. McConnell, MSc, is a lipid specialist and Chief Scientific Officer at Health Defender, a physician-recommended nutraceutical company based in Erie, Pennsylvania. With extensive clinical experience developing successful lipid clinics and leading a landmark outcomes partnership with Highmark/Blue Cross-Blue Shield, he focuses on evidence-based, natural approaches to cholesterol management and cardiovascular health. Stephen McConnell is a recognized voice in functional and integrative lipid care. Connect with Stephen here; LinkedIn - / stephen-d-mcconnell-msc-lipidemiologist Website - https://healthdefender.care/ YouTube - ‪@HealthDefender-USA‬ Phone (it is better to send a text) - 8145721801 👉 If you found this helpful, please like, share, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss future conversations from me and other experts who want to help you feel your best. I also appreciate your support on these videos because they actually do take time, especially where studies are involved and I don't monetize them. So if you would like to support me in making my videos or podcasts, and would like me to keep doing it, it would really mean a lot to me if you bought me a coffee - I do love coffee. Thank you so much for your generosity. https://buymeacoffee.com/cmhthanks Chemaine xo 🛑 DISCLAIMER: This video is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.