Eat Away Kidney Stones

Registered Dietitian and kidney stone specialist, Melanie Betz MS, RD, CSR, FNKF, FAND shares science-based ways to prevent kidney stones with food!

122 Vegetarian or Vegan Diets & Kidney Stones

Ever wonder if it is ok (or even good!?) to follow a vegetarian or vegan diet with kidney stones? Melanie breaks down the benefits and risks in this episode. Blog: Magnesium & Kidney Stones: The 411 Blog: Oxalate in Coconut Milk: And Other Plant Based Milks Blog: Calcium Sources for Kidney Stones References: 1. Zayed S, Goldfarb DS, Joshi S. Popular Diets and Kidney Stones. Advances in Kidney Disease and Health. 2023;30(6):529-536. 2. Rodriguez A, Curhan GC, Gambaro G, Taylor EN, Ferraro PM. Mediterranean diet adherence and risk of incident kidney stones. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2020;111(5):1100-1106.  3. Maddahi N, Aghamir SMK, Moddaresi SS, Mirzaei K, Alizadeh S, Yekaninejad MS. The association of Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension-style diet with urinary risk factors of kidney stones formation in men with nephrolithiasis. Clinical Nutrition ESPEN. 2020;39:173-179.  4. Noori N, Honarkar E, Goldfarb DS, et al. Urinary Lithogenic Risk Profile in Recurrent Stone Formers With Hyperoxaluria: A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension)-Style and Low-Oxalate Diets. American Journal of Kidney Diseases. 2014;63(3):456-463.    Submit a question for Melanie to answer on the podcast! Connect with The Kidney Dietitian! Work with Us! |  Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | Facebook Group | Newsletter www.thekidneydietitian.org FREE Webinar: The 3-Step Method to Prevent Kidney Stones All information in this podcast is meant for educational purposes only and should not be used in place of advice from a medical professional.  

11-19
25:15

121 A Registered Dietitian's Experience With Kidney Stones [w/ Courtney Watring RD, LDN]

Yes! Dietitians can OBVIOUSLY get kidney stones too! In this episode, Melanie chats with a fellow dietitian who has been struggling with kidney stones since college and dives into what her experience has been like.   Submit a question for Melanie to answer on the podcast! Connect with The Kidney Dietitian! Work with Us! |  Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | Facebook Group | Newsletter www.thekidneydietitian.org FREE Webinar: The 3-Step Method to Prevent Kidney Stones All information in this podcast is meant for educational purposes only and should not be used in place of advice from a medical professional.  

11-12
32:03

120 Will Vitamin D Cause Kidney Stones?

Is it ok for people with kidney stones to take vitamin D supplements? Melanie dives into the answer! Letavernier E, Daudon M. Vitamin D, Hypercalciuria and Kidney Stones. Nutrients. 2018;10(3):366. doi:10.3390/nu10030366   Submit a question for Melanie to answer on the podcast! Connect with The Kidney Dietitian! Work with Us! |  Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | Facebook Group | Newsletter www.thekidneydietitian.org FREE Webinar: The 3-Step Method to Prevent Kidney Stones All information in this podcast is meant for educational purposes only and should not be used in place of advice from a medical professional.  

11-05
18:04

119 Eggs & Kidney Stones

Is it ok for people with kidney stones to eat eggs? How many is ok? How is it best to eat them? Melanie dives into everything people with kidney stones need to know about eggs! Recipes: Crustless Zucchini Quiche Southwest Sweet Potato Hash Avocado Toast   Submit a question for Melanie to answer on the podcast! Connect with The Kidney Dietitian! Work with Us! |  Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | Facebook Group | Newsletter www.thekidneydietitian.org FREE Webinar: The 3-Step Method to Prevent Kidney Stones All information in this podcast is meant for educational purposes only and should not be used in place of advice from a medical professional.  

10-29
16:01

118 Eating Out With Kidney Stones

Ever wonder how (and if it is even ok!?) to eat at restaurants with kidney stones? Melanie gives her best tips and advice for changing your mindset about eating out, while still preventing kidney stones.   Submit a question for Melanie to answer on the podcast! Connect with The Kidney Dietitian! Work with Us! |  Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | Facebook Group | Newsletter www.thekidneydietitian.org FREE Webinar: The 3-Step Method to Prevent Kidney Stones All information in this podcast is meant for educational purposes only and should not be used in place of advice from a medical professional.  

