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Compassionate Renal / Chronic Kidney Disease Dietitian Nutritionist in Colorado, Medical Nutrition Therapy for Lasting Healing and Optimal Wellness

Take charge, build understanding, and address Renal / Chronic Kidney Disease with confidence. At Side By Side Nutrition, our certified medical nutrition therapy dietitians are dedicated to offering compassionate care designed to guide you through a journey of lasting healing. Our goal is to empower you to regain trust and freedom with food and your body, fostering a renewed sense of wellness and vitality. Together, we navigate the complexities of Renal / Chronic Kidney Disease, promoting understanding and creating a personalized approach to support your health goals. Step into a life that embraces well-being, and let us be your partners on the path to empowerment and healing.

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Can a nutritionist help with Kidney Disease?

At Side By Side Nutrition, our expert renal dietitians provide personalized, one-on-one nutrition counseling specifically tailored for individuals facing Renal / Chronic Kidney Disease. We will study your lab work, review medications, and discuss your symptoms. Based on your medical history, we can assess the impact of your health issues on your nutrition status. We will work with your healthcare team to ensure a collaborative approach to healing.

Our approach is grounded in a holistic philosophy that prioritizes behaviors, and overall well-being, fostering a positive relationship with food and our bodies, and practicing self-compassion rather than fixating on numbers. This philosophy forms the foundation of values-aligned, intuitive, sustainable health and well-being. Our focus lies in assisting clients in cultivating a sustainable, empathetic, respectful, and trusting connection with food, body image, and self.

Our dietitians are based in Colorado Springs and Fort Collins, Colorado, as well as Woodinville, Washington, and we work with patients from all over the state and country providing in-person and online nutrition counseling.

 
 

What is Renal / Chronic Kidney Disease?

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), also known as Renal Disease, is characterized by a gradual decline in kidney function over time. The kidneys play a vital role in maintaining overall health by filtering waste products, excess fluids, and electrolytes from the blood. CKD can develop when the kidneys are impaired or fail to function properly over an extended period.

Here are some important points about CKD:

  • CKD Stages: CKD is classified into five stages, ranging from Stage 1 (mild) to Stage 5 (severe), based on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which measures kidney filtration efficiency.

  • Causes of CKD: Diabetes and high blood pressure (hypertension) are the most common causes of CKD; however, it can also be caused by glomerulonephritis, polycystic kidney disease, and other kidney-related conditions. Prolonged exposure to certain medications or toxins can also contribute to kidney damage.

  • Symptoms: In the early stages, CKD may be asymptomatic. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include fatigue, swelling (edema), changes in urine volume and appearance, difficulty concentrating, and elevated blood pressure. Advanced stages may lead to complications such as anemia and bone disorders.

  • Complications: CKD can result in several complications, including cardiovascular disease, anemia, bone mineral imbalances, fluid and electrolyte disturbances, and increased susceptibility to infections.

Can chronic kidney disease be cured?

Unfortunately, CKD cannot be cured; however, with the right treatment plan, you can manage symptoms and live a life of wellness. The earlier you detect CKD, the more effective the treatment and treatment plan. Treatment aims to slow CKD progression, alleviate symptoms, and prevent complications.

  • Early Stage Treatment: Working with a dietitian nutritionist can help you slow the progression of the disease. We will recommend lifestyle adjustments, like adopting a low-sodium and low-potassium diet and managing blood pressure. Your doctor might prescribe medications. Your renal dietitian will analyze any interactions with diet and nutrition. Symptoms can be managed through significant, sustainable lifestyle changes.

  • Advanced-Stage Treatment: In advanced stages, when kidney function significantly declines, dialysis or kidney transplantation may be necessary. Dialysis mimics kidney function using a machine, while transplantation involves replacing the damaged kidney with a healthy one from a donor. A renal dietitian can support you during this phase of CKD. We will analyze food and fluid intake, vitamin supplements, and medications such as phosphorus binders and active vitamin D. We will provide guidance on protein and/or supplements when necessary.

  • Monitoring and Follow-Up: Regular monitoring of kidney function through blood and urine tests is essential for individuals with CKD. Treatment plans are tailored based on the specific CKD stage and underlying causes.

It's crucial for individuals at risk of CKD, such as those with diabetes or hypertension, to undergo regular medical check-ups and effectively manage their conditions to reduce the risk of kidney damage. Early detection and intervention can help slow CKD progression and improve overall outcomes.

 
 
 

We believe people are meant to discover true nourishment through a self-compassionate, self-accepting, and holistic lens. In our practice, our clients are empowered to become their own nutrition experts. Our role is to gently lead them towards body trust and acceptance, and ultimately, open up their lives to more.

We want to work with you.

 

What is the nutritional intervention for Kidney Disease?

