Oxalates : A Good Example

I've been reading recently about people who are going on low-oxalate diets. So I decided to do a little research to see what it was all about.

Oxalates are formed from oxalic acid which is found in many natural foods. Oxalic acid binds to metals and forms crystals which don't dissolve easily. An estimated 80% of kidney stones are formed from calcium oxalate.

This knowledge led to the idea that perhaps eliminating oxalic acid from the diet could help avoid kidney problems, as well as other pains associated with these types of crystalline build ups.

The problem is that if you eliminate all the foods that contain oxalic acid you will have a very hard time finding enough good healthy foods to eat.

This is a good example of the problems caused by trying to micromanage the systems of the body.

You see, if you eliminate oxalic acid to avoid some negative aspect associated with it, you also eliminate its positive aspects. Not to mention all the wonderful nutrients missed out on by not eating those healthy foods.

Why do so many foods that are very healthy for you contain oxalic acid? Remember that oxalic acid combines with metals in forms that won't dissolve easily. In other words it grabs onto metals and holds onto them. If your body has the necessary resources, these metals can be flushed out of your system, thus getting rid of one of the major causes of free-radical damage in the human body.

In other words, oxalic acid helps to cleanse the body from the heavy metals that can cause so many problems.

So instead of trying to eliminate oxalic acids, make sure that you are getting plenty of them by eating plenty of green leafy veggies and whole grains. Then make sure that your body has all the resources necessary to flush out all the heavy metals and other bad stuff. That means plenty of water with trace minerals, and adequate exercise and rest.

You see, the oxalate damage that is seen in the body is caused by things being out of balance. Not enough trace minerals, too much junk food, too much soda pop, processed and artificial sugars, drugs, etc.

Oxalic acid is not the bad guy, it is the good guy. Allow it to do its thing in optimum ways. Eat optimally. Live an optimum lifestyle.