Absolute Nutrition

The post blew up when I said to skip the SPINACH. I get it; you’ve been told otherwise and been eating it (some of you a LOT) - and breaking nutritional beliefs and habits can be hard.

But, hear me out (and don’t shoot the messenger).

Problem: It’s extremely high in OXALATES

I think health issues caused by oxalates are going to be the next “big thing” in functional nutrition because of how many people have a problem with them without realizing it. Especially if you’re experiencing pesky health issues (see below).

Oxalates have seen mistakenly and exclusively connected to kidney stones. However, we’re now finding that they can also be the cause of chronic muscular, joint and bone pain, carpal tunnel, burning urine or bowel movements, vulvodynia (external female ge***al pain or irritation), recurring UTIs, depression, chronic fatigue, chronic candida, leaky gut or all sorts of other gut problems, hives and trouble chelating of toxic metals like mercury. Hypothyroidism can also be caused by the oxalate crystals depositing themselves in the thyroid gland.

There are other high-oxalates foods such as berries, nuts, seed, beans, chocolate, many grains and many other great foods are high in oxalates.

Does cooking reduce the oxalate content? Raw spinach contains 115mg/serving while cooked 90mg/serving - so less but not by much.

I’ve personally had a problem with oxalates for the past 8 years when I took an antibiotic that wiped out a set of bacteria that degrade/metabolize oxalates. I’ve been in chronic pain and put on weight in spite of a good diet. I took another antibiotic in August 2022 and it’s gotten even worse. Just be being on a low-oxalate diet for the past 5 months, I’ve released 12 pounds and have more energy than in the past decade.

BOTTOM LINE & SOLUTION: If you’re struggling with chronic health issues, try removing spinach (and other extremely high oxalate foods) for 2-4 weeks to see if it helps you. Replace spinach with greens such as arugula, mustard greens that actually support liver health and your hormones.

OXALATE & LIVER CONNECTION: Anything that inflames you, corrodes your gut (oxalates have this effect on the digestive mucosa) - will tax the liver as well.

Sally Norton is a good go-to resource on oxalates.

Nutrition can be as much of a healing road as it can be tricky so don’t be discouraged. Remember that one person’s food can be another’s poison; pick what is YOUR nourishment.

I hope this long post and explanation helps!

[FREE DOWNLOAD] Gluten-Free Flour Guide The last gluten-free guide you’ll ever need