Kidney Disease/Renal Nutritionists and Dietitians in Chicago, IL
I am a dietitian and Board Certified Specialist in Renal Nutrition, based in Chicago, IL.
In my practice I'll help you understand the diet and lifestyle changes that preserve kidney function, and I provide support, perspective, and motivation to make long-lasting changes. I'll guide you to a better understanding of what kidney disease is, and how to address the root causes of your own unique disease process through dietary interventions.
I am a dietitian and Board Certified Specialist in Renal Nutrition, based in Chicago, IL.
In my practice I'll help you understand the diet and lifestyle changes that preserve kidney function, and I provide support, perspective, and motivation to make long-lasting changes. I'll guide you to a better understanding of what kidney disease is, and how to address the root causes of your own unique disease process through dietary interventions.
Lea's specialties include weight loss, PCOS, women's hormone health, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and kidney disease.
Lea is a Registered Dietitian and Health Coach with over 12 years of experience guiding individuals toward better health. With a background in dialysis, she now focuses on weight loss, helping clients build sustainable habits. Lea believes in a personalized approach, working as a team to create a plan that fits your needs. She offers support, accountability, and encouragement but emphasizes that success requires effort. Her goal is to help you make lasting, meaningful changes.
Lea's specialties include weight loss, PCOS, women's hormone health, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and kidney disease.
Lea is a Registered Dietitian and Health Coach with over 12 years of experience guiding individuals toward better health. With a background in dialysis, she now focuses on weight loss, helping clients build sustainable habits. Lea believes in a personalized approach, working as a team to create a plan that fits your needs. She offers support, accountability, and encouragement but emphasizes that success requires effort. Her goal is to help you make lasting, meaningful changes.
Christi (she/her) is a registered dietitian, a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES), and a Lifestyle Coach for the Diabetes Prevention Program. She studied dietetics and dance at Michigan State University and completed a master’s degree in applied nutrition at Russell Sage College. She helps clients with a variety of health concerns and specializes in diabetes, metabolic disorders, mental health conditions, digestion issues and weight concerns. Christi is LGBTQ+ ally with years of experience providing inclusive care.
Christi (she/her) is a registered dietitian, a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES), and a Lifestyle Coach for the Diabetes Prevention Program. She studied dietetics and dance at Michigan State University and completed a master’s degree in applied nutrition at Russell Sage College. She helps clients with a variety of health concerns and specializes in diabetes, metabolic disorders, mental health conditions, digestion issues and weight concerns. Christi is LGBTQ+ ally with years of experience providing inclusive care.
Cindy is a Registered Dietitian with a background in individualized client care and one-on-one nutrition counseling. She has built rapport with clients across various backgrounds and diagnoses, specializing in eating disorders. Cindy’s primary goal is to help clients build a strong and sustainable relationship with food that supports their long-term health goals. She provides an empathetic, trauma-informed, HAES-informed, and weight-inclusive approach, prioritizing trust and client readiness for change.
Cindy is a Registered Dietitian with a background in individualized client care and one-on-one nutrition counseling. She has built rapport with clients across various backgrounds and diagnoses, specializing in eating disorders. Cindy’s primary goal is to help clients build a strong and sustainable relationship with food that supports their long-term health goals. She provides an empathetic, trauma-informed, HAES-informed, and weight-inclusive approach, prioritizing trust and client readiness for change.
Clients are often tired of rigid food rules and constant dieting. It can be overwhelming to be expected to change the way you eat overnight. Many times, your doctor gives limited information about what to eat and does not always have the time to go into detail about what the means for your day-to-day life.
Clients are often tired of rigid food rules and constant dieting. It can be overwhelming to be expected to change the way you eat overnight. Many times, your doctor gives limited information about what to eat and does not always have the time to go into detail about what the means for your day-to-day life.
HI! I'm an RD who will customize a nutrition plan tailored to meet your specific needs and goals. Be that to reduce weight, improve autoimmune & IBS symptoms, lower blood pressure, cholesterol, or A1C. Using a science-based approach, we'll work together to develop a personalized strategy to help you meet your goals by making small, achievable dietary and lifestyle changes as I guide you, gently, through the process. I earned my master's degree in human nutrition from UIC in 2016 and have worked in Chicago as a licensed and registered dietitian ever since. I am currently seeing all clients via tele-health. I can help you improve.
