with Jill Harris, LPN, CHC
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Kidney Stone Diet, where to start
Welcome to a day in my life filled with private consults. I find it a true joy and privilege to help you navigate your kidney stone journey. Whether reviewing 24-hour urine collections or helping someone integrate the Kidney Stone Diet® into their current lifestyle for weight loss, diabetes, or food intolerance, each…
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An Open Letter to All Kidney Stone Patients
Dear You, I have been thinking a lot about illness this week. You might think, “Well, that makes sense. People are calling you all week talking about illness.” While this is true, it’s not the reason I am writing you. When we think of illness, we think of the physical pain…
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Nephrologist vs. Urologist: Understanding the Difference
A common topic on my private Facebook page for kidney stone formers is, “Should I see a urologist or a nephrologist for kidney stone prevention?” This article will explain the role each may play in your kidney stone prevention journey. Urologist: The Surgical Specialist Focus and Expertise: Education and Training: Approach to…
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How Much Total Protein Do We Need
Let’s talk about your total protein needs per day. Eating meat (anything that flies, swims, or runs) will play a part in your total needs. Go to my Meat Protein Calculator to determine how much meat protein is okay for kidney stone formers. Here is an article to help you understand meat and its…
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How to Eat During a 24-Hour Urine Collection
If this is your FIRST urine collection, you should be eating and drinking like you did before you knew anything about stone prevention. I know you’re thinking, “There is no way I am going to eat spinach and almonds ever again!” Fair, but do everything else like you did.
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Can Kidney Stone Formers Eat Higher Oxalate Foods?
A widespread problem I see with my patients and students regarding oxalate is that they take away so many foods because they fear it.
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What is PCNL Surgery?
Last week I wrote about two common surgeries: Lithotripsy and Ureteroscopy. Today, we discuss a third type of surgery, PCNL, and why and how it is done. What is PCNL? PCNL stands for Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy. It’s a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to remove kidney stones. This method involves making…
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Your Complete Guide to Kidney Stone Surgeries
Hi! Today, we will discuss two ways doctors can help people with kidney stones. This will be a longer article because I want everything about these procedures in one place. Buckle up, my loyal friends, and let’s discuss each kidney stone surgery and questions for you to ask your doctor…
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Kidney Stone Diet’s Favorite Things
Over the past 25 years as a kidney stone prevention nurse, I’ve worked with thousands of patients. And every day I’ve been asked a variation of these 2 questions: The answer to #1 is already taken care of. Just have a look at our Oxalate List. But I don’t yet…
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The Role of Vitamin D and Kidney Stones
Below is my summary of a very lengthy study on vitamin D and calcium. Here is the complete study for you sciencey folks who like to get down and dirty into the details. Kidney stones are like tiny, hard pebbles that can form in your kidneys when certain substances in your urine,…
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Medical Management Of Kidney Stones
Here I am again with another recent study on how a clinician should treat kidney stone formers. From 24-hour urine collections to the Kidney Stone Diet® (each goal is listed as a way to lower kidney stone risk), it is all here. Also, AUA (American Urological Association) panel members rated…
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How Fad Diets Affect Kidney Stone Risk
Hi! A recent study examined the links between various fad diets and kidney stone risk—you can read my summary below. The original study can be found here. Kidney Stone Disease (KSD) is increasingly common, affecting up to 14% of people in industrialized countries, and is closely linked to dietary habits and…
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Kidney Stones and Carbs
So many of my one-on-one consults are with people who are afraid of carbohydrates. The diet industry has manufactured an irrational fear of bread and pasta. And, we’ve seen this before. Let’s remember that this is very similar to the irrational fear they created around fat. Do you remember Snackwell cookies? The Snackwell people…
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How much oxalate is in…
“Jill, how much oxalate is in ___________? It’s not on the list.” My answer is the same now as it was decades ago: eat that unstudied food once or twice a week (I am very practical—you might have leftovers) in normal portion size and meet your calcium needs each day.
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Why Do Oxalate Levels Vary?
Harvard recently updated its oxalate list—you can read about that here—and many of you were concerned that the numbers had changed and demanded answers! I hope our time together today helps you understand the big picture so you can feel less overwhelmed about this change. The worry over the new list…
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Updated Oxalate List From Harvard. Now What?
BIG NEWS!!! In November 2023, Harvard reported on some new and old foods that have been studied. However, I just found out about this information as it is buried on Harvard’s website. We at Kidney Stone Diet have been working all week, night and day, to update our current Harvard…
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When to go to the ER for kidney stones
Hi! Here is an essential post on when to go to the ER during a kidney stone incident. Believe it or not, some stones pass without incident. But for many of you, there were clear warning signs that something was wrong in your body. Running off to the emergency room…
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Kidney Stone Pain Tool Kit
Here is a list of recommended items from kidney stone patients to have on hand when traveling if you have current kidney stones.
“The Kidney Stone Diet is far more than just a diet; this plan is life-altering!”
“The group calls will transform you physically and emotionally. Once you start this journey, your health naturally improves. I have lost a total of 40 pounds and have consistently kept it off. The group calls are such support; this is more like family than a zoom meeting to stay accountable. Jill is far more than a nurse; she is a life coach. Her platform is invaluable.”
Kim J. | Kidney Stone Prevention Course
“The best decision I’ve made has been to join this group.”
“I have been working on weight loss for many years. This group has kept me on track and has helped my continued success with my weight loss.”
Kate L. | Group Calls with Jill
“I have been following the Meal Plan for about 6 weeks and I feel amazing.”
“Eating healthy has also encouraged me to go to bed earlier, so I am also getting more sleep. Because of that, I have been able to get up before work and exercise! So yes, the positive effects are spilling over into all areas of a healthy lifestyle.”
Jerry T. | Meal Plan Subscriber
“I have been a part of the group calls with Jill for the last 14 months, and they are essential to being so successful with the Kidney Stone Diet Prevention Plan.”
Sarah B. | Group Calls with Jill
“These calls are the gold of this program!!”
“I can’t say enough about how Jill knows just the right questions to ask us or how she prods us to think about what is going on in our lives.”
Monica K. | Group Calls with Jill
“I took the course with Jill, and my second 24 hour urine was MUCH better than the first.”
“She gives very practical information, and it WORKS. I was totally overwhelmed at first. I got very poor diet information from my doctors. Jill made it easy for me to understand, and I took it one day at a time. I still watch her videos when I need a tune-up. Jill is the best, and she really cares about all of us. Take the course—it will help you!!!”
Mark J. | Kidney Stone Prevention Course