Kidney Nutrition Nuggets

Are you tired of only knowing which foods you should avoid with CKD?

It seems like most of the foods we always thought were healthy for us end up on the kidney diet's "avoid" list because of their potassium or phosphorus content. But what if avoiding these foods means missing out on important nutrients that actually support your health?

In this episode, I'm breaking down five commonly restricted foods, why many people with CKD may not need to avoid them, and how they can support your your kidney health.

If you don't feel confident about how potassium rich foods can be safely added to your kidney diet, join me for the on-demand masterclass, TheUndercover Element, to learn what really influences your potassium levels, why potassium bioavailability matters, and how to confidently make room for more of the foods that can protect your kidney health.

👉https://www.thekidneynutritioncoach.com/offers/b8oo7UQa/checkoutEnroll in The Undercover Element here!

Three Mistakes You’re Making When Trying to Eat Plant-Based for Kidney Health

You’ve heard that eating more plant-based foods can support your kidney health, so you’re ready to give it a try. But what does “plant-based” actually mean when you have CKD?

Do you need to become vegan? Should you be cutting back on protein? And how do you know whether the plant-based foods you’re choosing are actually supporting your kidneys?

In this episode of Kidney Nutrition Nuggets, I’m breaking down three common mistakes I see people make when trying to eat more plant-based for kidney health and, more importantly, helping you understand how to approach plant-based eating without turning it into another restrictive kidney diet.

If you’re ready to start putting this into practice, download my FREE Ultimate Guide to Plant-Based Proteins for CKD here. It will help you take what you learned in this episode and begin making realistic plant-forward changes to the way you already eat.

Connect with me on Instagram:@Kidney_Nutrition_Coach or Facebook: The Kidney Nutrition Coach.

Frozen foods are not off-limits with CKD. In fact, having the right convenience foods available may be one of the best ways to make your kidney-friendly diet easier to maintain long term.

In this episode of Kidney Nutrition Nuggets, I’m breaking down the misconceptions around frozen and processed foods and sharing why I actually encourage my clients to build convenience into their kidney nutrition strategy.

We’ll talk about how frozen foods can add variety, reduce reliance on takeout, save time and energy, and give you a much-needed Plan B for the days when cooking from scratch simply isn’t happening.

I’ll also walk you through what to consider when choosing a frozen meal and how to balance it into a more complete meal that supports your individual kidney health goals. Because the best kidney nutrition strategy isn’t the one that only works when life goes perfectly. It’s the one that still works when life doesn’t.

🎧 Plus, learn more about my Kidney-Friendly Freezer Playbook, with 55+ hand-selected frozen meals and my strategy for learning how to choose your own. You can purchase your copy here for just $17.

Find me on IG @Kidney_Nutrition_Coach and let me know what your favorite part of the episode is! If you found this helpful please write a review and hit that subscribe button to continue to get my latest podcast episodes.

Lab day can be nerve-racking when managing chronic kidney disease. When so much weight is placed on your eGFR, creatinine, potassium, and other kidney labs, it’s natural to want to do everything you can to get the “best” results possible.

In this episode, I’m breaking down five things to consider before and during your next lab draw, including hydration, exercise, fasting, supplements and what happens during the blood draw itself.

We’ll also talk about why pumping your fist can artificially affect your test results, what a hemolyzed sample means, and why creating a consistent lab-day routine can help you and your healthcare team make better decisions about your kidney health.

Because when nutrition recommendations are based on your lab results, we want to make sure we’re working with the best information possible.

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Let me know what your biggest takeaway was from today's episode! Find me on IG @kidney_nutrition_coach or email me directly at thekidneynutritioncoach@gmail.com.

Want to become a master at interpreting your lab results and apply them to personalize your nutrition? Enroll in Kidney Nutrition 101 here!

"Food is medicine," is one of the most common phrases you'll hear in the nutrition world. But after a chronic kidney disease diagnosis, having this belief around nutrition can change your entire relationship with food.

When every bite becomes a prescription to follow or a mistake to avoid, food starts to lose something important. In this episode, we're talking about why food is so much more than medicine and explore how shifting your mindset can help you build a way of eating that not only supports your kidneys but also supports your life. Because the goal around food isn't to simply eat for your kidneys but is to build a life you actually enjoy living while protecting them.

