Welcome back to The Enlightened Pharmacist, where we delve into the fascinating world of health, nutrition, and wellness. Are you someone who’s embraced the idea of superfoods like spinach, chocolate, or nuts as the key to a healthier life, only to find that your health isn’t quite where you want it to be? Well, the culprit might be something you’ve never even heard of: oxalates, a class of antinutrients produced by plants that could be quietly wreaking havoc and causing inflammation within your body. As a pharmacist and Health Coach, I often see clients who are unknowingly affected by oxalates, and I can’t wait to dig deep into this.
Today, we delve into the world of oxalates and how they might be impacting your health with my guest Sally K Norton. Sally K. Norton, MPH holds a nutrition degree from Cornell University and a master’s degree in Public Health. Her path to becoming a leading expert on dietary oxalate includes a prior career working at major medical schools in medical education and public health research. Her personal healing experience inspired years of research that led to her book, Toxic Superfoods: How Oxalate Overload is Making You Sick-and How to Get Better Prepare for a journey filled with revelations and actionable takeaways as we delve into the world of oxalates, the antinutrients produced by plants. It’s a journey that challenges the perception of so-called superfoods like spinach, nuts, and dark chocolate, revealing the potential health impacts of these everyday choices.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
- An eye-opening exploration of the world of oxalates, the antinutrients that plants produce, and how they can significantly influence our well-being. Sally reveals that some foods often considered “superfoods” may, in fact, be loaded with oxalates.
- A deep dive into the pathophysiology of oxalate toxicity, uncovering how oxalates can damage organs and tissues, contribute to leaky gut, food intolerances, and nutrient depletion, and ultimately exhaust your mitochondria and immune system.
- Guidance on how to determine if you have oxalate toxicity and why traditional blood tests may not provide an accurate picture. Sally also shares resources to help you assess your oxalate intake.
- Sally’s personal experience with oxalate-related vulva pain, highlighting the importance of understanding your body’s signals.
- Tips on the slow and steady elimination of high oxalate foods to avoid triggering a release of toxic stores.
The Pathophysiology of Oxalate Toxicity:
Sally takes us through the pathophysiology of oxalate toxicity, likening the impact of oxalates to shards of glass that can damage organs and tissues. We explore how oxalates can contribute to leaky gut, food intolerances, and nutrient depletion. Moreover, they exhaust your mitochondria and immune system, leading to a host of health concerns.
Identifying Oxalate Toxicity:
Sally guides us in recognizing the symptoms of oxalate toxicity, emphasizing that these symptoms can be non-specific. Oxalates have a unique affinity for specific parts of the body, from the brain and eyes to the liver and bladder. Traditional blood tests often fall short in accurately diagnosing oxalate issues, making it crucial to identify symptoms and high oxalate food sources.
Knowing High Oxalate Foods:
Learn to distinguish high oxalate foods, which can include seemingly healthy options like beet greens, chia seeds, and nuts. Sally highlights that it’s not an all-or-nothing scenario but rather about understanding your body’s tolerance. She shares a personal experience with oxalate-related pain, demonstrating the hidden potential of oxalate overload.
Safe and Steady Elimination:
Sally offers essential tips for eliminating oxalates safely without causing the release of toxic stores. This episode aims to empower you to recognize what you’re eating, assess your body’s tolerance, and make consistent, nourishing food choices.
This insightful discussion with Sally Norton equips you with the knowledge to make informed dietary decisions that can impact your overall well-being.
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