Welcome, I am Summer Van Arsdale, RD, CSR, CCTD, LD, FNKF
Your Kidney Disease and Transplant Nutrition Expert
With over a decade of nutrition experience in kidney and transplant nutrition, I can help you feel more confident navigating a balanced diet to support your kidney health. I hold credentials in both Certified Specialist in Renal Nutrition (CSR) and Certified Clinical Transplant Dietitian (CCTD) and am a Fellow of the National Kidney Foundation (FNKF). I am passionate about preventative health and helping clients improve their kidney function while also supporting those who wish to pursue kidney transplantation.
Professional Experience
- Certified Specialist in Renal Nutrition (CSR) credentialed for over a decade.
- Co-creator of the Certified Clinical Transplant Dietitian (CCTD) credential. CCTD credentialed.
- 3 years of service on the NATCO National Transplant Nutrition Board Committee.
- Current Medical Advisory Board Member for The National Kidney Foundation (NKF).
- National presenter on kidney and transplant nutrition.
- Guest speaker for NKF's Kidney Commute Podcast.
- Published original research in Progress in Transplantation.
- Invited review manuscript co-author for Support Line.
My kidney nutrition journey ...
After years of working in dialysis and kidney transplantation, I realized a common theme: my patients would show up for transplant evaluation without any knowledge of a kidney-diet or come for their first dialysis treatment not ever seeing a dietitian prior. They were not provided the tools, education, and support from a kidney dietitian when managing chronic kidney disease to help prevent or prolong the need for dialysis or transplantation.
They were confused about what to eat because there was so much conflicting information between what they found on the internet and what they were being told by their healthcare providers.
Many were told there was very little they could do to slow the progression of disease outside of taking medications and controlling their blood pressure or blood sugar levels.
But after providing nutrition counseling I would hear, “I wish I would have known this information sooner.”
I have come to realize that a missing link to kidney health is using nutrition as a first line of therapy to help slow the progression of kidney disease.
- It is estimated that over 37 million adults are living with chronic kidney disease.
- In 2022 there were more than 25,000 life-saving kidney transplants.
- In 2022 it was estimated that over 550,000 people were receiving dialysis for end stage kidney disease.
But as of January, 2024, only 578 Registered Dietitians specialize in kidney nutrition (Certified Specialist in Renal Nutrition, CSR).
So that is why I am here: to provide the evidenced-based care you deserve to help manage your kidney disease. You are here to take the next step to support your health, kidney function, and long-term wellness and I am ready and excited to help you reach your goals. I look forward to working with you!
More about me!
- I was born and raised in Arizona and am a lover of cacti, sunsets, and mountain views. With a recent cross-country move, I now call Columbus, Ohio home.
- My dad's own health journey with chronic disease inspired me to be a dietitian. Thanks, dad!
- I enjoy positive body movement with yoga and long walks.
- I am a mom to two rambunctious boys who help keep me present in the moment, remind me to play and to not take things too seriously.
- I enjoy travel and adventure as much as I love being snuggled up at home playing board games!
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