If you find this episode helpful, I invite you to share your thoughts with me! Find me on Instagram @kidney_nutrition_coach. I would love to hear your feedback!

What is the relationship between nutrition and eGFR improvement?

If chronic kidney disease is considered irreversible, how is it possible for some people to see their eGFR improve after making nutrition and lifestyle changes?

In this episode, you'll learn how creating a healthier environment for your remaining kidney function can help your kidneys work more efficiently and, in some cases, lead to improvements in eGFR.

In this episode, we'll discuss:

• What eGFR really measures
• Why nutrition can't "bring dead kidney cells back to life"
• How nutrition supports the healthy nephrons you still have
• Why some people experience improvements in eGFR while others maintain stable kidney function
• The real goal of nutrition in chronic kidney disease

Let me know what your biggest 'aha' moments or takeaways are from this episode! You can reach me at summer@thekidneynutritioncoach.com or on Instagram @kidney_nutrition_coach.

If you feel like you're working so hard to eat for your kidneys but still aren't gaining momentum, this episode is for you.

Many people with chronic kidney disease rely on food lists to guide every decision they make. While they may seem helpful at first, food lists often create more confusion, fear, and restriction than confidence.

In this episode, we're talking about why food lists keep you stuck and what to focus on instead if you want to make meaningful progress in protecting your kidney health. You'll learn why a successful kidney diet is about strategy, not memorizing "good" and "bad" foods.

In this episode, you'll learn:

- Why food lists can make eating for kidney disease feel overwhelming

- The biggest problem with labeling foods as simply "allowed" or "avoid"

- How food lists ignore the bigger picture of kidney nutrition

- Why confidence comes from understanding nutrition strategy, not following rules

- How to start making food decisions with purpose instead of fear

- The only food that should be on your 'avoid' list for CKD

If this episode resonated with you, I invite you to join The Undercover Element, a Masterclass designed to completely change the way you think about potassium in chronic kidney disease, help you to move past restrictive food lists, and create momentum in your diet with a potassium management strategy. You'll learn why potassium has become one of the most misunderstood nutrients in kidney nutrition and discover an evidence-based strategy for confidently including potassium-rich foods without unnecessary restriction.

Enroll here: https://www.thekidneynutritioncoach.com/undercover-element-masterclass

And if you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who could use a little more confidence in their kidney nutrition journey.

In this episode of Kidney Nutrition Nuggets, Summer shares her conversation from the Kidney Confidence Today Summit — one that quickly became a fan favorite among participants. Joined by fellow renal dietitian Michelle McMurtry, she dives into one of the most misunderstood topics in kidney care: weight loss.

If you’ve ever been told to “just lose weight” for your kidney health, without any guidance on how, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence you’ve been missing.

🎧 Tune in to learn: Why weight loss messages in CKD can be misleading — and even harmful The difference between intentional and restrictive weight loss How to focus on kidney-protective nutrition instead of diet culture

👉 Ready to learn more? Join Summer’s free masterclass: “Weight Loss for CKD: 5 Mistakes You’re Making and How to Fix Them” by clicking HERE!

Is the banana really that bad? You’ve probably heard that it’s full of sugar, spikes blood sugar, or should be avoided if you have CKD or diabetes. In this short and sweet episode, I’m busting the most ridiculous myths about bananas and explaining why this fruit deserves a place on your plate.

In this episode, you'll learn:

✅ Why bananas have been unfairly labeled as “bad”
✅ The truth about sugar and blood sugar spikes
✅ How bananas fit into a kidney-friendly or diabetes-friendly eating pattern
✅ One key mindset shift to ditch food fear and reclaim confidence in your choices

🔗 Resources & Links:

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Instagram: @kidney_nutrition_coach

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Website: http://www.thekidneynutritioncoach.com

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Free Guide: The Ultimate Guide to Plant-Based Proteins for CKD

In this episode, we dive into the concept of intuitive eating and how it can work alongside the dietary needs of chronic kidney disease (CKD). If you've ever found yourself stuck in an "all or nothing" mindset when it comes to your eating patterns, this episode is for you.

Managing CKD often comes with numerous food recommendations, which can lead to feelings of guilt, stress, and frustration. However, intuitive eating offers a way to break free from the cycle of perfectionism and allows you to honor your body’s cues while still making mindful food choices.