Nutritional interventions are individualized depending on the unique needs of each patient. They might include limiting fluids, eating a low-protein diet, limiting salt, potassium, phosphorous, and other electrolytes, and getting enough calories for weight restoration. Our dedicated team of renal dietitian nutritionists is committed to guiding clients toward a path of healing that transcends fear and shame associated with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). By addressing concerns related to dietary choices and fostering a positive relationship with food, we empower clients to become experts in managing their liver health. This shift in perspective towards love, respect, and acceptance aids clients in reaching lasting wellbeing.

Recognizing the uniqueness of each individual's journey with CKD, we facilitate self-discovery and empowerment. Management of CKD involves not only addressing the symptoms but also creating a life empowered by a positive relationship with nutrition and the body.

Understanding that the answers lie within each individual, our multi-disciplinary team of medical nutrition specialists guides clients on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Managing Chronic Kidney Disease is not just about addressing the condition; it's about creating a full and empowered life through healing related to nutrition and body image.

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What does nutrition therapy include?

 

A Comprehensive Initial Assessment

Our comprehensive approach to treating Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) commences with a thorough initial assessment, where we delve into your unique needs, examining your past and present relationship with food and health history. With your permission, we collaboratively define goals and aspirations for our partnership, prioritizing holistic healing by cultivating a positive relationship with nutrition and the body. Our targeted interventions aim to address the root causes, striving to free individuals from the constraints of CKD and promote self-acceptance in the journey towards optimal health.

 

Build Trust in the Body’s Natural Cues

Together, we embark on a transformative journey to build trust in the body's natural cues, allowing for a renewed sense of freedom and openness in life. Through targeted interventions, we address a thorough management of Renal / Chronic Kidney Disease, working towards liberating individuals from the constraints of Renal / Chronic Kidney Disease.

 

Go Beyond Symptom Management - Shift Body Image Perception

Our approach goes beyond managing symptoms; we are dedicated to fostering a profound shift in how individuals perceive their bodies in the context of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Our focus is on promoting self-acceptance and a genuine appreciation for one's unique identity, navigating the challenges posed by CKD. By addressing mental and emotional barriers associated with the condition, our goal is to empower clients to embrace a life unburdened by persistent concerns, fostering a newfound sense of joy, purpose, and possibility.

 

Continued Support

Throughout the CKD management journey, unwavering support is offered, celebrating progress and standing by individuals as they navigate the complexities of their condition. Our mission is not only managing Chronic Kidney Disease symptoms but also cultivating a life that is rich, meaningful, and aligned with individual values. We believe in the significance of this health journey and the therapeutic relationship, and our dedicated dietitians are here to guide every step of the way.

 

TESTIMONIALS

Testimonials List

Recent “graduate” from Side by Side Nutrition. I started working with SBSN to figure out how food worked after having an eating disorder for years. And I’m so happy I got so much more than that! SBSN introduced me to Self-Compassion and met me with an approach that never included shaming me. I looked forward to our sessions every week, even if I hadn’t done any of my work, because I knew she’d be understanding and work with me to figure out what I needed to make it happen. And none of that compassion and presence was lost when we had to switch to telehealth. When I started, I didn’t think healing from an eating disorder was possible. And I never in my wildest dreams imagined that I’d come out of it with an unshakable love for my body (certainly not a plus size body with chronic illness)! I’m so glad circumstances sent me here because I know I wouldn’t have gotten to this place with my previous dietician! I am STRONG, I am CONFIDENT, and I am in LOVE with myself! Thank you so much for helping me on my journey here! It wasn’t easy, but it was so worth it!

— Michaela Myers

I worked with SBSN at Side by Side after an eating disorder diagnosis, and it changed my life for the better. The entire team is incredibly supportive, patient, and full of resources. There's a lot of confusion out there about dieticians and nutritionists, and I'm lucky to have found a place that helped me the way no one ever had. I thought recovery was impossible for me, but it's not! You just have to find the right people, and that can take some digging. Side by Side is the real deal.

— Melanie Smith

As the director of an eating disorder outpatient clinic, licensed psychologist, and certified eating disorders specialist, I am extremely picky about the dietitians my team and I will collaborate with. I can say with full confidence that my team completely trusts Jamie Magdic and her entire team of dietitians. Jamie is incredibly compassionate and dedicated to her patients, in addition to being extremely knowledgeable . Side By Side Nutrition is one of our clinic's top picks for nutrition therapy. They are excellent, know eating disorders, and are actually weight-inclusive and HAES-informed. I would trust Side By Side Nutrition with any patient with any diagnosis in any stage of recovery.

— Dr. Janean Anderson

I started working with SBSN after 20 years of disordered eating and 3 years of eating disorder treatment. My RDs were always focused on my weight restoration and how I felt food, but never really got how I felt about my body. I have made bigger strides in recovery working with SBSN than I ever did with any other RD. SBSN is kind, compassionate, non-judgemental, and easy to relate to. I felt comfortable with SBSN starting from day 1. To quote my therapist, SBSN is a unicorn and you won't find anyone like them!

