A quarter cup of pumpkin seeds has only four milligrams of oxalate. Yet many people get told to never eat nuts or seeds again after a kidney stone. Fear can quickly make your world feel too small. You might cut out whole food groups that you can safely enjoy. We break down which snacks are actually safe and which ones you should skip.

We take away almonds, cashews, and chia seeds. Their oxalate levels run way too high. Oxalate is a natural plant compound that can form kidney stones. Almonds eat up almost your entire daily budget in just two tablespoons. That does not mean you have to skip every crunchy snack, though.

Pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, pistachios, and walnuts can easily fit into your day. We share the exact portion sizes and numbers for each one. You will learn how to bring good food back to your plate while protecting your kidneys.

Get Featured!
Leave us a voice message at call.show/kidneystonediet to be featured on the show!

Chapters

• (00:00) - Nuts, Seeds, and Kidney Stone Fears

When you're ready, here's how I can help
Since 1998, I've helped thousands of patients prevent kidney stones. With my Kidney Stone Diet All-Access Pass, you get access to every prevention tool I've ever created:

• Weekly Kidney Stone Diet Meal Plans
  • ​4 meals per day, 7 days per week
• Weekly Kidney Stone Prevention Group Consultations
  • 3 video calls per week with me and the Kidney Stone Diet community
• All of my Kidney Stone Diet Ebooks
  • Low Oxalate Protein Bars, Kidney Stone Safe Smoothies, Kidney Stone Safe Snacks & Desserts, and the Low Oxalate Cookbook
• Plus, 20% Off Private Consultations

And, as a BONUS, you'll get my flagship Kidney Stone Prevention Course (normally $249) absolutely free!

LEARN MORE!

——

WHO IS JILL HARRIS? _
Since 1998, Jill Harris has been the #1 kidney stone prevention nurse helping patients prevent kidney stones. Drawing from her work with world-renowned University of Chicago nephrologist, Dr. Fred Coe, and the thousands of patients she's worked with directly, she created the Kidney Stone Diet®. With a simple, self-guided online video course, meal plans, cookbooks, group consultations, and private consultations, Kidney Stone Diet® is Jill's effort to help as many patients as possible prevent kidney stones for good.

You do not have to give up your morning coffee or tea to stop kidney stones. Many people hear that caffeine causes stones, but that is a myth. Having a couple of cups a day can actually lower your risk by adding to your daily fluids.

We explain what really happens with tea, coffee, and oxalate. Tea does have oxalate, especially if you let the bag steep for hours. Still, having one or two normal cups will not spike your levels. We also share how calcium binds to oxalate in your gut so your body gets rid of it safely.

Caffeine acts like a diuretic, so the real problem is getting dehydrated if you forget to drink water. You will walk away knowing how to balance your favorite drinks with water so you stay healthy. You can enjoy your mug each morning without the fear or guilt.

Get Featured!
Leave us a voice message at call.show/kidneystonediet to be featured on the show!

Chapters

• (00:00) - Debunking Coffee and Tea Kidney Stone Myths

When you're ready, here's how I can help
Since 1998, I've helped thousands of patients prevent kidney stones. With my Kidney Stone Diet All-Access Pass, you get access to every prevention tool I've ever created:

• Weekly Kidney Stone Diet Meal Plans
  • ​4 meals per day, 7 days per week
• Weekly Kidney Stone Prevention Group Consultations
  • 3 video calls per week with me and the Kidney Stone Diet community
• All of my Kidney Stone Diet Ebooks
  • Low Oxalate Protein Bars, Kidney Stone Safe Smoothies, Kidney Stone Safe Snacks & Desserts, and the Low Oxalate Cookbook
• Plus, 20% Off Private Consultations

And, as a BONUS, you'll get my flagship Kidney Stone Prevention Course (normally $249) absolutely free!

LEARN MORE!

——

WHO IS JILL HARRIS? _
Since 1998, Jill Harris has been the #1 kidney stone prevention nurse helping patients prevent kidney stones. Drawing from her work with world-renowned University of Chicago nephrologist, Dr. Fred Coe, and the thousands of patients she's worked with directly, she created the Kidney Stone Diet®. With a simple, self-guided online video course, meal plans, cookbooks, group consultations, and private consultations, Kidney Stone Diet® is Jill's effort to help as many patients as possible prevent kidney stones for good.

