The Hidden Dangers of Superfoods

by Gabriela Bergeot-Lair, June 2024

Oxalates—natural compounds found in many healthy foods like spinach, nuts, and quinoa—can accumulate in the body and cause health problems including joint pain, frequent urination, kidney stones, and muscle weakness. The piece emphasizes that while these plant-based foods are considered superfoods, they can lead to oxalate toxicity in some people, and recommends gradually reducing high-oxalate foods from the diet with professional guidance to avoid uncomfortable "oxalate dumping" symptoms. The article also notes that oxalate buildup can occur through dietary sources, genetic predisposition, or mold exposure in water-damaged buildings.