HI! I'm an RD who will customize a nutrition plan tailored to meet your specific needs and goals. Be that to reduce weight, improve autoimmune & IBS symptoms, lower blood pressure, cholesterol, or A1C. Using a science-based approach, we'll work together to develop a personalized strategy to help you meet your goals by making small, achievable dietary and lifestyle changes as I guide you, gently, through the process. I earned my master's degree in human nutrition from UIC in 2016 and have worked in Chicago as a licensed and registered dietitian ever since. I am currently seeing all clients via tele-health. I can help you improve.
Specialties include: Sports Nutrition, Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating, Intuitive and Mindful Eating, Pre/Postnatal Nutrition, Plant Based Diets, Heart Health, Kidney Health, and General Lifestyle and Nutrition.
Maria is a Registered Dietitian who strongly believes in improving physical, mental, and emotional health through nutrition. Maria enjoys using her clinical background to help others navigate their unique nutritional needs by providing individualized interventions. Maria believes in a patient-centered, evidenced-based approach to nutrition care. She will help you achieve your nutrition goals through education, counseling, and therapeutic modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure response prevention therapy, and medical nutrition therapy.
Specialties include: Sports Nutrition, Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating, Intuitive and Mindful Eating, Pre/Postnatal Nutrition, Plant Based Diets, Heart Health, Kidney Health, and General Lifestyle and Nutrition.
Maria is a Registered Dietitian who strongly believes in improving physical, mental, and emotional health through nutrition. Maria enjoys using her clinical background to help others navigate their unique nutritional needs by providing individualized interventions. Maria believes in a patient-centered, evidenced-based approach to nutrition care. She will help you achieve your nutrition goals through education, counseling, and therapeutic modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure response prevention therapy, and medical nutrition therapy.
Formerly Ashley Evans. I am a Registered Dietitian and an alumna of Northern Illinois University. With over seven years of experience in the eating disorder field, I am deeply passionate about supporting individuals in their recovery journey. I began my nutrition career at a residential eating disorder facility in downtown Chicago and later expanded my expertise through roles in Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) levels of care. My nutrition philosophy emphasizes building a healthy and positive relationship with food, integrating mental, emotional, physical, and social health.
Formerly Ashley Evans. I am a Registered Dietitian and an alumna of Northern Illinois University. With over seven years of experience in the eating disorder field, I am deeply passionate about supporting individuals in their recovery journey. I began my nutrition career at a residential eating disorder facility in downtown Chicago and later expanded my expertise through roles in Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) levels of care. My nutrition philosophy emphasizes building a healthy and positive relationship with food, integrating mental, emotional, physical, and social health.
Specialities include working with clients that currently have PCOS, Pre/PostPartum nutrition, Gestational Diabetes, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease, Kidney Disease, Weight Management, Hormonal Imbalances, Thyroid Issues, Low Fodmap, Disordered Eating, High Blood Pressure, IBD, IBS, GI Conditions, Infertility Nutrition.
I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who practices out of Health Loft helping clients whom have PCOS, interests in Pre/PostPartum nutrition, Gestational Diabetes, Diabetes, or Weight Management. I help clients to craft personalized, attainable, and sustainable dietary and lifestyle changes that support their health. By collaboratively designing small, impactful steps that preserve quality of life and promote personal choice, I help my clients achieve their goals from better blood sugar control to increased energy.
Specialities include working with clients that currently have PCOS, Pre/PostPartum nutrition, Gestational Diabetes, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease, Kidney Disease, Weight Management, Hormonal Imbalances, Thyroid Issues, Low Fodmap, Disordered Eating, High Blood Pressure, IBD, IBS, GI Conditions, Infertility Nutrition.
I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who practices out of Health Loft helping clients whom have PCOS, interests in Pre/PostPartum nutrition, Gestational Diabetes, Diabetes, or Weight Management. I help clients to craft personalized, attainable, and sustainable dietary and lifestyle changes that support their health. By collaboratively designing small, impactful steps that preserve quality of life and promote personal choice, I help my clients achieve their goals from better blood sugar control to increased energy.
I specialize in eating disorders/disordered eating, emotional eating, diabetes or pre-diabetes, general health, heart health, sports & performance nutrition, chronic kidney disease, IBS, gut health, thyroid disorders, weight stabilization, weight loss medications, tube feeding (EN), total parenteral nutrition (TPN), and cancer.
I understand that life’s challenges are complex and unique to each individual. Busy schedules, limited nutrition resources, and complicated relationships with food are just some of the many factors that contribute to failed diet and lifestyle changes. I’m here to help you establish a healthy relationship with food and guide you through the connection between mind, body, and spirit to accomplish your goals. I firmly believe that wellness is a dynamic process of change and growth, “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease“.
I specialize in eating disorders/disordered eating, emotional eating, diabetes or pre-diabetes, general health, heart health, sports & performance nutrition, chronic kidney disease, IBS, gut health, thyroid disorders, weight stabilization, weight loss medications, tube feeding (EN), total parenteral nutrition (TPN), and cancer.
I understand that life’s challenges are complex and unique to each individual. Busy schedules, limited nutrition resources, and complicated relationships with food are just some of the many factors that contribute to failed diet and lifestyle changes. I’m here to help you establish a healthy relationship with food and guide you through the connection between mind, body, and spirit to accomplish your goals. I firmly believe that wellness is a dynamic process of change and growth, “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease“.
Olivia is a registered dietitian dedicated to helping individuals of all ages take a non-diet approach to nutrition while honoring both their bodies and mental health. She specializes in eating disorders, disordered eating, and intuitive and mindful eating, providing a safe space for clients to explore and challenge difficult food beliefs. Olivia believes in meeting clients where they are in their relationship with food and body to support meaningful, lasting change. She enjoys helping clients discover what healthy eating looks like in their own lives and creating a realistic sense of balance.
Olivia is a registered dietitian dedicated to helping individuals of all ages take a non-diet approach to nutrition while honoring both their bodies and mental health. She specializes in eating disorders, disordered eating, and intuitive and mindful eating, providing a safe space for clients to explore and challenge difficult food beliefs. Olivia believes in meeting clients where they are in their relationship with food and body to support meaningful, lasting change. She enjoys helping clients discover what healthy eating looks like in their own lives and creating a realistic sense of balance.
Heather is passionate about working collaboratively with her clients to help them heal their relationship with their body and food. She works with clients to facilitate changes that will improve overall quality of life. She believes that food and nutrition should not only support someone’s physical health, but their social, emotional, and mental health as well. Her own experiences have fueled her particular interest in intuitive eating, disordered eating and HAES aligned care. She loves working alongside clients to find creative ways to make food both nourishing and enjoyable. Through evidence-based practice and individualized care,
Heather is passionate about working collaboratively with her clients to help them heal their relationship with their body and food. She works with clients to facilitate changes that will improve overall quality of life. She believes that food and nutrition should not only support someone’s physical health, but their social, emotional, and mental health as well. Her own experiences have fueled her particular interest in intuitive eating, disordered eating and HAES aligned care. She loves working alongside clients to find creative ways to make food both nourishing and enjoyable. Through evidence-based practice and individualized care,
Jenny is a registered dietitian who has helped people manage their nutrition and weight through some of the most critical times of their lives. She has worked with conditions including weight loss, pregnancy, postpartum, poor weight gain, feeding difficulties, gastrointestinal disease, congenital heart disease, transplant, and inborn errors of metabolism. She loves working with children and adults alike and believes there is something to learn from every client she meets. Jenny strives to be a good listener and understand her clients' goals and struggles.
Jenny is a registered dietitian who has helped people manage their nutrition and weight through some of the most critical times of their lives. She has worked with conditions including weight loss, pregnancy, postpartum, poor weight gain, feeding difficulties, gastrointestinal disease, congenital heart disease, transplant, and inborn errors of metabolism. She loves working with children and adults alike and believes there is something to learn from every client she meets. Jenny strives to be a good listener and understand her clients' goals and struggles.
When the majority of your thoughts constantly revolve around food, your body, or your weight, it can feel like you’re constantly battling with yourself. It’s exhausting- and it’s not your fault. Diet culture thrives on disconnecting you from your body’s wisdom, leaving you stuck in cycles of shame, confusion, and self-blame. You deserve better. I’m here to help you tune back into yourself: to rebuild trust with your body, make peace with food, and reclaim your energy for things that actually matter in your life.
When the majority of your thoughts constantly revolve around food, your body, or your weight, it can feel like you’re constantly battling with yourself. It’s exhausting- and it’s not your fault. Diet culture thrives on disconnecting you from your body’s wisdom, leaving you stuck in cycles of shame, confusion, and self-blame. You deserve better. I’m here to help you tune back into yourself: to rebuild trust with your body, make peace with food, and reclaim your energy for things that actually matter in your life.
