Melanie in the Media & Research
Scientific Articles & Presentations
Quotes & Mentions
Podcasts & Appearances
Scientific Articles & Presentations
Download Melanie’s Curriculum Vitae
Oral Presentations
2026
- Emotional Impact of Kidney Nutrition: More Than What You Eat. National Kidney Foundation Spring Clinical Meeting. New Orleans, LA. May 2026.
- Beyond Clinical Dietetics: How and why to build an online business as a registered dietitian. Georgia Council on Renal Nutrition. Atlanta, GA. April 2026.
- What Every RDN Needs to Know About Kidney Stones. Georgia Council on Renal Nutrition. Atlanta, GA. April 2026.
- What Every RDN Needs to Know About Kidney Stones. California Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics. Virtual. April 2026.
- What Every RDN Needs to Know About Kidney Stones. Texas Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics. Houston, TX. April 2026.
- What Every RDN Needs to Know About Kidney Stones. Canadian Association of Nephrology Dietitians. Virtual. February 2026.
2025
- Emotional Impact of Kidney Nutrition: More Than What You Eat. National Kidney Foundation Spring Clinical Meeting. Boston, MA. May 2025.
- Beyond Oxalate: Holistic Nutrition for Stone Prevention. National Kidney Foundation Spring Clinicals. Boston, MA. May 2025.
- Diet “Do’s” & “Don’ts” for Kidney Stones. National Kidney Foundation Spring Clinicals. Boston, MA. May 2025.
- Cardiorenal Metabolic Syndrome: What RDNs Need to Know. Diabetes Dietetic Practice Group. Virtual. February 2025
- What All Dietitians Need to Know About Kidney Stones. Nutritionist-Dietitians’ Association of the Philippines. Virtual. February 2025.
- Rethinking the “Renal Diet” in Healthcare Facilities. Dietitians in Healthcare Communities Dietetic Practice Group. Virtual. February 2025.
- Nutrition Therapy: Updates for CKD. Dietitians in Healthcare Communities of New Jersey. Virtual. January 2025.
2024
- Nutrition Updates for CKD & the Role of Plant-Based Diets. Becky Dorner & Associates. Virtual. December 2024
- Kidney Stones Diet Management. Wisconsin Council on Renal Nutrition. Madison, WI. November 2024.
- Cracking the Code: Personalized Nutrition for Kidney Stone Prevention. Michigan Council on Renal Nutrition. Webinar. November 2024.
- Optimization of Dietary & Behavioral Strategies for Kidney Stone Prevention. American Society of Nephrology Kidney Week. San Diego, CA. October 2024.
- Dietary Potassium: Effects on Serum Levels & Overall Health. American Society of Nephrology Kidney Week. San Diego, CA. October 2024.
- What Every Dietitian Should Know About Kidney Stones. Advocate Healthcare Dietitian Symposium. September 2024.
- Kidney Stone Nutrition: So Much More Than Oxalate. Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics Webinar. June 2024.
- Risky Weight Loss Tactics That Can Cause Kidney Stones. Weight Management Dietetic Practice Group Webinar. June 2024.
- Nutrition Updates for CKD & The Role of Plant Based Diets. Diabetes Dietetic Practice Group Webinar. May 2024.
- Managing Hyperkalemia in CKD with Updated Guidelines & Medications. Michigan Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics. Ann Arbor, MI. April 2024.
- Plant Based Diets in Chronic Kidney Disease. Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs. Virtual. March 2024.
- Individualized Nutrition for Kidney Stone Prevention. Pacific Northwest Renal Nutrition Association. Virtual. February 2024.
- Beyond Bananas: Potassium Management in CKD. Illinois Valley Dietitians Association. Virtual. January 2024.
2023
- Kidney Stone Nutrition: So Much More Than Oxalate. National Kidney Foundation of Illinois Interdisciplinary Conference. Chicago, IL. October 2023.