Mixing almond milk and chocolate protein powder into your daily smoothie can spike your kidney stone risk. The internet says you need huge amounts of protein every day. You do need protein to keep your muscles strong as you age. But you have to get it safely. We break down what protein powders do to your kidneys and what to buy instead.

We look at what is hiding on nutrition labels. You will learn why collagen and spinach powders can raise oxalate levels in your body. We share simple swaps, like choosing vanilla over chocolate and using pea or coconut milk instead of nut milks. We also explain why drinks with very high calcium should be split into two servings so your body can absorb them.

Skipping meals for a protein shake is not a lasting way to lose weight. It often causes binges and raises your stone risk later. We share safe choices like whey isolate, egg white powder, and pumpkin seed powder. You can hit your daily protein goals, protect your kidneys, and stay strong.

Get Featured!
Leave us a voice message at call.show/kidneystonediet to be featured on the show!

Chapters

• (00:00) - Protein Needs and Safety for Older Adults

When you're ready, here's how I can help
Since 1998, I've helped thousands of patients prevent kidney stones. With my Kidney Stone Diet All-Access Pass, you get access to every prevention tool I've ever created:

• Weekly Kidney Stone Diet Meal Plans
  • ​4 meals per day, 7 days per week
• Weekly Kidney Stone Prevention Group Consultations
  • 3 video calls per week with me and the Kidney Stone Diet community
• All of my Kidney Stone Diet Ebooks
  • Low Oxalate Protein Bars, Kidney Stone Safe Smoothies, Kidney Stone Safe Snacks & Desserts, and the Low Oxalate Cookbook
• Plus, 20% Off Private Consultations

And, as a BONUS, you'll get my flagship Kidney Stone Prevention Course (normally $249) absolutely free!

LEARN MORE!

——

WHO IS JILL HARRIS? _
Since 1998, Jill Harris has been the #1 kidney stone prevention nurse helping patients prevent kidney stones. Drawing from her work with world-renowned University of Chicago nephrologist, Dr. Fred Coe, and the thousands of patients she's worked with directly, she created the Kidney Stone Diet®. With a simple, self-guided online video course, meal plans, cookbooks, group consultations, and private consultations, Kidney Stone Diet® is Jill's effort to help as many patients as possible prevent kidney stones for good.

Honey and maple syrup count as added sugar, just like white table sugar. Eating too much sweetener increases calcium in your urine and lowers your urine volume. Both of those changes make kidney stones much more likely to form. Up to sixty percent of stone formers have high urine calcium, and extra sugar makes that problem worse.

We break down how different sweeteners affect your body, including their glycemic index numbers. Maple syrup scores fifty-four, honey scores fifty-eight to sixty, and table sugar scores sixty-five. You will learn the daily sugar limits to aim for: twenty-five grams for women and thirty-eight grams for men. We also share why you do not have to give up treats forever.

You will walk away with simple ways to cut back on sugar without feeling miserable. Changing your diet takes time and patience, but your cravings will fade as you take baby steps. You do not need perfection to protect your kidneys. Just focus on your portions and keep drinking plenty of water.

Get Featured!
Leave us a voice message at call.show/kidneystonediet to be featured on the show!

Chapters

• (00:00) - Natural Sweeteners and Urine Calcium Risks

When you're ready, here's how I can help
Since 1998, I've helped thousands of patients prevent kidney stones. With my Kidney Stone Diet All-Access Pass, you get access to every prevention tool I've ever created:

• Weekly Kidney Stone Diet Meal Plans
  • ​4 meals per day, 7 days per week
• Weekly Kidney Stone Prevention Group Consultations
  • 3 video calls per week with me and the Kidney Stone Diet community
• All of my Kidney Stone Diet Ebooks
  • Low Oxalate Protein Bars, Kidney Stone Safe Smoothies, Kidney Stone Safe Snacks & Desserts, and the Low Oxalate Cookbook
• Plus, 20% Off Private Consultations

And, as a BONUS, you'll get my flagship Kidney Stone Prevention Course (normally $249) absolutely free!

LEARN MORE!

