Judy Spence, ND(QC), RN, R.Ac., CHt
Oxalic acid is a colourless, organic compound that occurs naturally in plants, animals and in humans. It is made by the human body from other substances such as vitamin C. It can also be ingested from food and readily combines with calcium and magnesium. Our bodies convert many of the things we consume into oxalates. Oxalic acid is the most acidic organic acid of our body fluids. Organic oxalic acid is an important – even essential – element to stimulate and maintain the peristaltic motion in our bodies, so it is not all bad.
Typically, recipes for green smoothies call for two cups of packed raw spinach leaves as their base and regularly add a variety of berries or almonds which all contain high amounts of oxalates. The most common “green” component of green smoothies are spinach, kale, Swiss chard, and arugula.
Susceptible people who are following this trend and are regularly consuming green smoothies or large spinach salads are experiencing increased rates of kidney stones, joint and muscle pain and, fibromyalgia. High oxalate foods may interfere with both growth and bone formation. Foods especially high in oxalates include leafy vegetables like arugula, kale, swiss chard, spinach, beets, chocolate, soy, peanuts, wheat bran, tea, cashews, pecans, almonds, berries. http://www.upmc.com/patients-visitors/education/nutrition/pages/low-oxalate-diet.aspx
There are two types of genetic hyperoxalurias (type I and type II) which output significant levels of oxalates in the urine. Even those who do not have a genetic oxalate condition often suffer from oxalates. Oxalic acid binds with heavy metals (mercury, aluminum, etc.) which get deposited into tissues like arteries, thyroid, eyes, etc.
High oxalate levels in urine and plasma were first indentified in people with kidney stones. Most kidney stones are composed of calcium oxalate. Stones can range in size from the diameter of a grain of rice to the width of a golf ball. If oxalic acid levels are high in the blood being filtered by the kidney, it may combine with calcium (stones) and other metals, including heavy metals like lead and mercury to form crystals right in the kidney and block urine flow, damage the kidney and cause severe pain. Oxalate crystals also form in bones, skin, joints, eyes, thyroid gland, blood vessels, lungs and even the brain. Oxalate crystals in bone crowd out bone marrow cells leading to anemia and, compromise the immune system. Oxalates can play a role in stroke, atherosclerosis and in endothelial cell dysfunction. High amounts of oxalates have been found concentrated in atherosclerotic lesions of aortas and coronary arteries. Despite having no oxalate deposits in their kidneys, some people suffer serious oxalate deposits elsewhere as their thyroid glands or testis. In addition to those with autism and kidney disease, individuals with fibromyalgia and vulvar pain (vulvodynia) may also be suffering from excessive oxalate deposits.
When calcium and/or magnesium are too low in the diet, oxalic acid remains soluble in the liquid portion of the contents of the intestine and is easily absorbed from the gut into the bloodstream. Taking calcium citrate plus magnesium citrate with each meal binds oxalates. They are removed in the stool. Cal-mag citrate needs to be in the digestive tract during the meal for maximum effect.
Oxalate crystals physically damage tissues due to their sharp physical structure, causing inflammation and pain. Oxalates combine with toxic metals, mercury, lead, etc. and precipitate into tissues causing additional damage because they retain heavy metals in the body preventing their being detoxified.
Yeasts/fungi in the body themselves cause increased oxalate levels. Adequate levels of Vitamin B6 in the body stop the yeasts’ oxalate forming process. Diets low in sugar and high in multi-strain probiotics help control yeast growth. Herbals like Goldenseal root, Cat’s Claw, P’au d’Arco, Samento, MCT oil, etc. have beneficial ant-fungal effect. Many benefit from following anti-Candida diets periodically in order to control their yeasts. Chondroitin sulfate helps prevent the formation of calcium oxalate crystals as well.
The severe to crippling joint and muscle pain suffered by those with Fibromyalgia, autism, kidney disease and vulvar pain (vulvodynia) is often improved by limiting high-oxalate foods; assuring adequate Vitamin B6; chondroitin sulfate; probiotics; cal-mag citrate levels and by reducing sugar levels to prevent yeast growth. The resultant reduction in pain can be dramatic.
Clients of the NAET Clinics Ottawa and l’Outaouais have access to informative lab testing (urine) that both identify issues and recommend specific corrective measures. Visit www.naetottawa.com to learn about our comprehensive BioMeridian testing, our NAET and our acupuncture treatments for allergy and chronic conditions. Ottawa:(613)728-2579, Hull:(819)661-1061.
