In a recent YouTube video, Dr. William Davis addresses “oxalate hysteria,” 1 the widespread fear of oxalate-containing foods, suggesting that the real issue often lies with gut microbiome imbalances rather than oxalates themselves. Many individuals report relief from health issues after eliminating oxalates from their diets, but Dr. Davis argues the root cause may be disrupted gut bacteria.
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What Are Oxalates?
Oxalates are naturally occurring compounds found in plants, animals, and humans. Formed from oxalic acid, they bind with minerals like calcium to create crystals, which are typically excreted in urine.
Which Foods Contain Oxalates?
Oxalate-rich foods include spinach, rhubarb, almonds, raspberries, chocolate, buckwheat, rice bran, and miso.
Health Issues Associated with Oxalates
Oxalates are associated with health issues such as kidney stones, kidney damage, oxalosis, bone disease, anemia, cardiovascular problems, arthritis, neurological symptoms, and digestive issues. However, Dr. Davis identifies three conditions where reducing oxalate intake is warranted:
Primary Hyperoxaluria: A rare genetic disorder affecting approximately 1,000–2,000 people in the U.S., causing elevated oxalate levels in urine and blood.
Kidney Failure: Impaired kidney function prevents effective oxalate elimination, leading to accumulation.
Enteric Hyperoxaluria: Gastrointestinal disorders causing fat malabsorption increase oxalate absorption.
High urinary oxalate levels are often linked to small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). Dr. Davis notes that antibiotic use can disrupt the gut microbiome, increasing calcium oxalate kidney stone formation due to enhanced oxalate absorption.
Dr. Davis emphasizes the role of beneficial bacteria like Oxalobacter formigenes and Lactobacillus acidophilus in degrading oxalates in the gut, potentially reducing associated health risks. While Oxalobacter formigenes is not yet commercially available, it holds promise for future interventions.
Ultimately, Dr. Davis suggests re-evaluating the narrative around oxalates. Many people may unnecessarily restrict their diets when addressing microbiome imbalances could allow them to enjoy oxalate-rich foods without health concerns, except in specific medical conditions.
Without reading/listening to the whole thing, Renee, this part here: "that the real issue often lies with gut microbiome imbalances rather than oxalates themselves." ...is the real issue about many health conditions, I have found. It5nit actually the good nutrients that are the problem, it's the plan to deflect consumers from ingesting well and to put them off on other not useful eating regimens and to add mindal suspicion into their lives = destruction of body.
Coincidentally, this was also posted this morning, which tracks nicely with your post:
https://open.substack.com/pub/worldcouncilforhealth/p/the-great-british-folate-fortification