Ep 86 - Carnivore Diet with Sally Norton | 25 SURPRISING ‘Healthy’ Foods That Feed Oxalates
May 5, 2024
auto_awesome
Sally Norton, an expert on oxalates and their health impacts, dives into the overlooked dangers of these compounds found in 'healthy' foods. She discusses how high oxalate levels can lead to issues like kidney stones and chronic inflammation, particularly in vulnerable populations. Norton highlights oxalate-rich foods to avoid, including common greens, and shares personal anecdotes about transitioning to a low-oxalate diet. Additionally, she explores symptoms of oxalate toxicity, offering solutions for those navigating dietary changes.
High levels of oxalates found in common 'healthy' foods like sweet potatoes and spinach can lead to serious health issues.
Oxalate toxicity can affect multiple body systems, causing symptoms ranging from digestive discomfort to cognitive impairments and kidney stones.
Transitioning to a low oxalate diet requires eliminating problematic foods while ensuring proper nutrient intake to avoid adverse effects.
Deep dives
Understanding Oxalates and Their Impact on Health
Oxalates are compounds found in various foods that can accumulate in the body, potentially leading to serious health issues. Many commonly consumed items, such as sweet potatoes, dark chocolate, and certain greens like spinach and kale, are surprisingly high in oxalates. When oxalates build up, they can cause inflammation, contribute to conditions such as arthritis and kidney stones, and even affect brain function, leading to symptoms like fatigue and cognitive decline. The body has limited capacity to manage oxalates, primarily originating from dietary sources and vitamin C supplementation, making awareness of their content in our foods crucial.
The Risks of So-Called Superfoods
Many foods marketed as 'superfoods,' such as smoothies laden with spinach or dark chocolate, can actually pose health risks due to their high oxalate content. A smoothie can have ten times the amount of oxalate that the body can typically handle, resulting in acute negative effects on the immune system. Studies have shown that within just 40 minutes of consuming a high-oxalate smoothie, immune cell function can become impaired, which is particularly concerning for individuals with existing immune issues. This highlights the discrepancy between popular health advice and the potential dangers of certain health foods.
Identifying and Managing Oxalate Toxicity
Oxalate toxicity can manifest in various and often subtle ways, affecting multiple body systems, including the digestive and nervous systems. Symptoms can range from digestive discomfort and joint pain to more severe issues like kidney stones, which indicate an advanced overload of oxalates. The presence of these compounds can also lead to neurotoxic effects, resulting in mood disorders and cognitive impairments, which may worsen as the body struggles to detoxify. Recognizing these signs is essential for individuals to understand their relationship with oxalate-rich foods and take proactive steps toward recovery.
Navigating a Low Oxalate Diet
Transitioning to a low oxalate diet involves removing the most problematic foods while ensuring nutritional adequacy. Key offenders include spinach, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and certain nuts and seeds, which should be consumed with caution or eliminated altogether. During this adaptation phase, it is crucial to maintain electrolyte balance and ensure adequate intake of calcium and other minerals to avoid adverse effects like arrhythmias or muscle cramps. Gradual dietary adjustments, rather than abrupt changes, are recommended to mitigate symptoms commonly associated with oxalate dumping and to allow the body to stabilize.
The Bigger Picture of Diet and Health
The emerging awareness of oxalate toxicity reinforces the need for individual dietary customization based on one’s health status and history. For many, a focus on animal-based proteins and healthy fats rather than plant-based foods may yield better health outcomes, particularly for those sensitive to oxalates. Additionally, supplementation and careful dietary planning can assist in managing symptoms and improving overall well-being. Preventative measures, such as educating children about food choices that minimize oxalate risk, may be key to fostering lifelong health and avoiding future dietary complications.
Oxalate dumping might be ruining your health. Sally Norton shares the worst foods that feed oxalates and what to eat instead.
Oxalates are naturally occurring substances found in many 'healthy' foods. While they're mostly benign, high levels can lead to problems like kidney stones, gout, and other health issues. This episode with Sally Norton will discuss the worst foods to avoid and how to manage oxalate dumping.
🔴 GoCarnivore: https://www.gocarnivore.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=organic
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode