Smoothies and juices are the new health trend. People are obsessed with the rainbow of options available that claim to help their immune system or lose weight. Many of these drinks are healthy alternatives which make people full, allowing them to turn away from junk food. The biggest showcase of this new fad is the green smoothie, makes variety of vegetables and fruits, giving the beverage a bright green color. However, what health food companies are not telling customers is actually what the ingredients of their “healthy”green smoothies can do to their health.
What is Really in these Drinks
Green smoothies do contain exactly ingredients you would expect. Vegetables such as kale, broccoli, collard greens, maca, and spinach generally are all ingredients in these drinks. Initially, and in small doses, these vegetables cause a detoxification process that benefits one’s health, especially if that person was previously on a highly processed diet. Though these greens are full of nutrients, they are additionally high in oxalates. Oxalates are crystalline molecules which accumulate in the human body and can cause inflammation. These molecules are absorbed by the body from food or an infection and combine together to form a growth which can lead to serious pain. Over time, these oxalates can lead to serious health problems such as kidney stones and chronic pain disorders. This risk is additionally elevated if someone is part of the 20% of people that naturally produce these oxalates.
Oxalate Toxicity
Oxalates can cause a variety of health issues that include mostly pain-related conditions. Not only are oxalates widely known for causing kidney stones, but they additionally can include neurological symptoms in various parts of the body. So, as a person begins to frequently consume these smoothies, the oxalate molecules begin to combine and lead to health issues, most commonly,kidney stones. Though oxalate concentration is not a new problem, the symptoms and side effects of it can leave people with chronic pain disorders. As a result, it is best to avoid foods with high levels of oxalates in order to prevent this from occurring.
What Foods to Avoid
In low doses, oxalates are not harmful, but it is best to avoid foods high in these molecules. These foods include spinach, soy, nuts, and berries, which all seem healthy at first, but can lead to more serious problems down the line. In order to aid in the process of lowering one’s oxalate level, it helps to drink lots of water, take calcium-magnesium citrate, and vitamin B6. Though green smoothies can be healthy for you in small doses, consuming too much of them can lead to issues that one may not have been aware of.