Blog - Page 6 of 10 - Kidney Stone Diet with Jill Harris

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.
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Kidney Stones and Fear of Traveling

I have wanted to write this for a long time, and I am happy that today is the day. A widespread fear for my students and patients is going on vacation. Whether it be by plane, train, or automobile, you have anxiety that your current stone will pass or you…
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How to Pass a Kidney Stone

Not too long ago, I asked my private Facebook group members to tell me what has helped them pass their kidney stones. There were nearly 200 responses, and here are the most common at-home remedies for kidney stone patients from kidney stone patients. They are not in any particular order, but I…
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Kidney Stone Risk Factors

A recent study shows who is at risk for kidney stones and why. It’s a lengthy study, so I thought I would summarize it and save you time. 🙂 Abstract Summary IntroductionKidney stones, a common urological condition, have been recognized since ancient times. Despite advances, the global prevalence of kidney stones is…
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28 Most Common Kidney Stone Myths

Here you will hear all the kidney stone prevention myths I’ve heard over the past 25 years, which have been interesting and frustrating to say the least. If these potions, pills, wives’ tales, etc, worked, millions of people would not be making kidney stones!
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Is Tea Safe for Kidney Stone Formers

Today, we discuss the oxalate levels of tea. I have written about tea and other beverages on Dr. Coe’s website from the University of Chicago, but not on my website. It’s a common question from my students and patients, so let’s dive in.
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The Oxalate Level of Beans

I hear from people all the time who say they miss eating beans. Most of the vegans and vegetarians I have worked with over the years were eating too many beans to get their protein needs met, along with never getting enough calcium into their diet. It’s a perfect mixture for making…
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The ABC’s of Kidney Stone Prevention

This post is a refresher on why each part of the Kidney Stone Diet is important and how each goal can lower your stone risk. If you forget the goals, here is a pretty infographic to put on your phone. Drink Your Fluids Students ask me all the time, “How much do I…
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Salt-Free Seasoning Recipes for Kidney Stone Formers

As you know, lowering salt in your diet is essential in preventing new stones. When we overeat sodium, we pee less, and more calcium can end up in our urine. Both of these problems can increase your kidney stone risk. I have been on a low-sodium diet (1,500 mg/day) for…
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Patient-Recommended Kidney Doctors (by state)

I’m compiling a new resource—patient-recommended kidney doctors listed by state. These referrals come from stone patients on my Facebook page and are highly rated. You will see, however, there are no referrals for Montanna, Nevada, or West Virginia. If you live in these states and love your doctor, email me…
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What Tests Exactly Should My Doctor Order for the 24-Hour Urine Collection?

This is a common question for stone formers and, frankly, many doctors are unsure of what exactly to look for—below I list the values most typically ordered. Remember to read this article to understand the importance of getting a urine collection ordered.
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