- Alkaline Diets & Consideration in CKD. Illinois Council on Renal Nutrition. Lombard, IL. May 2023.
- Alkaline Diets & Consideration in CKD. National Kidney Foundation Spring Clinical Meeting. Austin, TX. April 2023.
- Benefits of Plants for CKD. OneOp Webinar. Virtual. March 2023.
- Betz M., Penniston K. Consumption of Whole Grains and of Fruits & Vegetables, But Not Fruits or Vegetables Alone, is Associated with Higher Urinary Citrate Excretion. Research on Calculus Kinetics (ROCK Society) Annual meeting. Boston, MA. February 2023.
2022
- Protein, CKD & Older Adults: What to do? Maryland Dietetics in Health Care Communities. Virtual. October 2022.
- Improved Outcomes in CKD with a Plant Forward Approach. West Suburban Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics. Virtual. October 2022.
- Individualized Nutrition for Kidney Stone Prevention. Nebraska Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics Annual Conference. Virtual. April 2022.
- Protein, CKD & Older Adults: What to do? Healthy Aging Dietetic Practice Group. Virtual. March 2022.
2021
- Beyond Bananas: Nutritional Management of Potassium in CKD. Renal Grand Grounds, Section of Nephrology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. December 2021.
- Success Stores: Reaching Aging Populations. Healthy Aging Dietetic Practice Group Virtual Conference. May 2021.
- Nutrition as a Main Intervention to Delay Dialysis. Illinois Council on Renal Nutrition Spring Clinical Meeting. Virtual. May 2021.
- Nutrition as a Main Intervention to Delay Dialysis. National Kidney Foundation Spring Clinical Meeting. Virtual. April 2021.
2020
- KDOQI Diet Guidelines Update & Plant Based Diets in CKD. Chicago Dietetic Association. Virtual. September 2020.
Publications
- Betz M. Highlights from American Society of Nephrology 2024: Optimization of Dietary & Behavioral Strategies for Kidney Stone Prevention. Renal Nutrition Forum. 2025;44(1):9-11.
- Betz M. Kidney Stones in Short Bowel Syndrome: Causes and Preventative Measures. Practical Gastro. 2025;XLIX(5).
- Betz M. Registered Dietitian Nutritionists Can Help Prevent Kidney Stoens. Nephrology Times. October 2024.
- Patel J., Kalantar-Zadeh K., Betz M., Joshi S. A Low-Protein, Plant-Dominant Gluten-Free Diet for Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy and Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis. AKDH. 2023;30(6):517-522.
- Betz M., Dietitians in Multidisciplinary Stone Clinics: Evidence and Barriers to Their Implementation. AUA News. Published Online May 2023.
- Prest M., Betz M., Introduction to Social Media Platforms for Dietitians. Renal Nutrition Forum. 2023;42(2):7-11.
- Betz M., Penniston KL. Primary Contributors to Dietary Acid Load in Patients with Urolithiasis. J Renal Nutr. Jun 22;S1051-2276(22)00107-8.
- Betz M., Nemec K., Zisman A. Patient Perception of Plant Based Diets for Kidney Disease. J Renal Nutr. 2023;33(2):243-248.
- Betz M., Nemec K., Zisman A. Plant Based Diets in Kidney Disease: Nephrology Professionals Perspective. J Renal Nutr. 2022;32(5):552-559.
- Betz M., Coe, F., Chapman, A. Agreement of Food Records and 24-Hour Urine Studies in Clinical Practice. J Renal Nutr. 2022;32(1):P51-57.
- Betz M. Whole Diet Approach to Calcium Oxalate Kidney Stone Prevention. J Renal Nutr. 2022;32(1):e11-e17.
- Betz M. Enteral Nutrition and Risk of Kidney Stones. Support Line. 2021;43(5):4-8.