— Alexandria McCombs

When I started working with SBSN, I had been struggling with my eating disorder for over six years. I had worked with RDs and therapists before, but they solely focused on weight restoration and not the mental aspect of recovery, so I stayed stuck in my disorder while in a "recovered" body. SBSN's approach was unlike any other RD or eating disorder specialist I had worked with before in that she treats her clients as whole, multifaceted people and addresses so much more than just the food piece of recovery. They helped me to constantly challenge my eating disorder and tackle food fears while also teaching me about the importance of self care and self compassion in recovery and how I could incorporate these into my life. I truly feel that my work with SBSN not only helped me win my battle against my eating disorder but helped me to be a stronger, happier, healthier person in general now that I have those self care tools. It was so refreshing to work with someone with a holistic approach to eating disorders and body image issues and I cannot recommend working with her enough! Thank you so much SBSN for your support!

— Kacey

SBSN gave me peace and restoration in my mind, body, and life. I had deeply rooted issues surrounding food and my body, and I thought I would never recover from my concerns. I had my reservations about meeting a dietician on my first appointment, but the therapy is never diet-focused, and focused more on client-centered care and recovery. They tailor therapy sessions around your goals and comfort. They provide many resources for her clients to guide them through each phase of recovery. I will never forget SBSN, they were an essential factor in my recovery.

— Lauren

I am so thankful to this organization, they are helping me out so much in so many different areas. My dietitian is an outstanding registered dietitian to work with and Jamie has jumped hoops to make sure that I could get into this program and I am so humbled by their partnering care! I love the inviting and accepting feel of the staff and overall office feel, from when I walk in the doors through when I walk out after my appointment every time I come. I truly don’t know where I’d be if I didn’t have Side by Side guiding me through my healing journey. My eyes well with gratitude for this practice as I write this review! Thank you!!!

— Mary Sanders

Our team of Expert Dietitian Nutritionists Have Been Featured In:

 

Our Team of Dietitian Nutritionists, Expert ED and Medical Nutrition Counselors

 

The Side by Side Nutrition team has a team of 12+ outpatient registered dietitians. We provide online nutrition counseling to patients in Colorado and around the country. We offer one-on-one and family nutrition counseling for patients either online or in person, with offices located in Colorado Springs and Fort Collins. We specialize in eating disorder recovery and body image healing.

RD - Registered Dietitian
RDN - Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
MS - Masters of Science

As specialists in ED nutrition counseling our mission is rooted in compassion. We:  

  • Strive to create a safe and nurturing space for individuals on their journey to wellness. 

  • Understand the profound impact that eating disorders can have on one's life

  • Are committed to fostering a supportive community where every client feels seen, heard, and understood. 

  • Work from an intuitive eating, HAES (Health at Every Size) Informed Approach.

  • Believe everyone has the right to high-quality care – accessibility and inclusivity are at the core of our values.

  • Stand firm in our belief in the possibility of full recovery. 

  • Continually invest in our education to stay at the forefront of the field.

  • Are committed to ongoing learning.

  • Channel all our resources into becoming the best eating disorder nutritionist counselors.

  • Are dedicated to guiding our clients toward a life of lasting health and empowerment.

 

We Accept Insurance:

We are committed to ensuring that our clients have access to healthcare, and we make every effort to facilitate this. We accept insurance plans such as BlueCross Blue Shield (Anthem/Regence), United HealthCare (Optum), Aetna, and Cigna.

 
 

Dietitian for ED and Medical Nutrition Therapy FAQ

 

What insurance plans do you accept?

Side By Side Nutrition is in network with Cigna, Cigna Localplus, Aetna, BlueCross Blue Shield (Anthem/Regence), UMR, and United Healthcare. Prior to your visit, please call your insurance company to check your benefits. We can not guarantee coverage. 

For other insurance companies, we are out-of-network providers. This means we can provide you a superbill to submit to insurance for possible reimbursement. SBS can not submit superbills without a medical diagnosis. Payment is due at time of service for folxs using out of network benefits.

What is the DSM-5?

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition), commonly referred to as the "DSM," serves as a comprehensive guide on mental health and conditions related to the brain. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) is tasked with the creation, editing, review, and publication of this manual.

Patients may also hear the term ICD-10. This is the International Classification of Diseases (10th revision), a system used by doctors to classify and code all diagnoses, symptoms and procedures for claims processing.

How does treatment work? What does a typical session look like?

An outpatient team consists of a dietitian, therapist, and primary care physician at minimum. Sessions are highly individualized and change from week to week depending on the needs, goals, behaviors, and journey of each client. Our dietitians are constantly assessing the needs, progress, safety, and next steps with their client’s short and long term goals in mind.

