Oxalate is a naturally occurring molecule found in abundance in plants and humans. It's not a required nutrient for people, and too much can lead to kidney stones. In plants, oxalate helps to get rid of extra calcium by binding with it. That is why so many high-oxalate foods are from plants.

How do oxalates affect the body?

When oxalate levels are high, there's a greater chance it will bind to calcium, forming kidney stones. Because oxalates bind to minerals like calcium, they can prevent your body from absorbing beneficial nutrients in your digestive tract .

What are the symptoms of high oxalates?

Oxalate dumping is believed to occur when you eliminate oxalate-rich foods from your diet very quickly, resulting in symptoms like cramps, dizziness, pain, and fatigue.