Unless there is something wrong with the kidney itself, I can tell you that you needn't worry. Just drink plenty of water. I have been living with one kidney for over 30 years and it functions just fine (empirically proven by BUN/CREA levels in a recent blood test). The fact of the matter is that the body can funtion perfectly well with one third of one kidney, so you shouldn't worry that the lone kidney is "taxed". Just stay away from high-protein, low carb diets (Atkins) since they throw the system into ketosis, which is not good for the kidney. Just drink lots of water (and a healthy, balanced diet, preferably containing minimal processed foods).

Anyway, Kelly - wow! Your weight loss is quite an accomplishment! What type diet did you follow? Biotin is good for your nails too isn't it? Can you tell a difference there? Tina, I first started on Weight Watchers and exercise but even though I had wonderful success I decided that I wanted to know more about the calories and nutrients I was putting into my body. I switched to using an online journal (myfooddiary.com) that gives me more detailed info including what percent of my calories are coming from fat/carbs/protein. I'm doing some serious weight lifting and need to keep my protein up to 30-35%. My total calories that I eat everyday is based on my resting metabolic rate and the calories I burn through working out. If I have a light workout day I eat fewer calories. When I'm really on top of things and meeting my daily goals I can easily lose 2.5 to 3lbs per week. Biotin is great for nails and hair as well as boosting the metabolism. I have a hypothyroid and starting taking medication a year ago and my hair fell out badly. It's still not back to the way it was but is a little thicker. Yes, the niacin reaction is immediate. I don't get the hot flash feeling or flushing (which is weird because I am very fair and flush very easily). My rash is/was a ring around my neck and slightly raised. It took a little over a week to go away.

You're welcome, yes among several of its benefits it helps with joint function. One of the doctors I know through work combines holistic medicine with his conventional Internal Medicine Practice. My DH now sees him for his primary care and the Krill oil is just one of several things he's suggested to help boost my DH's immune system. I read up on it and found it's good for a lot of things including joint issues and started taking it too. A plus is that it works wonders with skin as well (similar to Vitamin E but better). I should note that the capsules are made with organic gelatin, so of course because of their texture, they may stick to each other but the Vitamin D has no oder that I've noticed.

Wow. You never know what to do....one doctor recommends....another says no. I will ask my Dr next time I see her, to see if she still thinks I need so much. I will say that I have fallen many times....hard...and you would think there would be a broken bone or two with a couple of them, but I haven't broken any bones. About tanning....I have never tried to tan on purpose. I have had one sun burn in my life...when a teen and went on a beach vacation with a friend and her family. I see a dermatologist every year, which happens to be in December. My dermatologist said "you must wear a hat and long sleeves.". No. Hats are hot and at home I wear as little as possible. Every day a spaghetti strap top and shorts, except when it starts cooling off. I also don't use sunscreen. I am outside at least 6 hours a day, usually more. It is very humid and hot here, and I sweat....a lot!