- Betz, M., Steenes, A., Peterson, L., Saunders, M. Knowledge of Renal Diet Restrictions in Patients with Non-Dialysis Dependent Chronic Kidney Disease Stages 3-5. Renal Soc Australas J. 2021;17(1):24-33.
- Betz, M. MNT in a Virtual World: A Renal Dietitian’s Perspective. 2021. J Ren Nutr. 2021;31(5):541-542.
- Betz, M., Steenes, A., Peterson, L., Saunders, M. Knowledge Does Not Correspond to Adherence of Renal Diet Restrictions in Patients with CKD Stage 3-5. J Ren Nutr. 2021;31(4):351-360.
- Betz, M. Nutrition for Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease. Renal Nutrition Forum. 2020; 39(2):3-7.
- Betz, M., Chapman, A. Autosomal Dominant Kidney Disease Patients are Not Meeting Nutrition Recommendations. Renal Nutrition Forum. 2019; 38(1):3-5.
- Betz, M. (2019). Nutrition Support and End-of-Life Considerations for the Older Adult. In Nutrition for the Older Adult (Third Ed) (pp. 515-539). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
- Betz, M. The MIND Diet May Help Prevent Alzheimer’s and Cognitive Decline. The Spectrum. Winter 2016.
- Betz, M. The MIND Diet May Oppugn Cognitive Decline. Today’s Geri Med. 2015; 8:24.
- Brown B., Roehl K., Betz M. Enteral Nutrition Formula Selection: Current Evidence and Implications for Practice. Nutr in Clin Pract. 2015; 30:652-659.
- Betz. M., Uzueta A., Rasmussen H., Gregoire M, Vanderwall C., Witowich G. Knowledge, use and perceptions of probiotics and prebiotics in hospitalized patients. Nutr & Diet. 2015; 72: 261-266.
Peer-Reviewed Presentations
- Van Arsdale S., Betz M. Low Oxalate Diets: A Case Highlighting the Danger of Over-Restriction. National Kidney Foundation Spring Clinical Meeting, New Orleans, LA. May 2026.
- Betz M. Dietitian-Led Kidney Stone Prevention Course Improves 24-Hour Urine Collections. Poster presentation at the Research on Calculus Kinetics (ROCK Society) Annual meeting. Milwaukee, WI. January 2025.
- Betz M. Registered Dietitian Nutritionists Can Help Prevent Kidney Stones. Nephrology Times. October 2024.
- Betz M. Penniston K. Participants in a Kidney Stone Education Class Have Narrow Knowledge of Kidney Stone Nutrition. Poster presentation at the Research on Calculus Kinetics (ROCK Society) Annual meeting. Minneapolis, MN. January 2024.
- Betz M., Penniston K. Despite Higher Oxalate Content, Whole Grains Should Be Encouraged in Patients with a History of Calcium Oxalate Kidney Stones. Poster presentation at Food and Nutrition Conference & Expo 2022.
- Betz M. Time Spent Verifying & Private Insurance Plan Coverage of MNT for CKD. Poster presentation at Food and Nutrition Conference & Expo 2021.
- Betz M., Saunders M. Dietary Potassium Does Not Correspond to Hyperkalemia. Poster presentation at National Kidney Foundation’s Spring Clinical Meeting 2021.
- Betz M., Nemec K., Zisman A. Perception of Plant Based Diets for CKD. Poster presentation at National Kidney Foundation’s Spring Clinical Meeting 2021.
- Betz, M., Coe, F. Correlation Between Dietary Components Measured in 24-Hour Urine Tests and Food Records in Nephrology Patients. Accepted for poster presentation at Food and Nutrition Conference & Expo 2020.
- Betz M, Steenes A., Peterson L., Saunders M. Knowledge Difference of Renal Diet by Socioeconomic & Clinical Factors in a Non-Dialysis CKD Population. March 2020. Poster presentation at National Kidney Foundation’s Virtual Spring Clinical Meeting 2020.