——

WHO IS JILL HARRIS? _
Since 1998, Jill Harris has been the #1 kidney stone prevention nurse helping patients prevent kidney stones. Drawing from her work with world-renowned University of Chicago nephrologist, Dr. Fred Coe, and the thousands of patients she's worked with directly, she created the Kidney Stone Diet®. With a simple, self-guided online video course, meal plans, cookbooks, group consultations, and private consultations, Kidney Stone Diet® is Jill's effort to help as many patients as possible prevent kidney stones for good.

You need to make at least two and a half liters of urine every day to stop kidney stones. It is not just about how much water you drink. It is about how much leaves your body. When you pee enough, you flush out tiny mineral crystals. That keeps them from sticking together into painful stones.

Two people can drink the exact same amount and pee very different amounts. Salt and added sugar make your body hold onto water. Sweating, bowel issues, and watery fruits also change your numbers. We explain why your body reacts this way. We also share why other fluids like milk, juice, and smoothies count toward your daily goals.

We show you simple ways to track your output at home without daily lab tests. A quick look at your urine color tells you a lot. You can also save a collection jug to check your volume every few months. You will leave with clear steps to keep your kidneys clean and healthy.

Get Featured!
Leave us a voice message at call.show/kidneystonediet to be featured on the show!

Chapters

• (00:00) - Urine Output Versus Daily Water Intake

When you're ready, here's how I can help
Since 1998, I've helped thousands of patients prevent kidney stones. With my Kidney Stone Diet All-Access Pass, you get access to every prevention tool I've ever created:

• Weekly Kidney Stone Diet Meal Plans
  • ​4 meals per day, 7 days per week
• Weekly Kidney Stone Prevention Group Consultations
  • 3 video calls per week with me and the Kidney Stone Diet community
• All of my Kidney Stone Diet Ebooks
  • Low Oxalate Protein Bars, Kidney Stone Safe Smoothies, Kidney Stone Safe Snacks & Desserts, and the Low Oxalate Cookbook
• Plus, 20% Off Private Consultations

And, as a BONUS, you'll get my flagship Kidney Stone Prevention Course (normally $249) absolutely free!

LEARN MORE!

——

WHO IS JILL HARRIS? _
Since 1998, Jill Harris has been the #1 kidney stone prevention nurse helping patients prevent kidney stones. Drawing from her work with world-renowned University of Chicago nephrologist, Dr. Fred Coe, and the thousands of patients she's worked with directly, she created the Kidney Stone Diet®. With a simple, self-guided online video course, meal plans, cookbooks, group consultations, and private consultations, Kidney Stone Diet® is Jill's effort to help as many patients as possible prevent kidney stones for good.

You cut out spinach and almonds completely, but your urine tests still show high oxalate. It is deeply frustrating when you work hard and still make kidney stones. We walk you through why your oxalate stays high even on a healthy diet.

We explain how calcium acts like a magnet for oxalate inside your body. When you eat half a sweet potato with cottage cheese, the calcium binds to the oxalate. Your body flushes them both out in your stool. Without enough calcium, that extra oxalate passes straight into your blood. We also look at how stomach issues or fat absorption problems break this process apart.

We also cover how taking extra vitamin C supplements can secretly raise your oxalate levels. You will walk away knowing exactly what your urine test numbers mean. You will get clear, actionable steps to balance your meals and protect your health.

Get Featured!
Leave us a voice message at call.show/kidneystonediet to be featured on the show!

Chapters

• (00:00) - 24 Hour Urine Collection and Sodium Intake

When you're ready, here's how I can help
Since 1998, I've helped thousands of patients prevent kidney stones. With my Kidney Stone Diet All-Access Pass, you get access to every prevention tool I've ever created:

• Weekly Kidney Stone Diet Meal Plans
  • ​4 meals per day, 7 days per week
• Weekly Kidney Stone Prevention Group Consultations
  • 3 video calls per week with me and the Kidney Stone Diet community
• All of my Kidney Stone Diet Ebooks
  • Low Oxalate Protein Bars, Kidney Stone Safe Smoothies, Kidney Stone Safe Snacks & Desserts, and the Low Oxalate Cookbook
• Plus, 20% Off Private Consultations

And, as a BONUS, you'll get my flagship Kidney Stone Prevention Course (normally $249) absolutely free!