My guest, Amanda Hayes, MS, RD, is an expert in helping people with CKD develop a healthy, balanced relationship with food. In this episode, Amanda explains how to integrate the principles of intuitive eating with the realities of CKD management. She shares practical tips for navigating food choices with a more flexible, compassionate approach.

Key Takeaways:

• How the "all or nothing" mindset can lead to guilt and frustration when managing CKD diet restrictions
• The principles of intuitive eating and how they can support a healthy relationship with food
• Practical strategies for balancing kidney-friendly nutrition with listening to your body's hunger and fullness cues
• Why it’s important to shift away from restrictive thinking and embrace a more sustainable, enjoyable approach to eating
• How to find peace with food while managing chronic kidney disease

Stay Connected:

Visit http://www.thekidneynutritioncoach.com for more information on kidney-friendly nutrition and resources to support your health journey.
Grab my freebie, The Ultimate Guide to Plant-based Proteins for CKD, to get started on your journey to better kidney health.

Traveling with chronic kidney disease can feel overwhelming but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode of Kidney Nutrition Nuggets, I break down how to feel confident and prepared whether you’re headed out for a long road trip or a relaxing vacation. You’ll learn how to plan ahead for both travel days (those long, hectic hours on the go) and vacation days (where routine is more flexible).

From smart snack ideas to medication reminders, hydration tips to mindset shifts—this episode will help you protect your kidney health while still enjoying your time away. Because yes, it is possible to take a break without setting your progress back.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

The difference between planning for travel days vs vacation days

CKD-friendly snacks to pack for road trips & airports

Tips to prevent constipation during travel

Medication reminders and what to bring in your carry-on

How to keep a flexible, empowered mindset when things don’t go as planned

Resources & Links:

• Kidney-Friendly Freezer Guide: remember to stock up your freezer with low-sodium, kidney-friendly meals to set you up for mealtime ease when returning from your vacation!

Summer is here, and that means it’s time to fire up the grill! But living with chronic kidney disease might have you thinking, "What can I grill?'"

In this episode, I'm turning up the heat on smart grilling strategies so you can enjoy delicious, satisfying meals while staying on track with your kidney health goals.

🎧 Tune in and learn how to:

✔️ Build satisfying summer meals without relying on processed meats

✔️ Use spices, herbs, and acid-based marinades to enhance flavor

✔️ Add variety and color to your plate with seasonal produce

✔️ Make summer eating feel simple, delicious, and aligned with your goals

Resources Mentioned:

Free Ultimate Guide to Plant-based Protein for CKD – Exactly what you need to start your journey with implementing a plant-based diet to preserve kidney health!

Have you ever found yourself starving by the end of the day, only to raid the kitchen and eat whatever’s fast, then feel frustrated that your day’s progress “went out the window”? You're not alone. In this episode, Summer breaks down the concept of primal hunger: what it is, why it’s not your fault, and how it might be quietly sabotaging your nutrition progress.

You’ll learn:

What primal hunger is and how it shows up in daily life

The biological reasons your body shifts into survival mode when you skip meals or under-eat

Why willpower isn’t the solution (and never was)

How honoring your hunger can help you stay more consistent with kidney-friendly nutrition

Simple tips for planning ahead, building balanced meals, and preventing that “I need food NOW” moment

Mentioned in this episode:

The Kidney-Friendly Freezer Playbook Stock your freezer with ready-to-go, low-sodium meals that make eating well on a kidney diet fast, easy, and satisfying. Grab your copy for just $17: Grab your Playbook here!

In today’s episode of Kidney Nutrition Nuggets, I’m joined by renal dietitian and kidney stone nutrition expert Melanie Betz, MS, RD, CSR, FAND, FNKF. Together, we’re exploring the connection between chronic kidney disease and kidney stones and how nutrition can play a powerful role in supporting both.

In this conversation, Melanie and I walk through the overlap between CKD and stone prevention, how to get the right testing, and realistic strategies to support both conditions through diet.

Episode Resources:

Melanie Betz, MS, RD: http://www.thekidneydietitian.org

Melanie's tips for getting a 24 hour urine test ordered: https://thekidneydietitian.kit.com/24hourtest

Disclaimer:
This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your dietitian or healthcare provider before making changes to your diet or treatment plan.