- Betz M., Steenes A., Peterson L., Saunders M. Knowledge of Sodium, Potassium & Phosphorus in Patients with Non-Dialysis Dependent Chronic Kidney Disease Stages 3b-5. October 2019. Poster presentation at Food and Nutrition Conference & Expo 2019.
- Betz M., Chapman A. Description and Variability of Dietary Intake in Patients with Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease. October 2018. Poster presentation at Kidney Week; American Society of Nephrology 2018.
- Betz M., Chapman A., Peterson S. Patients with Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease are Not Meeting Nutrition Recommendations. October 2018. Poster presentation at Food and Nutrition Conference & Expo 2018.
- Betz M.V., Peterson S., Sowa D. Relationship between Subjective Global Assessment and Functional Independence Measurements among Acute Rehabilitation Patients. October 2015. Poster presentation at Food and Nutrition Conference & Expo 2015.
- Betz M., Peterson S., Sowa D. Improved Calorie and Protein Intake Following Implementation of Formed Pureed Foods. February 2015. Poster presentation at Clinical Nutrition Week 2015.
- Betz M., Coltman A., Peterson S., Andrews A., Walrath M., Roehl K., Bacon C., Sowa D. Predictors of Poor Oral Intake in Hospitalized Geriatric Patients. October 2013. Poster presentation at Food and Nutrition Conference & Expo 2013.
- Betz M., Uzeta A., Rasmussen H., Gregoire M., Vanderwall C, Witowich G. Knowledge, Use and Perceptions of Probiotics and Prebiotics in Rush University Medical Center Patients. Poster presentation at Food and Nutrition Conference & Expo 2012.
Quotes & Mentions
2026
- How to Prevent Kidney Stones With Simple Tricks That Take Less Than 10 Minutes. Woman’s World. 6/8/26
- 5 Supplements to Avoid for Kidney Health, According to Dietitians. EatingWell. 5/25/26
- What Happens to Your Kidneys When You’re Dehydrated. EatingWell. 5/18/26.
- 7 Most Hydrating Teas to Drink All Summer Long, According to Nutrition Experts. AOL.
- Plant-based choices can make for “kidney-friendly” diets.
- Nephrology News & Issues. 4/23/26
- Trial highlights need to personalize prevention for kidney stone recurrence, fluid intake. Nephrology News & Issues. 4/10/26
- The Best Morning Drink for Better Kidney Health, According to Dietitians. EatingWell. 4/3/25
- Food for Thought: The Stone-Smart Diet. A Modern Approach to Preventing Calcium Oxalate Kidney Stones. Today’s Dietitian. 3/4/26.
- Experts Say This Common Drink Might Lead to Kidney Problems. Tezzbuzz. 2/25/26
- Your Super Bowl Debrief: what health ads got right, what they got wrong, and how they’ll impact the clinic. MDLinx. 2/10/26.
- 6 Serious Side Effects of Too Much Protein. Health. 1/29/26.
- 27 High-Protein Snacks Nutritionists Love for Staying Satisfied Between Meals. Real Simple. 1/18/26.
2025
- Is Cottage Cheese a Superfood? Here’s What Dietitians Want You to Know. Good Housekeeping. 10/28/25
- ‘Game Changer’ or gimmick: a deep dive into alkaline and low PRAL diets. Foodfacts.org. 10/22/25.
- Dolly Parton, 79, Shares a Health Update, Revealing Kidney Stones and an Infection. Women’s World. 9/23/25
- The 9 Best Foods for Kidney Health, According to Dietitians and Doctors. Prevention. 9/23/25
- 7 Foods to Avoid ot Limit if You Have Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Everyday Health. 8/25/25
- Can Taking Too Much Calcium Cause Kidney Stones? Verywell Health. 8/22/25
- 7 Most Hydrating Teas to Drink All Summer Long, According to Nutrition Experts. RealSimple. 7/19/25
- Can a Plant-Based Diet Help People With Type 1 Diabetes? An Expert Weighs In. VegNews. 7/6/25
- 5 Potential Health Benefits of Lemon Juice. Everyday Health. 6/27/25
- The #1 Nutrient to Help Reduce Blood Pressure, According to Experts. EatingWell. 6/20/25
- We Asked 5 Dietitians How to Choose the Healthiest Frozen Chicken Nuggets – And They All Said the Same Thing. EatingWell. 6/18/25
- Potassium citrate for kidney stones. SingleCare. 4/28/25.