LEARN MORE!

——

WHO IS JILL HARRIS? _
Since 1998, Jill Harris has been the #1 kidney stone prevention nurse helping patients prevent kidney stones. Drawing from her work with world-renowned University of Chicago nephrologist, Dr. Fred Coe, and the thousands of patients she's worked with directly, she created the Kidney Stone Diet®. With a simple, self-guided online video course, meal plans, cookbooks, group consultations, and private consultations, Kidney Stone Diet® is Jill's effort to help as many patients as possible prevent kidney stones for good.

Up to 60 percent of calcium kidney stone formers have too much calcium in their urine. You will never know this is happening without a 24-hour urine test. We walk you through the top five reasons your body leaks extra calcium into your urine. We also share what you can do to stop it.

High urine calcium often comes from eating too much salt or too much meat protein. Taking high doses of vitamin D can also cause it. Sometimes, small glands in your neck pull calcium straight out of your bones. That extra calcium dumps into your kidneys, creating stones and leaving your bones weak.

We show you how to spot these causes and talk to your doctor. You will learn simple food changes, like eating less sodium, that keep calcium where it belongs. We help you protect your kidneys and keep your bones strong.

Get Featured!
Leave us a voice message at call.show/kidneystonediet to be featured on the show!

Chapters

• (00:00) - Understanding Kidney Stone Formation

When you're ready, here's how I can help
Since 1998, I've helped thousands of patients prevent kidney stones. With my Kidney Stone Diet All-Access Pass, you get access to every prevention tool I've ever created:

• Weekly Kidney Stone Diet Meal Plans
  • ​4 meals per day, 7 days per week
• Weekly Kidney Stone Prevention Group Consultations
  • 3 video calls per week with me and the Kidney Stone Diet community
• All of my Kidney Stone Diet Ebooks
  • Low Oxalate Protein Bars, Kidney Stone Safe Smoothies, Kidney Stone Safe Snacks & Desserts, and the Low Oxalate Cookbook
• Plus, 20% Off Private Consultations

And, as a BONUS, you'll get my flagship Kidney Stone Prevention Course (normally $249) absolutely free!

LEARN MORE!

——

WHO IS JILL HARRIS? _
Since 1998, Jill Harris has been the #1 kidney stone prevention nurse helping patients prevent kidney stones. Drawing from her work with world-renowned University of Chicago nephrologist, Dr. Fred Coe, and the thousands of patients she's worked with directly, she created the Kidney Stone Diet®. With a simple, self-guided online video course, meal plans, cookbooks, group consultations, and private consultations, Kidney Stone Diet® is Jill's effort to help as many patients as possible prevent kidney stones for good.

Too many doctors tell patients they are just kidney stone formers. They say nothing can be done. That is simply not true. There is always a reason why your body makes stones. We explain why surgeons often miss prevention steps.

We talk about the single most important test you need: a 24-hour urine collection. You will learn what to say if your doctor refuses to order it. We also cover other health workers who can order this lab test for you.

You do not have to live with stones for decades or risk losing a kidney. The right treatment plan can lower your stone risk by up to 80 percent. You will walk away ready to get real answers based on your actual lab results.

Get Featured!
Leave us a voice message at call.show/kidneystonediet to be featured on the show!

Chapters

• (00:00) - Flaws in Kidney Stone Diagnoses

When you're ready, here's how I can help
Since 1998, I've helped thousands of patients prevent kidney stones. With my Kidney Stone Diet All-Access Pass, you get access to every prevention tool I've ever created:

• Weekly Kidney Stone Diet Meal Plans
  • ​4 meals per day, 7 days per week
• Weekly Kidney Stone Prevention Group Consultations
  • 3 video calls per week with me and the Kidney Stone Diet community
• All of my Kidney Stone Diet Ebooks
  • Low Oxalate Protein Bars, Kidney Stone Safe Smoothies, Kidney Stone Safe Snacks & Desserts, and the Low Oxalate Cookbook
• Plus, 20% Off Private Consultations

And, as a BONUS, you'll get my flagship Kidney Stone Prevention Course (normally $249) absolutely free!

LEARN MORE!

