with Jill Harris, LPN, CHC
Reducing Kidney Stone Risk
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GLP-1 and Kidney Stones: What You Need to Know
There are an estimated 30 million (1 in 8) Americans who are taking GLP-1 medications now. You may know them by names like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, or Zepbound. And because I work with kidney stone formers every day, the question naturally comes up: Do these medications increase kidney stone risk?…
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You’re Just a Stone Former
One of the most frustrating things I hear from patients is this: “My doctor told me I’m just a stone former.” Sometimes the patient says it about themselves, too. “I guess I’m just a stone former.” They say it like it is a diagnosis, a personality trait, and a prison…
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How Long Does It Take a Kidney Stone to Pass
I’ve been asked this question countless times in my long career. There are many things to know about passing kidney stones, so let’s get right to it! How long it takes to pass a kidney stone depends on two main factors: the stone’s size and its location in your urinary…
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Calcium and Kidney Stones: Why You Need It to Lower Oxalate
Calcium and oxalate in the gut When you eat, food travels into your small intestine. This is where nutrients—including calcium and oxalate—are absorbed. Oxalate is found in foods such as spinach, almonds, chia seeds, cashews, and buckwheat groats (see a list of the highest oxalate foods). On its own, oxalate…
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Which Vitamins Increase Kidney Stone Risk
The Billion-Dollar Supplement Myth We don’t trust the pharmaceutical industry because it’s primarily driven by profit. Fair enough. But here’s the uncomfortable truth: the supplement industry is just as money-driven—and even less regulated. In 2024, Americans spent over $40 billion on supplements. That’s billions of dollars poured into bottles with…
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MSK and Kidney Stones: The Diagnosis You May Never Hear
MSK is a condition you’re born with. It affects the tiny tubes inside your kidneys that help carry urine out of your body. In MSK, the inner part of the kidney (called the medulla) forms small pouch-like sacs that look a bit like a sponge. These little sacs slow down…
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The Silent Stone Maker
If you’ve had a 24-hour urine test that shows high calcium, and you’re still forming stones despite following the Kidney Stone Diet®, you need to know about Primary Hyperparathyroidism (PHPT).
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Potassium Citrate: Miracle Stone Stopper or Medical Myth?
Potassium citrate—many are on it, many more might benefit from it. To see if this little pill is a good addition to YOUR kidney stone prevention tool kit, get a 24-hour urine collection—it’ll tell you everything you need to know. What does potassium citrate do? When you take potassium citrate,…
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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 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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Treating Yourself on the Weekend
Today, I want to talk about that tendency many of us have to eat well during the week and “treat ourselves” over the weekend.
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13 Things To Do At Your First Kidney Stone Appointment
Hi! When I was going through my cancer journey, there were so many times I left my doctor’s office baffled. I was sick and scared, and even though I’m a nurse with 21 years of kidney stone prevention under my belt, I knew nothing about cancer. I often found myself…
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The Most Critical Question to Ask Your Doctor
What are the most important discussion points to have with your doctor when you are newly diagnosed with a kidney stone? Let’s get right to it! Give your doctor a complete history of your kidney stone(s). Alert your doc if there is a family history of kidney stones or bone…
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What We Believe, We Become
I am a firm believer in “what you believe is what you become,” even if you don’t wholeheartedly believe what you’re telling yourself in the moment. Let me explain. On most days—even before the pandemic—I have been known to wear gym clothes. People ask me why? The answer is I…
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8 Principal Reasons Why Patients Make New Stones
After 24 years in the stone prevention sector, I feel blessed and grateful that I continue to have a gratifying career. As a nurse, it is one of my greatest passions to help patients understand that diet and lifestyle choices make a difference in maintaining a healthy body and mind.…
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What to Eat When Out With Friends
In these posts, I like to address the topics I hear about most frequently from patients and Facebook Group Members. The common topic in the group this week has been eating while away from home (or ordering take-out food). This is a common dilemma for so many of my patients.…
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24-Hour Urine Collections: Why They Matter and How to Approach Them
The first thing I want to tell you about 24-hour urine collections is that they are vital in determining what is causing your stones. Your results will show diet issues and/or other medical conditions that could be the culprit. Many doctors don’t order them initially and will say, “let’s just…
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What Is The Kidney Stone Diet?
Every year nearly one million Americans suffer through the severe pain of kidney stones, yet most kidney stones are completely avoidable. The Kidney Stone Diet® will not only decrease your likelihood of taking a ride in an ambulance due to a kidney stone, but it may also help you with…
“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