Book Review: Toxic Superfoods by Sally Norton.
I recently had the pleasure of reading the book Toxic Superfoods by Sally Norton. It discusses the role that natural plant compounds called oxalates play in health. Oxalates are most popular for their role in crystallizing with calcium and creating calcium oxalate ‘stones’ or Kidney Stones. Sally makes the case that many other pains and symptoms could be the result of oxalate overload in the body. Examples of high oxalate foods include: kale, beets and beet greens, nuts and seeds (almonds, almond milk), and spinach. As you can imagine, when you begin reading this book, you can quickly become overwhelmed with the idea of what can you actually eat?! It almost seems too fantastical when reading so I encourage a open mind and ‘grain of salt’. I do really like all the charts and ‘simple swapouts’ she offers in here if you wanted to pursue a low oxalate diet. The book offers a path forward and a simple way to begin implementing.
If you have been on a plant based diet for a long time and feel like you’re stuck or not feeling better, oxalates may be a possible reason. As she states in the book, do NOT go right to a ‘low oxalate diet’. I recommend reading this book, and going slowly with it. If people go right to lowering their oxalate load quickly, they can get some ‘dumping of oxalates’ and major flare ups.
In conclusion, I think Sally has a good point that oxalates could be an issue for some folks, but feel she may be going overboard that oxalates are the root cause of ‘all diseases’. Check out Toxic Superfoods for more!