10-22
26:14

117 Updates in Kidney Stone Research & Oxalate [w/ Dr. Kristina Penniston PhD, RDN]

Internationally renouned kidney stone dietitian & researcher. Dr. Kristina Penniston PhD RDN, dives into updates in research for kidney stones, what diets are best for kidney stones and an updated approach to managing oxalate. Bio: Dr. Kristina Penniston References: Noori N,  et al. Urinary Lithogenic Risk Profile in Recurrent Stone Formers With Hyperoxaluria: A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension)-Style and Low-Oxalate Diets. American Journal of Kidney Diseases. 2014;63(3):456-463.  Rodriguez A, et al. Mediterranean diet adherence and risk of incident kidney stones. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2020;111(5):1100-1106. Oxalate Blog Posts: Is a Low Oxalate Diet Necessary? How a Low Oxalate Diet Could Make Kidney Stones Worse   Submit a question for Melanie to answer on the podcast! Connect with The Kidney Dietitian! Work with Us! |  Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | Facebook Group | Newsletter www.thekidneydietitian.org FREE Webinar: The 3-Step Method to Prevent Kidney Stones All information in this podcast is meant for educational purposes only and should not be used in place of advice from a medical professional.  

10-15
46:28

116 Does Phosphorus in Food Matter for Calcium Phosphate Kidney Stones?

Phosphorus isn't talked about very often in kidney stone nutrition - but does it matter for people with calcium phosphate kidney stones? Melanie sheds some light on the issue. References: Taylor EN, Stampfer MJ, Curhan GC. Dietary factors and the risk of incident kidney stones in men: new insights after 14 years of follow-up. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2004 Dec;15(12):3225-32. Zhang W, Lou B, Peng Y, Wu F, Zhang D, Wang Q. High dietary calcium to phosphorus ratio is associated with high prevalence of kidney stone. Medicine (Baltimore). 2024 Dec 13;103(50):e40778. Gutiérrez OM, Porter AK, Viggeswarapu M, Roberts JL, Beck GR Jr. Effects of phosphorus and calcium to phosphorus consumption ratio on mineral metabolism and cardiometabolic health. J Nutr Biochem. 2020 Jun;80:108374. Li X, Zhang W, Huang T, Chen Y, Li J, Ding F, Wang W. The Effect of Dietary Phosphate Load on Urinary Supersaturation and Phosphate Metabolism in Non-Stone-Forming Asian Individuals. Ann Nutr Metab. 2025;81(2):97-104.    Submit a question for Melanie to answer on the podcast! Connect with The Kidney Dietitian! Work with Us! |  Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | Facebook Group | Newsletter www.thekidneydietitian.org FREE Webinar: The 3-Step Method to Prevent Kidney Stones All information in this podcast is meant for educational purposes only and should not be used in place of advice from a medical professional.  

10-08
14:41

115 What Does Your Thyroid Have To Do With Kidney Stones?

There is a clear connection between hyperparathyroidism and kidney stones. This episode dives into a listener question and the connection between these two conditions - and what you can do about it!  Blog: Kidney Stones & Thyroid Disease: The Connection   Submit a question for Melanie to answer on the podcast! Connect with The Kidney Dietitian! Work with Us! |  Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | Facebook Group | Newsletter www.thekidneydietitian.org FREE Webinar: The 3-Step Method to Prevent Kidney Stones All information in this podcast is meant for educational purposes only and should not be used in place of advice from a medical professional.  

10-01
17:21

114 Can Too Much Protein Cause Kidney Stones? [and how much to eat]

What is the deal with protein and kidney stones? How much can I have? Does it matter for ME? Is all protein the same? In this episode, Melanie dives into these super important questions for an individualized approach to kidney stone prevention. Blog: Can Too Much Protein Cause Kidney Stones? Blog: What is PRAL & How Does It Affect Kidneys?   Submit a question for Melanie to answer on the podcast! Connect with The Kidney Dietitian! Work with Us! |  Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | Facebook Group | Newsletter www.thekidneydietitian.org FREE Webinar: The 3-Step Method to Prevent Kidney Stones All information in this podcast is meant for educational purposes only and should not be used in place of advice from a medical professional.  