I can also help you navigate different conditions such as heart conditions, gastrointestinal conditions, kidney disease and more!
My goal is to help you improve your relationship with food & ditch the fad diets. My goal is to not only help my clients lose weight but also the skills you will need to maintain results you achieve by building a solid foundation of baseline habits that will serve you for the rest of your life. Whether you want to lose weight, help aid in preventing or a plan that will help you treat a disease, you want to just improve your overall health & wellness, I am here to help you! I accept insurance as well as private pay.
I can also help you navigate different conditions such as heart conditions, gastrointestinal conditions, kidney disease and more!
My goal is to help you improve your relationship with food & ditch the fad diets. My goal is to not only help my clients lose weight but also the skills you will need to maintain results you achieve by building a solid foundation of baseline habits that will serve you for the rest of your life. Whether you want to lose weight, help aid in preventing or a plan that will help you treat a disease, you want to just improve your overall health & wellness, I am here to help you! I accept insurance as well as private pay.
I specialize in obesity/weight reduction, sports nutrition, women's health (Menopause, Perimenopause, PCOS, etc), Thyroid, diabetes, renal, cardiac (hypertension/high cholesterol), and Gut Health/GI conditions (IBS, Diverticulitis, Celiac, etc.).
My goal is to empower my clients with the tools necessary for achieving lasting success in their pursuit of a healthier life. I accomplish this by incorporating nutrition education, behavioral and lifestyle modifications, and physical activity into my guidance.
I specialize in obesity/weight reduction, sports nutrition, women's health (Menopause, Perimenopause, PCOS, etc), Thyroid, diabetes, renal, cardiac (hypertension/high cholesterol), and Gut Health/GI conditions (IBS, Diverticulitis, Celiac, etc.).
My goal is to empower my clients with the tools necessary for achieving lasting success in their pursuit of a healthier life. I accomplish this by incorporating nutrition education, behavioral and lifestyle modifications, and physical activity into my guidance.
Her specialities are weight management, gastrointestinal disorders, type 2 diabetes, elevated cholesterol, kidney disease and cancer.
I enjoy working with clients who are interested in learning about the role of nutrition in their well-being, energy level and overall health. I love seeing my client who struggled to lose weight their entire life end up reaching their most wanted body, looking and feeling at their best without starvation but by making manageable macronutrient modifications.
Her specialities are weight management, gastrointestinal disorders, type 2 diabetes, elevated cholesterol, kidney disease and cancer.
I enjoy working with clients who are interested in learning about the role of nutrition in their well-being, energy level and overall health. I love seeing my client who struggled to lose weight their entire life end up reaching their most wanted body, looking and feeling at their best without starvation but by making manageable macronutrient modifications.
Specialties include Eating disorders, Disordered Eating, Digestive Issues (IBS, IBD), Crohn's, Celiac, Weight Management for Adults/Adolescents, Diabetes, GERD, Allergy Nutrition, PCOS, Cardiovascular Disease, Kidney Disorders, High Blood Pressure, and other conditions.
As a dedicated and compassionate dietitian, Kristin specializes in helping her clients achieve their health and wellness goals through personalized nutrition and lifestyle changes. With a deep understanding that each individual’s dietary needs are unique, she tailors her approach to suit her client’s specific lifestyle, health conditions and goals. Kristin focuses on promoting intuitive eating and fostering a positive relationship with food, helping her clients to listen to their body’s cues and develop a more balanced and mindful approach to eating.
Specialties include Eating disorders, Disordered Eating, Digestive Issues (IBS, IBD), Crohn's, Celiac, Weight Management for Adults/Adolescents, Diabetes, GERD, Allergy Nutrition, PCOS, Cardiovascular Disease, Kidney Disorders, High Blood Pressure, and other conditions.
As a dedicated and compassionate dietitian, Kristin specializes in helping her clients achieve their health and wellness goals through personalized nutrition and lifestyle changes. With a deep understanding that each individual’s dietary needs are unique, she tailors her approach to suit her client’s specific lifestyle, health conditions and goals. Kristin focuses on promoting intuitive eating and fostering a positive relationship with food, helping her clients to listen to their body’s cues and develop a more balanced and mindful approach to eating.