——

WHO IS JILL HARRIS? _
Since 1998, Jill Harris has been the #1 kidney stone prevention nurse helping patients prevent kidney stones. Drawing from her work with world-renowned University of Chicago nephrologist, Dr. Fred Coe, and the thousands of patients she's worked with directly, she created the Kidney Stone Diet®. With a simple, self-guided online video course, meal plans, cookbooks, group consultations, and private consultations, Kidney Stone Diet® is Jill's effort to help as many patients as possible prevent kidney stones for good.

Kathleen asks whether her daily hibiscus tea—which she drinks to help manage blood pressure—could be putting her at risk for kidney stones. Jill breaks down what really matters with any tea: how much you're drinking, how long you steep it, and why oxalate levels can climb the longer a tea bag sits in hot water. She also shares a simple way to test any food or drink against your own 24-hour urine collection to see its real effect on your oxalate levels.

Get Featured!
Leave us a voice message at call.show/kidneystonediet to be featured on the show!

Chapters

• (00:00) - Introduction to Kidney Stone Diet Podcast

When you're ready, here's how I can help
Since 1998, I've helped thousands of patients prevent kidney stones. With my Kidney Stone Diet All-Access Pass, you get access to every prevention tool I've ever created:

• Weekly Kidney Stone Diet Meal Plans
  • ​4 meals per day, 7 days per week
• Weekly Kidney Stone Prevention Group Consultations
  • 3 video calls per week with me and the Kidney Stone Diet community
• All of my Kidney Stone Diet Ebooks
  • Low Oxalate Protein Bars, Kidney Stone Safe Smoothies, Kidney Stone Safe Snacks & Desserts, and the Low Oxalate Cookbook
• Plus, 20% Off Private Consultations

And, as a BONUS, you'll get my flagship Kidney Stone Prevention Course (normally $249) absolutely free!

LEARN MORE!

——

WHO IS JILL HARRIS? _
Since 1998, Jill Harris has been the #1 kidney stone prevention nurse helping patients prevent kidney stones. Drawing from her work with world-renowned University of Chicago nephrologist, Dr. Fred Coe, and the thousands of patients she's worked with directly, she created the Kidney Stone Diet®. With a simple, self-guided online video course, meal plans, cookbooks, group consultations, and private consultations, Kidney Stone Diet® is Jill's effort to help as many patients as possible prevent kidney stones for good.

"Drink lemon water" is the #1 piece of advice kidney stone patients hear from their doctors. But is it actually helping you? In this episode, Jill Harris breaks down why this generic advice can be useless (or even make things worse) when it's not based on your actual results.

Jill shares a real patient story: someone who made stones for 20 years, faithfully drank lemon water the whole time, and only discovered through a 24-hour urine collection that lemons were never what she needed. In her case, they were slightly raising her risk of calcium phosphate stones.

Get Featured!
Leave us a voice message at call.show/kidneystonediet to be featured on the show!

Chapters

• (00:00) - The Role of Lemons in Kidney Stone Prevention

When you're ready, here's how I can help
Since 1998, I've helped thousands of patients prevent kidney stones. With my Kidney Stone Diet All-Access Pass, you get access to every prevention tool I've ever created:

• Weekly Kidney Stone Diet Meal Plans
  • ​4 meals per day, 7 days per week
• Weekly Kidney Stone Prevention Group Consultations
  • 3 video calls per week with me and the Kidney Stone Diet community
• All of my Kidney Stone Diet Ebooks
  • Low Oxalate Protein Bars, Kidney Stone Safe Smoothies, Kidney Stone Safe Snacks & Desserts, and the Low Oxalate Cookbook
• Plus, 20% Off Private Consultations

And, as a BONUS, you'll get my flagship Kidney Stone Prevention Course (normally $249) absolutely free!

LEARN MORE!

——

WHO IS JILL HARRIS? _
Since 1998, Jill Harris has been the #1 kidney stone prevention nurse helping patients prevent kidney stones. Drawing from her work with world-renowned University of Chicago nephrologist, Dr. Fred Coe, and the thousands of patients she's worked with directly, she created the Kidney Stone Diet®. With a simple, self-guided online video course, meal plans, cookbooks, group consultations, and private consultations, Kidney Stone Diet® is Jill's effort to help as many patients as possible prevent kidney stones for good.