Unfiltered Healing

The Hidden Dangers of Oxalates with Sally Norton

• Dr Rachel • Season 1 • Episode 34

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Are you dealing with persistent aches, pains, kidney stones, or other symptoms that just won't improve? Are you eating well and staying healthy but still feeling unwell? You could be experiencing something unexpected—oxalate poisoning.

 In this episode, we discuss oxalates—natural compounds found in foods like spinach, nuts, and sweet potatoes—that can build up in the body and trigger health issues over time. Also found in mold and acid rain.

Sally Norton, a leading voice on oxalates, shares about her journey discovering how these compounds affected her own health. We explore the surprising ways oxalates interact with our bodies, potentially causing inflammation, joint pain, and other chronic issues. Sally explains how even "clean eating" habits can lead to oxalate overload and shares practical tips for recognizing symptoms. For those wanting to safely cut back on oxalates, Sally outlines the best foods to avoid and how calcium plays a role in managing oxalates in the body. If you've been dealing with unexplained health issues, this episode sheds light on how oxalates might be part of the problem—and what you can do about it.


Download the PDF version of the data companion for oxalate content in foods

Highlights:

  • Understanding oxalates and their role in plants
  • Sally's journey from health issues to oxalate awareness
  • Common high-oxalate foods and their risks
  • The surprising connection between oxalates and inflammation
  • How oxalates accumulate and impact the body over time
  • Calcium’s role in managing oxalate levels
  • The symptoms of oxalate toxicity and ways to recognize them
  • Tips for reducing oxalate intake safely
  • Effects of oxalates on gut health and nutrient absorption
  • Practical steps to avoid oxalate overload in daily life

Resources Mentioned

About the Guest:

Sally K. Norton is a leader, educator, and coach dedicated to guiding individuals towards oxalate-aware eating and supporting natural healing for chronic health issues. As the author of the best-selling book Toxic Superfoods, Sally brings her expertise in nutrition and wellness to individuals, organizations, and professional groups, offering practical solutions for specific health concerns.
She specializes in seminars on oxalate-aware nutrition for managing pain, functional disorders, and overall wellness, and also speaks on a range of health and lifestyle topics. With a background in public health, Sally has had the privilege of working across diverse settings, connecting with communities and organizations to enhance health through education.
Sally holds a Master’s in Public Health Leadership from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Bachelor’s in Nutrition Science from Cornell University, with additional experience in health research and medical education. She collaborates with healthcare professionals to expand knowledge and application of oxalate-aware nutrition, aiming to improve human well-being.