Episode Summary:

In this episode, Summer Van Arsdale, registered dietitian and founder of The Kidney Nutrition Coach, invites you into the heart of her 5-step framework for planning balanced, satisfying meals with CKD in mind.

As spring blooms in Ohio, Summer reflects on seasonal transitions and how they mirror the shifts we can make in our own nutrition routines. If you've ever felt stuck staring at your fridge, unsure of what to cook, or frustrated by bland “renal diet” recipes, this episode is your solution.

Summer shares common challenges her clients face, from eating out too often and food waste to fear-driven food choices, and how intentional meal planning can turn confusion into confidence. She introduces a flexible system that supports your kidney health and your lifestyle.

You’ll walk away with a simple, repeatable process that transforms the way you plan your meals and a powerful tool that can make it even easier.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

Why generic renal diet plans don’t work—and what to do instead

The 4 most common struggles clients face with meal planning

How to shift from reactive eating to intentional choices that support kidney health

Summer’s 5-Step CKD Meal Planning Framework, including: 1. Know Your Numbers, 2. Balance Your Nutrition Budget, 3. Plan Your Week, 4. Shop & Prep, 5. Reflect and Refine

How Summer’s client turned weekly meal planning into an easy, family-friendly routine using ChatGPT

Why motivation isn’t the key to success—but intention is

Resources:

ChatGPT for CKD: A Smarter Way to Meal Plan – Masterclass: A self-paced 60-minute workshop designed to help you plan meals with less stress and more success. Includes lifetime access, a 25-page guide, and templates to create your own personalized AI-assisted plan. Just $35!

If you’re ready to turn your meal planning struggles into a confident weekly routine—without sacrificing flavor or spending hours doing it—this masterclass is for you.

Tap here to register now → www.thekidneynutritioncoach.com
And give yourself the gift of balanced meals that actually work for your kidneys and your life.

May is High Blood Pressure Awareness Month, and this episode is all about understanding how medications like ACEs and ARBs can support both blood pressure control and promote kidney health.

Join host Summer Van Arsdale, RD, CSR, as she sits down with special guest Katie Myers, PharmD, to explore how these medications work, why they’re often used in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD), and how to confidently manage them as part of your overall care plan.

Together, they discuss:

• What ACE inhibitors and ARBs are, and how they help manage blood pressure
• Their role in slowing the progression of CKD and protecting kidney function
• Common side effects and practical ways to manage them
• Tips to stay consistent with your medication routine

This episode is here to remind you that lifestyle and medication can work together to support your health and that taking medication isn’t a sign of failure but is just another way to support and manage CKD.

This weeks actionable goal: Create a list of your medications along with the dose and frequency. Carry this list in your wallet and take with you to your healthcare visits. Make sure you know what each medication is and why you take it. This is another important step in advocating for yourself and your care.

💡 Resources for today's episode:

http://www.thekidneynutritioncoach.com – Where you will find free guides, resources, links for my meal planning masterclass and 1:1 counseling sessions.

Instagram: @kidney_nutrition_coach

Free Step-by-step Guide to Measuring Your Blood Pressure: https://www.thekidneynutritioncoach.com/offers/BehYYZjn

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to replace personalized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare team before making any changes to your medication, diet, or health routine. The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent medical or pharmaceutical advice specific to your condition.

In this second part of our blood pressure management series, we dive into the essential minerals and nutrients, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and fiber, and their vital roles in supporting healthy blood pressure.

You’ll learn how each of these elements contributes to heart and vessel health, helping to maintain a balanced and steady blood pressure. If you're looking to improve your blood pressure through diet, this episode is packed with practical tips and key information.

Managing blood pressure is crucial for overall heart health and kidney function, especially for those with chronic kidney disease (CKD). A diet rich in potassium, magnesium, calcium, and fiber can be a powerful tool in reducing high blood pressure and preventing related health complications, but knowing how much of these nutrients to consume with CKD are based on individual needs.

