Low Oxalate Foods

A low oxalate diet consists of foods that are low in the chemical compound oxalate. These levels vary in different foods and are generally categorized low, medium and high. Many of the foods that are high in oxalate are good for you and most healthy people will degrade excess oxalate during digestion. An overuse of antibiotic or an unhealthy gut (such as leaky gut) may lower the levels of the good bacteria needed to break down excess oxalate.

The most common reason a person should consume low oxalate foods is to prevent kidneys stones.

Reasons you may consider eating low oxalate foods:

If you suffer from kidney stones
Inflamed or sore joints, similar to arthritis or fibromyalgia
Burning sensation when urinating
Burning bladder (Interstitial cystitis) generally associated with hyperoxaluria (too much oxalate in the urine)
Burning bowel movements
Vulvodynia – Female genital irritation or pain (external)
Anxiety or Depression
Leaky gut (including similar gut problems)
Developmental disorders in children, such as autism
Release of toxic metals such as mercury (commonly from dental work)
Hives (though less common than other symptoms listed above)

Oxalate & Calcium

The danger of combining high oxalate foods with calcium rich foods and or supplements, is that it may create oxalate crystals. These jagged edged crystals are razor sharp and can cause a serious pain as they are eliminated through urination or bowel movements (ouch!). These crystals may also form in the kidneys, lungs, bones, joints, blood vessels, or even the brain.

Oxalates can also combine with iron which may result in oxidative damage and could also lower your iron levels. Some in the medical field also believe a high oxalate count can negatively affect your thyroid function.