Is All Sugar Bad or Only Added Sugar?

Jill Harris, LPN, CHC

May 15, 2021

Despite the cold temps we’re experiencing in the midwest, summer will be here any minute. And that means different fruits and veggies will be in season. You may think I need to get a life, but I am very excited about this upcoming event!

Many of us have a sweet tooth and have a hard time limiting sugar in our diet. I keep a fruit bowl right on my kitchen table so that when I find myself wanting a sweet treat, I can’t help but see the bowl as I pass through to my snack drawer, so it is a constant reminder to choose healthy when I crave something sweet. It works…most of the time. And that is what I want you to strive for—choosing healthy more times than not.

May I also take this time to remind you to revisit your oxalate list? So many of my private patients avoid fruits they need not avoid on their lower oxalate diet. We all get notions stuck in our heads for whatever reason and need to be reminded that there is so much we CAN eat on a lower oxalate diet. All fruits (except raspberries) are literally on the table. Get your calcium needs met and keep your oxalate under 100 mg/day (unless your doc has told you otherwise). Portion NOT perfection is the mantra.

I hope you enjoy this week’s podcast on sugar. Jeff and I enjoy making these videos for you. We desperately try to get the message across that kidney stones can be prevented with the right treatment plan. And as a reminder, if you want to lose weight, you can do that too with the kidney stone diet.

If you haven’t already, please take a minute to subscribe to the YouTube channel so that others like you can find the correct information regarding kidney stone prevention.

Your friend and ally,
Jill

Snacks don’t have to be boring to be healthy!

The Kidney Stone Diet Safe Snacks & Desserts ebook is filled with 30 simple, safe, and satisfying snacks to help you maintain the goals of the Kidney Stone Diet.

Click here to view!

Simple, satisfying smoothies for kidney stone formers

We should be having 2 cups of fruit and 3 cups of veggies each day and smoothies are a great way to help hit those goals.

Click here to view the book!

About the Author

Jill Harris is a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) who specializes in kidney stone prevention. Her goal is to teach you what you need to know and, more importantly, how to put that knowledge to work so you can stop forming stones. For good.

William Brodows

August 18, 2023

Hi, Jill. About three years ago, you responded to my question in your blog that orange juice with calcium was a good source of calcium to take with foods with oxalate even though calcium supplements were not I just read an article by an NYU.doctor who said diet calcium is not helpful. Have your views or the medical community’s views changed? Thx.

Reply
1. Jill Harris, LPN, CHC
  
  December 1, 2023
  
  Hi William,
  Our views have definately NOT changed.
  j
  
  Reply
Roslyn Kehoe

November 12, 2023

That was really helpful about not eating too much sugar. I haven’t been told that I have kidney stones but I think I have the symptoms. Been passing a little bit of blood (I am 59 years old!). I was pre-menopausal at 43 years.

I’m fond of fruit. But my husband likes his junk food. All the ‘C’s’ he calls it, crisps, chocolate etc. It is so tempting when I feel hungry just to reach for those things instead of fruit. I’m going to try and remember what you said about going to the fruit bowl instead. Thank you.

Reply
1. Jill Harris, LPN, CHC
  
  December 1, 2023
  
  Hi Roslyn,
  It is my pleasure to help. It is hard when we live with someone who eats stuff we are trying to avoid. Do your best. Your body is worth it.
  j
  
  Reply
Brandon Wise

January 4, 2024

Hi Jill,

If someone is unable to get enough calcium into their daily diet. Is there any supplemental calcium that can be taken?

Reply
1. Jill Harris, LPN, CHC
  
  January 7, 2024
  
  Hi Brandon,
  Supplements in pill form are known to increase stone risk. Can you not do plant milks?
  j
  
  Reply

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