An outpatient team works collaboratively to ensure clients get the best care for their recovery while staying in their day to day life. Clients in eating disorder recovery being treated on the outpatient level will typically visit with their dietitians 1-2x/week, therapist 1-2x/week, PCP monthly, and psychiatrist as needed.

I don’t live in Colorado, can we still work together?

Absolutely! We are passionate about making care accessible for you and offer telehealth services and online nutrition therapy when appropriate. We will meet via a HIPAA-compliant video conference platform and communicate between sessions using email. 

We provide nutrition counseling to clients from around the county. 

How much do sessions cost?

Side By Side Nutrition session rates for private pay clients are:

  • $225 for the initial session and $170 for follow up sessions.

Insurance rates may vary from private pay rates depending on the insurance provider and your individual plan. We accept credit cards, debit cards, HSA, and FSA cards. 

We offer sliding scale spots open for those who qualify and are experiencing financial hardship.

Do you work with children and adolescents?

Dietitians at Side By Side Nutrition work with teens and adolescents ages around 9+ and up. With treating adolescents for an eating disorder, we typically use a modified family based treatment approach which involves treating the entire family. You can learn more about Family Based Treatment for eating disorders here.

How do I get started?

You can schedule directly online here!

You can also contact us to help you schedule via our contact form here.

If you have any questions about working with us or scheduling, feel free to contact us via email or phone: contact@sidebysidenutrition.com or call us at 708-717-7394.

What states do you work in?

We have offices in Colorado and WA but we see clients all over the United States! We can see clients virtually in Nevada, Kentucky, Minnesota, New York, Arizona, Wisconsin, Kansas, Missouri, Alabama, Illinois, Connecticut, California, Florida, Washington DC, Maryland, Oregon, Texas, New Hampshire, Utah, Virginia, Wyoming, Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Ohio.

We are moving more virtual because our goal is to make nutrition counseling as accessible, affordable, and stress-free as possible. Appointments with your dietitian are rooted in conversation. We have found that exchanging information during nutrition counseling sessions is far more effective and less stressful when you aren’t rushing to get to our office or worried about getting stuck in traffic. Want to talk to your dietitian in your pjs? Feel free! We use HIPAA-compliant Zoom for all of our appointments so you can easily and comfortably connect from home, work or wherever you are, on any device you choose.

Do you have a cancellation policy?

Because many patients wait several weeks for an appointment and to protect our providers time, we must strictly adhere to a 48 hour cancellation/late change policy. This policy states that you must cancel your appointment at least 48 hours ahead if you need to make any changes to your appointment. Failing to respect this policy will incur the full session fee. We appreciate your understanding as all clients who wish to be seen sooner benefit from this policy. 

Why do you keep a credit card on file?

The main reason we do this is to encourage our clients to communicate promptly with us about changing or canceling an appointment (see “Do you have a cancellation policy?” above).  

What is body dysmorphia?

Body dysmorphic disorder, also known as BDD, is a mental health condition characterized by excessive preoccupation with perceived flaws in one's appearance. This condition can affect individuals of any gender identity, including male, female, transgender, or non-binary. While it often emerges during adolescence, BDD can persist into adulthood and can affect individuals at any stage of life.

What is Health at Every Size?

Health at Every Size™ is a compassionate care framework that recognizes and promotes body diversity and holistic health. We recognize a focus on intentional weight loss causes harm, does not improve health, and further invokes weight stigma and discrimination. We believe any person in any size body can pursue health and create positive behavior change that prioritizes their individual health desires.

What is intuitive eating?

Intuitive Eating is an approach to eating that incorporates building body trust, intuitive responses, emotional awareness, and listening to your body. It encourages self-compassion, curiosity, trust, and a gentle attitude toward food in order to cultivate and maintain a sustainable, healthy, and trusting relationship with food and body image.

What is the difference between a nutritionist and a Registered Dietitian?

In summary, all Registered Dietitians (RD or RDN) are qualified nutritionists, but not all nutritionists hold the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist credential. The term "nutritionist" is not regulated, allowing anyone to use it, which complicates distinguishing individuals with comprehensive nutrition education (e.g., CN or CNS) from those with minimal training such as weekend courses or self-study.

The Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RD or RDN) designation is nationally recognized and provides certain assurances. It indicates that the individual has met specific criteria, including obtaining at least a bachelor's degree in nutrition science, completing a supervised practice program of over 1200 hours, passing a national registration exam, and fulfilling extensive continuing education requirements for license renewal. Our dietitian nutritionists are also licensed in states where licensure is mandatory.

Other practitioners who may identify as nutritionists, such as health coaches, holistic nutritionists, nutrition therapy practitioners, and personal trainers with "nutrition certifications," may lack formal nutrition training. Consequently, their services are ineligible for insurance reimbursement nationwide because they are not recognized as nutrition experts.