Oxalate Summary:
– Oxalates are compounds that come from oxalic acid and exist as acids or crystals, either soluble or insoluble.
– Oxalates can bind to positively charged elements like calcium, magnesium, and iron, forming crystals.
– Ingesting excessive oxalates can lead to kidney stones and crystal deposits in various body tissues.
– Oxalates are found in certain foods, including dark leafy greens (spinach, chard, beet greens), nuts (almonds, cashews, peanuts), non-gluten grains (buckwheat, quinoa), beans (black beans, white beans), sweet potatoes, chocolate, raspberries, kiwi, star fruit, and more.
– Oxalates are associated with inflammation, oxidative stress, and chronic health issues.
– Consuming large amounts of vitamin C, including through IV supplementation, can lead to oxalate crystal deposits.
– Avoiding high-oxalate foods can help reduce the risk of health problems associated with oxalate accumulation. Oxalates can cause fatigue and brain fog.
– High oxalate diet can damage gut and immune system.
– Reducing oxalates in food prep is food specific.
– Soaking nuts for 24 hours can reduce phytates but increase oxalic acid.
– Oxalate crystals irritate gut, don’t usually get absorbed into blood.
Low oxalate:
– Animal foods like meat and liver have low oxalate content.
– Low oxalate plant foods include lettuces, cabbage family vegetables, melons, cucumbers, winter squashes, white rice.
Symptoms:
– Oxalate-related symptoms: arthritis, headaches, skin issues, fungal infections, neural inflammation.
– Symptoms can arise during oxalate elimination as body clears stored crystals.
– Energy exhaustion during clearing is normal; healing can be a complex process.
Cycles of oxalate release can be observed and managed over time.
Oxalate poisoning can lead to various symptoms:
– Aches, joint pains, and muscle tension
– Migraines, headaches, and fibromyalgia-like pain
– Sleep disturbances and nighttime arousal
– Urinary tract and pelvic issues, including pain
– Blood cell problems, like low white blood cell counts
– Oxalates can contribute to fibrosis and scar tissue
– Oxalic acid interferes with cell functions and signaling
– Eliminating high oxalate foods can alleviate symptoms
– inclusion of some carbohydrates, such as sweet potatoes, can balance and temporarily reduce the rate of oxalate excretion.
– Different individuals respond differently to oxalates, so listen to your body
Kidney Stones & Estrogen:
– Estrogen is generally protective against kidney stones.
– Menopausal women are at higher risk of kidney stone formation when clearing oxalates.
Balancing pH and Citric Acid:
– Maintaining alkalinity in the body helps prevent kidney stone formation.
– Low citric acid levels in urine increase kidney stone risk.
– Alkalizing agents like lemon juice, potassium citrate, and mineral baths can help.
Research and Support:
– Medical research focuses on kidney stone prevention.
– Personalized approaches are necessary due to individual variations.
– Experiment with different mineral supplements and baths to find what works.
Healing and Mitochondria:
– Reducing oxalate consumption can support mitochondrial health.
– Adequate minerals, vitamins, and hydration are essential for cellular energy.
– B-vitamins and minerals like thiamine help improve mitochondrial function.
Mineral Bathing:
– Mineral baths, like epsom salts and sea salt, can aid in mineral replenishment.
– Potassium bicarbonate, baking soda, and boron may be beneficial.
– Gradually increasing bath frequency and duration can provide benefits.
– Mineral baths can be beneficial, especially for children who may not take supplements.
– Applying minerals through the skin can be effective for absorption.
Gut health:
– Claims of specific bacteria healing the gut and eliminating oxalate issues are often oversimplified.
– Gut health is complex, and restoring it to a perfect state is challenging due to the diversity of microorganisms needed.
– No single probiotic or bacteria can solve all gut-related problems.
– Historical evidence shows that oxalates from foods have caused health issues long before modern lifestyles.
– The kidney literature suggests that urine containing 25 milligrams or less of oxalate is considered normal.
– Our body produces about 12 milligrams of oxalate daily; dietary intake must stay within that limit.
– Good gut health allows absorption of 10-15% of dietary oxalates, making a daily intake of 150-200 milligrams reasonable.
– Leaky gut or certain health conditions may reduce tolerance to 50 milligrams of oxalate daily.
– Normal oxalate diet is 100-200 milligrams, while many popular foods exceed this limit.
– Adjust your oxalate intake based on gut health, avoid overconsumption, and consider consulting for personalized guidance.