Hi, I'm Lindsey Zirker, a registered dietitian, kidney disease expert, and biochemical pathway explorer passionate about making health information easier to understand and accessible. I believe that when people understand the "why" behind nutrition and health recommendations, they can make more confident, informed decisions for themselves and those they care for.
When you can find research to back up almost any opinion (and when everyone has an opinon) figuring out how, when or if nutrition recommendations apply to you (or to a patient), can feel overwhelming.
My goal isn't to tell you what to think—it's to help you understand how to think critically about nutrition and health. Through evidence-based education, practical tools, and clear explanations, I hope to make complex topics more approachable so you can confidently apply what you learn.
Why courses and ditigal products?
Throughout my career, I've worked with individuals navigating complex health conditions and have also spent years learning from and mentoring healthcare professionals. One thing became clear: improving health literacy has the potential to reach far beyond a single consultation. By creating accessible educational resources, I hope to equip more people with the knowledge they need to ask informed questions, understand their options, and actively participate in their healthcare.
Credentials
Registered Dietitian- Bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University, Dietetic Internship from East Carolina University
Master's degree from University of Bridgeport
9 years clinical experience as renal dietitian in dialysis clinics
15+ years in private practice as a dietitian working primarily with CKD patients not on dialysis
Consulting work with home health and long term care facilities
6+ years consulting to develop nutrition courses, handouts, clinical tools, mentoring, speaking at conferences, and a regular guest on podcasts
Publications:
Hormonal Interactions in Kidney Health and Disease in Integrative Nephrology- expected publication Dec 2026
Regular contributor to Renal Nutrition Update Column in Renal and Urology News- 2022- present
Kidney Disease and Gut Health Appendix in A Clinical Guide to Nutrition Care in Kidney Disease, 4th edition 2022
Content Editor for Dietary Supplements Appendix in A Clinical Guide to Nutrition Care in Kidney Disease,4th edition- 2022
Benefit and Use of Prebiotics in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease in the Journal of Renal Nutrition- March 2015
Probiotic Use in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients in the Journal of Renal Nutrition- November 2014
The Relationship between Gut Microbiota and CKD: Why use pro and prebiotics in CKD Patients? in the Renal Nutrition Forum- January 2014
Volunteer Work
Community teaching 2011- present
Preceptor for interns 2011-present
Local liaison for Idaho Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics 2013-2018
Missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Oakland Temple Visitor's Center, Cantonese speaking January 2007- July 2008
Autoimmune disease
Kidney disease
Gut health
Genomics
Metabolic health
Cardiovascular health
Nutrition foundations
Supplements
Lab work
Counseling and behavior change
When I'm not eyeball and elbow deep in journal articles, 50 open tabs, food lists, and biochemical pathways I enjoy reading historical fiction, playing strategy board games, and birdwatching / photography with my husband. I love hamburgers, strawberries, and dark chocolate.
In 2014, I was diagnosed with Hashimotos Disease while I was in graduate school. Before this I had the most boring health history possible, now it seems rather complicated. This ongoing and challenging experience has given me an unwanted, but valuable perspective of what living with chronic disease is like. I draw on these daily experiences to hopefully help me provide more insightful and practical knowledge and resources for you.