09-24
24:51

113 How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Can Be Life Changing! [w/ Erin Lenihan PT, DBT]

Most people don't know about all of the amazing things your pelvic floor does for you - and how many uncomfortable symptoms you might have been ignoring for YEARS are related to pelvic floor dysfunction (and can be fixed!). In this fascinating episode, Melanie chats with pelvic floor PT Erin Lenihan about what your pelvic floor is, and how pelvic floor PT might be able to help you! Erin's Instagram  West Town PT website & Instagram pages Find a pelvic floor PT via the Herman and Wallace Institute or the Academy of the American Physical Therapy Association Cozean Screening Tool for pelvic floor dysfunction   Submit a question for Melanie to answer on the podcast! Connect with The Kidney Dietitian! Work with Us! |  Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | Facebook Group | Newsletter www.thekidneydietitian.org FREE Webinar: The 3-Step Method to Prevent Kidney Stones All information in this podcast is meant for educational purposes only and should not be used in place of advice from a medical professional.  

09-17
52:03

112 What Kind of Bread Is Best For Kidney Stones?

Who doesn't love bread? Melanie dives into how and why bread should fit in any kidney stone diet, what type of bread is best, and why! Blog: Is Rice Good for Kidney Stones Whole Grain Council: What Is a Whole Grain?   Submit a question for Melanie to answer on the podcast! Connect with The Kidney Dietitian! Work with Us! |  Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | Facebook Group | Newsletter www.thekidneydietitian.org FREE Webinar: The 3-Step Method to Prevent Kidney Stones All information in this podcast is meant for educational purposes only and should not be used in place of advice from a medical professional.  

09-10
23:44

111 Potassium & Your Kidneys

Potassium is a HOT topic in kidney disease - but doesn't get the focus is deserves for kidney stones. In This episode, Melanie breaks down potassium in your diet, where it comes from and why it matters for both kidney disease AND kidney stones.  Blog: Potential Renal Acid Load Blog: Potatoes & Kidney Disease: The Potassium Dilemma References: 1. Ikizler A, Burrowes J, Byham-Gray L, et al. KDOQI Clinical Practice Guideline for Nutrition in CKD: 2020 Update. Am J Kidney Dis. 2020;76(3):S1-S107. 2. MacLaughlin HL, McAuley E, Fry J, et al. Re-Thinking Hyperkalaemia Management in Chronic Kidney Disease—Beyond Food Tables and Nutrition Myths: An Evidence-Based Practice Review. Nutrients. 2024;16(1):3.    Submit a question for Melanie to answer on the podcast! Connect with The Kidney Dietitian! Work with Us! |  Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | Facebook Group | Newsletter www.thekidneydietitian.org FREE Webinar: The 3-Step Method to Prevent Kidney Stones All information in this podcast is meant for educational purposes only and should not be used in place of advice from a medical professional.  

09-03
32:28

110 Label Reading For Kidney Stones

Ever wonder how to make sense of all those number on Nutrition Facts labels? Never fear! In this episode, Melanie walks you through what is most important on that label for kidney stones, and how to interpret the numbers.   Submit a question for Melanie to answer on the podcast! Connect with The Kidney Dietitian! Work with Us! |  Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | Facebook Group | Newsletter www.thekidneydietitian.org FREE Webinar: The 3-Step Method to Prevent Kidney Stones All information in this podcast is meant for educational purposes only and should not be used in place of advice from a medical professional.  

08-27
20:29

109 What Is Weight Bias and How It Might Be Affecting Your Health [w/ Dr. Robyn Pashby]

Dr. Robyn Pashby is a clinical psychologist with a special interest in weight bias. You will not want to miss this fascinating conversation about how bias both in the healthcare system and our society has a significant impact on health. Book: The New Food Fight: How the Weight Management & Eating Disorder Fields Became So Divided and What We Can Do About It (affiliate link) Obesity Action Coalition Connect with Dr. Pashby at her website, Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn   Submit a question for Melanie to answer on the podcast! Connect with The Kidney Dietitian! Work with Us! |  Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | Facebook Group | Newsletter www.thekidneydietitian.org FREE Webinar: The 3-Step Method to Prevent Kidney Stones All information in this podcast is meant for educational purposes only and should not be used in place of advice from a medical professional.  

