Oxalate Safety

Q I have started making smoothies and bought an expensive Vitamix to do it. I feel better and have my adult son on them also. I have had a colon resection for diverticulitis and still have diverticulitis.

I thought I was on to something and then started reading about oxalates and am wondering if this is a mistake after-all. I have only been making smoothies maybe every other days and been going from kale to spinach to romaine. I have been getting bone pain but can't remember if that was a problem before.

Anyway, I am very upset as the smoothies were giving us energy, helped with my colon issues and I was sleeping much better. However, I am concerned.

Two questions (well three): Are the oxalates in different leafy greens different from each-other or are green leaf oxalates all the same? Is there a chance that after having 1/3 of my large intestine removed would I be absorbing more oxalates then the average person? And do green leafy vegetables tend to thicken blood?

I would love to continue with my green smoothies but I have read so much that now I am skeptical and not trusting my own feelings about it.

Thank you


A Congratulations on embarking on your new green smoothie regime, I think it’s wonderful and should do wonders for your health.

Most green plants and some fruits contain substances that are protection for plants. They deter animals, and humans from consuming too much of any one plant or fruit. If a person is eating a wide variety of plants I see no problem with these substances. I don’t believe the bone pain is related to having smoothies every other day.

I believe the oxalates are the same in all plants, but some plants have more than others. I have no idea about you absorbing more oxalates because of your previous colon surgery. Perhaps your doctor would have some thoughts on that.I believe the oxalates are the same in all plants, but some plants have more than others. I have no idea about you absorbing more oxalates because of your previous colon surgery. Perhaps your doctor would have some thoughts on that. It is true that some people are more susceptible to the effects of oxalates than others, but I’m not sure what percentage of the population we’re talking about. Most people seem to have no issue with them.

Leafy greens will thin blood if anything. In fact a plant based diet in general will allow your body to clean up your blood and flow easier.

Lettuce contains no oxalates so you could mix up your different lettuces and stay away from the oxalate greens, but I feel including them in the mix is fine. For about ¾ of the year my main green in my smoothies is lettuce, sometimes with other greens.

Sometimes in the spring when the spinach is in its prime I eat 2 pounds a day and have not had issues. Dr Norman Walker had spinach in his juice everyday for years and never had an issue. Dr Fred Bisci feels they are an important part of the diet and should be taken in their raw form.

This web page on oxalic acid will give you a little more information.

Enjoy your smoothies and your new found journey to greater health.