- Rethinking Polycystic Kidney Disease. Today’s Dietitian. 4/1/25
- The 5 Best Foods to Eat to Prevent Kidney Stones, According to Experts. EatingWell. 3/29/25.
- 8 Ways to Keep Your Kidneys Healthy. Next Avenue. 3/10/25
- 27 High-Protein Snacks That Are Satisfying and Tasty. Real Simple. 2/20/25
- The #1 Anti-Inflammatory Protein You Should Be Eating, According to Dietitians. EatingWell. 2/26/25.
- Is the Carnivore Diet Safe? Men’sHealth. 1/30/25.
2024
- Why does eating turkey make you sleepy? Learn the facts about Thanksgiving fatigue. CBS News. 11/28/24.
- The electrolytes boom: a wonder supplement – or an unnecessary expense? The Guardian. 9/30/24
- You’re Probably Eating Too Much Salt. Here’s How to Tell. Men’s Health. 9/27/24
- Hydration Tech Is Here. Does It Actually Work To Keep You Better Hydrated? well+good. 9/23/24
- These Popular Veggies Lower Blood Pressure in Just Two Weeks – Pus How to Maximize Their Heart Benefits. Woman’s World. 9/16/24.
- ‘I’m a Registered Dietitian and This is What a Full Day of High-Protein, High-Fiber Eating Looks Like For Me’. Parade. 9/8/24.
- Barack Obama says almonds are still his favorite snack (but denies eating just 7 of them). Here’s why they’re still good for you. Yahoo!Life. 9/6/24.
- The Health Benefits of Pickle Juice, According to Experts. Delish. 8/20/24.
- 9 Protein Myths Debunked by Experts. Yahoo!Life. 8/12/24.
- Is Vegan Meat Healthy? Delish. 7/16/24.
- Q&A: What people with diabetes should know about preventing kidney stones. Healio. 6/19/24.
- Wait, What’s the Difference Between Sea Salt and Himalayan Salt? Parade. 6/17/24.
- Wait, What’s the Difference Between Sea Salt and Himalayan Salt? AOL.com 6/17/24.
- Foods to Avoid with High Blood Pressure. BestLife. 6/7/24
- What’s the Most Refreshing Drink That’s Not Water? TIME. 5/20/24
- Can Drinking Too Much Sparking Water Cause Kidney Stones? Here’s What Health Experts Say. Yahoo!Life. 5/14/24
- Can Drinking Too Much Sparking Water Cause Kidney Stones? Here’s What Health Experts Say. EatingWell. 5/14/24
- Can a Plant Based Diet Help People with Type 1 Diabetes? An Expert Weighs In. VegNews. 5/13/24
- 8 Ways to Stay Hydrated If You Hate Drinking Water. TIME. 5/13/24
- Man’s ‘Cost Effective’ Diet of 12 Eggs A Day Goes Viral – Experts Weigh In. Newsweek. 5/11/24
- Living Well with Chronic Kidney Disease: Health and Lifestyle Tips Consumer Health Digest. 5/7/24
- Carrot Cake Cookies Combine 2 Treats In 1 Delicious Bite – Easy 30 Minute Recipe. Woman’s World. 3/27/24
- I’m a dietitian – here’s the biggest mistake people make when trying to lose weight. Yahoo!Life. 3/5/24
- I’m a dietitian – here’s the biggest mistake people make when trying to lose weight. New York Post. 3/5/24
- The #1 Mistake People Make When Trying To Lose Weight. EatingWell. 2/13/24
- The Surprising High Protein Drink That Might Be As Hydrating As Water. EatingWell. 2/6/24