08-20
39:15

108 Wait...I Have To Drink HOW Much Water For Kidney Stones?

Unsurprisingly, a common question people with kidney stones ask is "how much water do I have to drink"? Melanie answers a listener question about this - and how your body size plays into this. Blog: Top 6 Best Drinks for Kidney Stones   Submit a question for Melanie to answer on the podcast! Connect with The Kidney Dietitian! Work with Us! |  Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | Facebook Group | Newsletter www.thekidneydietitian.org FREE Webinar: The 3-Step Method to Prevent Kidney Stones All information in this podcast is meant for educational purposes only and should not be used in place of advice from a medical professional.  

08-13
12:37

107 Salt & Kidney Stones 101

Staying away from too much salt is KEY for kidney stones. But why!? And how much salt should you eat? And how in the WORLD do you actually FOLLOW a low sodium diet? In this episode, Melanie dives into all of these burning questions. Blog: Does Salt Cause Kidney Stones?   Submit a question for Melanie to answer on the podcast! Connect with The Kidney Dietitian! Work with Us! |  Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | Facebook Group | Newsletter www.thekidneydietitian.org FREE Webinar: The 3-Step Method to Prevent Kidney Stones All information in this podcast is meant for educational purposes only and should not be used in place of advice from a medical professional.  

08-06
28:46

106 Can I Make Collagen Safer For Kidney Stones With Milk?

If you listened to episode 38, you know that there is potential harm of collagen protein for people with oxalate kidney stones. In this episode, Melanie tackles a listener question about how to potentially make collagen protein powder safer. Blog: Can Collagen Cause Kidney Stones?   Submit a question for Melanie to answer on the podcast! Connect with The Kidney Dietitian! Work with Us! |  Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | Facebook Group | Newsletter www.thekidneydietitian.org FREE Webinar: The 3-Step Method to Prevent Kidney Stones All information in this podcast is meant for educational purposes only and should not be used in place of advice from a medical professional.  

07-30
11:49

105 What Does Your Gut Microbiome Have To Do With Kidney Stones? [w/ Dr. Aaron Miller]

The gut microbiome is a HOT topic in ALL areas of health. Unsurprisingly, the bacteria that live in your intestines have a HUGE impact on kidney stones. Join Melanie with oxalate microbiome researcher Dr. Aaaron Miller for a fascinating episode about how bacteria help (or hinder) your kidney stone prevention efforts and most importantly, what you can do about it!  More About Dr. Aaron Miller   Submit a question for Melanie to answer on the podcast! Connect with The Kidney Dietitian! Work with Us! |  Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | Facebook Group | Newsletter www.thekidneydietitian.org FREE Webinar: The 3-Step Method to Prevent Kidney Stones All information in this podcast is meant for educational purposes only and should not be used in place of advice from a medical professional.  

07-23
43:08

104 The Most Common Mistake People Make For Kidney Stones

Melanie dives into the most common mistake she sees people make when they are trying to prevent kidney stones. And, shares how to avoid it and what to do instead!   Submit a question for Melanie to answer on the podcast! Connect with The Kidney Dietitian! Work with Us! |  Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | Facebook Group | Newsletter www.thekidneydietitian.org FREE Webinar: The 3-Step Method to Prevent Kidney Stones All information in this podcast is meant for educational purposes only and should not be used in place of advice from a medical professional.  

07-16
18:11

103 Cheese & Kidney Stones

Attn: Cheese Lovers! This episode is for you! Learn all about how cheese is an excellent option for people with kidney stones, the best cheese choices and things to think about when choosing cheese. Blog: The Best Calcium Sources for Kidney Stones Blog:  Best 8 Healthy Low Sodium Cheese Choices   Submit a question for Melanie to answer on the podcast! Connect with The Kidney Dietitian! Work with Us! |  Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | Facebook Group | Newsletter www.thekidneydietitian.org FREE Webinar: The 3-Step Method to Prevent Kidney Stones All information in this podcast is meant for educational purposes only and should not be used in place of advice from a medical professional.  

07-09
22:07

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