CW Vol 2. Ed. 11 - What Are Oxalates, and Why Do They Matter? Part 1 of a 3 Part Series
Oxalates Defined
Oxalates, or oxalic acid, are naturally occurring substances in plants that bind to minerals like calcium, forming crystals. Sally Norton, a prominent expert in oxalate poisoning and author of Toxic Superfoods, describes them as “chemical toxins hidden in many popular foods.” Your body produces some oxalates during metabolism, but dietary sources often contribute the most. Fun fact: that can of Bar Keepers Friend cleaner under your sink? It’s oxalic acid in concentrated form—effective for stains, but wear gloves when using it, as it’s harsh on skin!
A Look Back: Oxalates Before 1900
Oxalates have been part of human awareness for centuries. In 1764, Swedish chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele first isolated oxalic acid from sorrel, a leafy green packed with this compound. By the 19th century, scientists began connecting oxalates to health concerns. An 1842 study published in The Lancet identified oxalate crystals in urine, pointing to their role in kidney stone formation—a link that holds true today. Farmers, too, noticed trouble when livestock fell ill after grazing on oxalate-rich plants like beet greens, offering early hints of their effects.
In Britain, a stark example emerged when people ate rhubarb tarts made with the plant’s toxic leaves. These unlucky individuals suffered severe vomiting, abdominal pain, and sometimes death, underscoring oxalates’ potency well before modern research fully grasped their impact. These observations laid critical groundwork for our current understanding.
Why Oxalate Knowledge Matters
In moderation, oxalates are manageable—your body excretes them through urine or stool. But too much can lead to crystals that affect your kidneys or nutrient absorption. Norton notes that our reliance on “superfoods” like spinach may unintentionally increase our oxalate intake.
Oxalate damage is not a sensitivity or allergy. It is a toxicity problem.
Symptoms of Oxalate Overload
Excess oxalates can cause a range of issues. Sally Norton calls it a “silent and gradually progressive condition” with symptoms that vary widely. Kidney stones—painful calcium-oxalate crystals—are the most well-known, affecting about 10% of people. Oxalates lead to a wide range of problems, throughout the body:
Kidney damage
Damage to intestines, may contribute to the development of celiac disease and “leaky gut”
Breathing problems, mucus production, and congestion
Brain problems – sleep, mood, behavior, cognition, organizational ability, autism
Urinary issues and genital pain
Gum and tooth problems
Bone and connective tissue instability
Contributes to aging, and can make you feel old prematurely
Persistent hiccups
Norton explains that the effects may build slowly, making oxalates tricky to spot. Feeling off after a big salad? It might not just be your imagination—oxalates could be at play.
Remember, no medical advice here, just tips for a healthier lifestyle! Consult with healthcare professionals before starting any new health regimen.
View this Newsletter and links to resources here.
3/12/2025