‘Healthy’ eating is causing an epidemic of tiredness

Oxalates, toxins made by plants, can circulate in the bloodstream and build up in tissues, triggering tiredness, pain and brain fog for up to 85% of women over 50.

In the past, doctors only considered oxalates a problem for those who had kidney stones, but new research suggests they can cause problems for others as well. “Make no mistake, every human being on planet Earth is sensitive to oxalates above a certain level,” says Ken Berry, M.D. Case Western Reserve University research shows that women with a history of antibiotic use or poor diet (both of which weaken the gut lining) are most at risk since the toxins can leak into the bloodstream, where they weaken function of cells they contact.

Complicating matters:

Oxalates have been called “the great pretender,” explains Dr. Berry, because “the inflammation they trigger can mimic rheumatoid arthritis and IBS, even anxiety and ADHD.” What’s more, David Perlmutter, M.D., says, “Oxalates steal calcium in the body, weakening women’s bone health.”

Easy home test:

Blood testing often doesn’t reveal oxalate accumulation. Instead, look at your morning urine. Chronically cloudy, smelly urine is the surest sign of oxalate crystal overload.

Diet changes help:

Limiting intake of high-oxalate foods (almonds, spinach, beets, chia, peanuts, chocolate) allows the kidneys to flush oxalates, says Dr. Perlmutter. Tip: Cut back slowly to avoid detox flare-ups, or “dumping.”

Also key:

Oxalate overload demands more B vitamins, so experts advise supplementing. Try Klaire Labs Active B Complex 50 mg. twice daily. And taking calcium (without vitamin D) can mop up oxalates in the body. Start with 250 mg. of calcium citrate, like Nature’s Way Calcium Citrate, twice daily, and build up to four times a day.