Kidney Nutrition Nuggets

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 guidanc...

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 tru...

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. How...

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 sm...

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...

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 pr...

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 p...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 d...

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....

Ever wondered what exactly your kidneys are up to all day? Spoiler alert—it’s way more than just filtering your blood! In today’s episode, we dive into the fascinating and powerful world of your kidneys. You’ll learn about the six essential tasks your kidneys quietly handle, every single day, to keep you healthy. Understanding these roles can truly transform how you view kidney health, and inspire...

In this episode, I talk with one of the most important people in my life—my dad—to share his personal journey with chronic illness. From his diabetes diagnosis to the lifestyle changes that helped him thrive, this conversation covers what makes a person successful in managing their health. We talk about the pivotal role mindset plays, the power of support systems, and the everyday choices that add...

Welcome to the very first episode of Kidney Nutrition Nuggets! I’m your host, Summer Van Arsdale, a registered dietitian and Certified Specialist in Renal Nutrition. In this kickoff episode, I’m sharing the heart behind this podcast—what inspired me to become a renal dietitian and why I’m passionate about helping people like you feel confident navigating kidney nutrition. You'll get a preview of w...

Welcome to Kidney Nutrition Nuggets, the podcast that delivers bite-sized, practical tips to help you navigate kidney health and nutrition with confidence. Hosted by Summer Van Arsdale, RD, this show is your go-to resource for research-backed information, expert interviews, and real-life coaching tips to make informed choices about your kidney health—without fear or confusion. In this trailer epis...