Oxalic Acid

Consuming two pounds of raw spinach daily in smoothies over a year can create serious problems for quality of life and kidney health, though occasional spinach is acceptable. High-oxalate foods are not presented as harmful for everyone. Oxalic acid is one of four main plant defense mechanisms and is responsible for the rough mouthfeel of raw spinach. High-oxalate foods such as raw spinach and kale may cause physiological disturbances and cravings in sensitive individuals. Oxalic acid can bind calcium in the body and form tiny crystals implicated in kidney stones, arthritis, and gout-like joint problems. Oxalic acid is described as a possible source of physiological disruption for some people. Raw spinach and kale are cited as high-oxalate foods associated with cravings in susceptible individuals. In women who consume many high-oxalic-acid foods, oxalate crystals may contribute to vulvodynia severe enough to make sitting painful. Oxalic acid is identified as a possible craving trigger for some individuals. Spinach is not a reliable iron source because its iron content depends on whether it was grown in iron-rich soil. A large kale salad is given as an example of a food that may mak…