Resources for Episode:

Free Step-by-step Guide to Measuring Your Blood Pressure: https://www.thekidneynutritioncoach.com/offers/BehYYZjn

National Kidney Foundation - Blood Pressure & Kidney Health: Learn more about how high blood pressure impacts your kidneys and what you can do to manage it. https://www.kidney.org/kidney-topics/what-high-blood-pressure

DASH Diet Overview: Information about the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet and how it can help manage blood pressure. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/education/dash-eating-plan

Kidney Nutrition 101: My upcoming self-paced online course offering a comprehensive guide to managing CKD through my signature kidney nutrition framework, including managing blood pressure with diet. https://www.thekidneynutritioncoach.com/kidney-nutrition-101

Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any significant changes to your diet, lifestyle, or medication regimen. Blood pressure management is highly individual, and your healthcare provider can help you set specific goals and develop a plan that works best for you.

In this episode, I'll dive into the fundamentals of blood pressure and explore how it affects kidney health. I'll discuss what blood pressure is, the importance of setting goals for managing it, and why it’s critical to understand its relationship with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Plus, explore the key role of a low-sodium diet in controlling blood pressure and protecting kidney function.

Whether you're managing CKD and want to optimize your blood pressures and kidney health, this episode is for you!

What You’ll Learn:

What blood pressure is and how it’s measured.

The difference between normal and high blood pressure, and the risks of hypertension for kidney health.

Why it’s so important for individuals with CKD to manage their blood pressure.

Blood pressure goals for CKD patients and how to set realistic targets.

The crucial role that sodium plays in blood pressure regulation and kidney health.

How a low-sodium diet can help lower blood pressure and slow kidney disease progression.

Managing blood pressure is one of the most important things you can do to protect your kidneys and overall health. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to serious complications, including heart disease, stroke, and further kidney damage. By understanding how blood pressure works and taking actionable steps to lower it, you can significantly improve your health outcomes, especially with CKD.

Resources for Episode:

Free Step-by-step Guide to Measuring Your Blood Pressure: https://www.thekidneynutritioncoach.com/offers/BehYYZjn

National Kidney Foundation - Blood Pressure & Kidney Health: Learn more about how high blood pressure impacts your kidneys and what you can do to manage it. https://www.kidney.org/kidney-topics/what-high-blood-pressure

DASH Diet Overview: Information about the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet and how it can help manage blood pressure. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/education/dash-eating-plan

Kidney Nutrition 101: My upcoming self-paced online course offering a comprehensive guide to managing CKD through my signature kidney nutrition framework, including managing blood pressure with diet. https://www.thekidneynutritioncoach.com/kidney-nutrition-101

Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet, lifestyle, or medication regimen. Blood pressure management is highly individual, and your healthcare provider can help you set specific goals and tailor a plan that works for you.

In this episode of Kidney Nutrition Nuggets, we’re diving into the powerful topic of plant proteins and their impact on kidney health.

Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease or you’re looking to make more informed food choices, understanding how protein affects your kidneys is key.

On todays episode, we’ll break down:

• What proteins are and why your body needs them
• The difference between animal and plant-based proteins
• The importance of whole-food plant-proteins vs. processed meat alternatives
• The connection between protein metabolism, nitrogen waste, and CKD
• How plant proteins can reduce nitrogen load and support slower disease progression

You’ll walk away with a better understanding of how to meet your protein needs without overburdening your kidneys—and why plant-based options may be a smart swap for long-term health.

Helpful Resources:

FREE guide: The Ultimate Guide to Plant-proteins for CKD

Follow me on Instagram: @kidney_nutrition_coach

Ready for 1:1 support, guidance, and accountability reaching your kidney nutrition goals? Work with me: http://www.thekidneynutritioncoach.com

April is National Donate Life Month, and in this special episode, we’re shining a light on the powerful impact of living kidney donation. Summer sits down with Jill Green, a living kidney donor and Patient Advocacy Director at Otsuka Pharmaceuticals, to share her personal story, what inspired her to say “yes,” how life has changed since donation, and what she wishes others knew about the journey. We’ll also explore how post-donation nutrition plays a role in long-term health and how to start meaningful conversations with loved ones about becoming a donor.

Links & Resources:
Visit: www.thekidneynutritioncoach.com
Follow on Instagram: @kidney_nutrition_coach

More information on living donation can be found at: donatelife.net

Join a Kidney Walk near you! kidneywalk.org

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