- The Best Tasing Protein Powders to Help You Achieve Your Fitness Goals in 2024. Sports Illustrated. 1/19/24
- A Guide To The Best Foods For Kidney Health. Forbes. 1/16/24
- 10 Mediterranean Diet Foods to Add to Your Diet for Anti-Aging. CleanPlates. 1/2/24
2023
- Does Drinking Water Between Alcoholic Drinks Help Prevent a Hangover? Here’s What an Expert Says. EatingWell. 12/29/23
- Nourishing Knowledge: Melanie Betz Of The Kidney Dietitian On The Power of Food as Medicine. Medium. 12/12/23
- 9 Possible Causes of Low Sodium and When to Take a Sodium Supplement. Livestrong. 12/7/23
- The 7 Best Ways to Prevent Kidney Stones, According to MDs. Woman’s World. 10/9/23
- How To Find a Registered Dietitian. Carewell. 8/18/23
- 8 Breakfast Habits Wreaking Havoc on Your Body. Eat This, Not That! 6/1/23
- 4 Veggies You Should Add To Your Soups And Stews This Winter To Promote Gut Health and Digestion. SheFinds. 1/30/23
Earlier
- The Worst Drinks to Have After 50, Say Dietitians. Eat This, Not That! 9/29/21
- Quick Pickle Fruits and Vegetables for a Healthy Snack. Consumer Reports. 8/3/21
- The Guide to Making Healthy No-Cook Meals. Consumer Reports. 2/15/20
- Can the Mediterranean Diet, Including Wine, Be Good for Sufferers of Kidney Disease? Wine Spectator. 10/2/19
Podcasts & Appearances
2026
2025
- Kidney Nutrition Nuggets: How to Navigate CKD & Kidney Stones (6/2/25)
- Kidney Commute from the National Kidney Foundation: Rolling Stones: How to Prevent and Treat Kidney Stones. (5/21/25)
- Exam Room Nutrition: Toxic Superfoods: Are They Really Poisoning Us? (3/19/25)
2024
- Crystal Clear Kidneys Podcast: The Truth About Kidney Stones (9/29/24)
- Dietitian Side Hustle Podcast: Skyrocket Your Income with Melanie Betz (4/24/24)
- NephU Podcast: Breaking Down Dietary Oxalate & Kidney Stones in Patients with Kidney Disease (1/19/24)
2023
- Exam Room Nutrition Podcast: Kidney Stone Prevention: What Every Clinician Should Know (July 2023)
- My Wife the Dietitian Podcast: Diet For Kidney Stones (5/1/23)
- Plant Based Kidney Health: Kidney Stone Diet: Tips From a Renal Dietitian (4/21/23)
- The Unconventional RD Podcast: The Power of Passive Income Streams for Creating Space in Your Life & Business (4/10/23)
- The ICU Podcast: What Determines the pH of Urine & Should You Follow a Low Oxalate Diet for Interstitial Cystitis (2/21/23)
2022
- NephU Podcast: Patient Perception of Plant Based Diets for Kidney Disease (12/14/22)
- NephU Podcast: Plant-Based Diets in Kidney Disease: Nephrology Professionals’ Perspective (12/14/22)
- The Kidney Commute Podcast: Protein in the Diet of CKD Patients (1/18/22)
2021
- The Dietitian Side Hustle Podcast: Blogging & Ad Revenue (10/20/21)
- NephU Podcast: Telenutrition (6/22/21)
- NephU Podcast Knowledge Does Not Correspond to Adherence of Renal Diet Restrictions in Patients with CKD Stage 3-5 (6/22/21)
- The Cooking Doc’s Podcast: The Best & Worst Foods for Kidney Stones (6/19/21)