I started Viva Real Renal Care as a resource to help people suffering with chronic kidney disease, but our services don’t stop there: We’re prepared to help patients address a range of health conditions that intersect directly with diet. We are based in New Mexico, but can see patients virtually across the country using your existing health insurance benefits, typically at no cost to you. We are also bilingual, and speak both Spanish, English, and the unique Spanglish dialects that live throughout the U.S. We look forward to serving you and empowering you to change your life!
I started Viva Real Renal Care as a resource to help people suffering with chronic kidney disease, but our services don’t stop there: We’re prepared to help patients address a range of health conditions that intersect directly with diet. We are based in New Mexico, but can see patients virtually across the country using your existing health insurance benefits, typically at no cost to you. We are also bilingual, and speak both Spanish, English, and the unique Spanglish dialects that live throughout the U.S. We look forward to serving you and empowering you to change your life!
Taking the first step to heal your relationship with food and body can feel overwhelming! My goal is to ensure that you don’t have to walk that path alone. I am a dietitian with experience working with eating disorders, disordered eating, and body image concerns. I believe the right path forward looks different for each person. Therefore, I take a trauma-informed and patient-centered approach. This is achieved through modeling genuine curiosity and empathy. Together, we will identify strategies that help you reclaim your health while maintaining a healthy relationship with food.
Taking the first step to heal your relationship with food and body can feel overwhelming! My goal is to ensure that you don’t have to walk that path alone. I am a dietitian with experience working with eating disorders, disordered eating, and body image concerns. I believe the right path forward looks different for each person. Therefore, I take a trauma-informed and patient-centered approach. This is achieved through modeling genuine curiosity and empathy. Together, we will identify strategies that help you reclaim your health while maintaining a healthy relationship with food.
Kidney Disease/Renal Nutritionists and Dietitians
What are the symptoms of kidney disease?
The kidneys play a vital role in filtering blood and removing waste products from the body. Symptoms of kidney disease thus typically reflect the kidneys' reduced ability to perform these functions effectively; such symptoms include nausea, vomiting, changes in urination patterns, fatigue, hypertension (high blood pressure), and swelling or fluid retention in the body. Because kidney disease tends to be chronic, symptoms often develop gradually over time. Fortunately, diet modifications and lifestyle changes can be particularly important in managing kidney disease and preserving kidney function. Early intervention and lifestyle modifications are critical to prevent disease progression to end-stage kidney disease, which may require very invasive treatments like dialysis or a kidney transplant.
What foods should I avoid if I have kidney disease?
Managing diet is crucial for individuals with kidney disease to maintain kidney health. Specifically, it is important for individuals with kidney disease to avoid foods high in sodium, potassium, and phosphorus, as impaired kidneys may struggle to regulate these nutrients effectively, leading to complications such as hypertension and fluid retention. Choosing to prepare meals at home and avoiding processed foods—such as chips, canned goods, and soups—can significantly reduce sodium intake. Additionally, limiting consumption of high-potassium foods like bananas, oranges, beans, and dairy products, as well as phosphorus-rich foods such as whole grains, nuts, and certain dairy items, is important. Working with a dietitian specializing in renal nutrition can be a great option for those with kidney disease, as dietitians can provide tailored dietary strategies to support kidney function and offer individualized guidance on specific foods someone should avoid depending on the stage of their disease.
Can kidney disease be prevented with nutrition?
Adopting a healthy and balanced diet can play a critical role in reducing the risk of developing kidney disease. A diet that promotes healthy cholesterol levels and helps control blood pressure is particularly important, as these health factors can contribute to kidney disease risk. Additional strategies to support kidney health include limiting sodium intake to a maximum of 2,300 mg per day and maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. Managing diabetes and reducing consumption of high-sugar foods are essential, given that diabetes is a major contributor to kidney disease development. These dietary practices, alongside regular medical check-ups and lifestyle adjustments, can help mitigate one's risk of developing kidney disease.
What diet is best for people with kidney disease?
Instead of focusing on a single type of food, it is recommended that individuals with kidney disease follow dietary guidelines tailored to support kidney health. This often involves managing the intake of certain nutrients, such as sodium, potassium, and phosphorus, and maintaining a balanced diet rich in fiber, healthy fats, and lean protein. Nutrition experts also often recommend the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet for individuals with kidney disease. Known for its ability to lower blood pressure and improve heart health, the DASH diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy while reducing saturated fats. For those undergoing dialysis due to end-stage kidney disease, there may be additional dietary needs. Monitoring fluid intake and protein consumption closely is particularly crucial, as dialysis treatments can affect fluid and protein levels in the body.