Kidney Nutrition Nuggets

Summer Van Arsdale, RD, CSR, CCTD, LD, FNKF
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Nutrition
  • Updated Weekly

Kidney Nutrition Nuggets is your go-to podcast for bite-sized, practical tips on kidney health and nutrition. Hosted by Summer Van Arsdale, a registered dietitian with over a decade of experience, this show breaks down complex kidney topics into easy-to-digest insights that empower you to take control of your health. No matter where you are at in your kidney health journey, here you'll find science-backed information, myth-busting facts, and real-life inspiration in every episode.

  1. 4d ago

    The Relationship Between Nutrition and eGFR Improvements

    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.

  2. Jul 21

    Ep. 17 - Are Food Lists Holding You Back?

    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.

  3. 10/21/2025

    Ep 16 - The Truth About Weight Loss and Kidney Health

    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!

  4. 07/29/2025

    Ep. 15 - The (Bad?) Banana

    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: Instagram: @kidney_nutrition_coach Website: www.thekidneynutritioncoach.com Free Guide: The Ultimate Guide to Plant-Based Proteins for CKD

  5. 07/01/2025

    Ep. 14 - Intuitive Eating Meets CKD Nutrition

    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 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.

  6. 06/24/2025

    Ep. 13 - Your CKD Travel Nutrition Blueprint

    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!

  7. 06/17/2025

    Ep. 12 - Fire Up that Grill! Kidney-Friendly Summertime Cooking

    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!

  8. 06/10/2025

    Episode 11: Is Primal Hunger Sabotaging Your Progress?

    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!

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5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Kidney Nutrition Nuggets is your go-to podcast for bite-sized, practical tips on kidney health and nutrition. Hosted by Summer Van Arsdale, a registered dietitian with over a decade of experience, this show breaks down complex kidney topics into easy-to-digest insights that empower you to take control of your health. No matter where you are at in your kidney health journey, here you'll find science-backed information, myth-busting facts, and real-life inspiration in every episode.

Information

  • Creator
    Summer Van Arsdale, RD, CSR, CCTD, LD, FNKF
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Kidney Nutrition Nuggets