El Podcast

E55:Toxic Superfoods - w/ Sally K. Norton, MPH, Ivy-league Nutritionist

Episode Summary

Sally K. Norton joins us, in an enlightening discussion about the often-overlooked impact of oxalates on health in episode 55 of El Podcast. Armed with a degree from Cornell University and a master's in public health, Sally unravels the complexities of oxalates, naturally occurring chemicals found in plants. Drawing from her personal journey, Sally explores how oxalates contributed to her health issues and how reducing them transformed her well-being. The podcast challenges prevailing dietary norms, scrutinizing the health implications of seemingly healthy superfoods. Sally provides insights into the nuanced world of oxalate sensitivity and urges listeners to personalize their diets for optimal health. Tune in for a thought-provoking exploration of preventive health and oxalate awareness with Sally K. Norton, author of the book, 'Toxic Superfoods.'

Episode Notes

Sally Norton, author of Toxic Superfoods, reveals how hidden plant toxins like oxalates in "healthy" foods may be silently damaging your body and what to do about it.

Guest Bio: Sally K. Norton holds a nutrition degree from Cornell University and a master’s in Public Health. She has worked in medical research, public health education, and integrative health, and is the author of Toxic Superfoods: How Oxalate Overload Is Making You Sick—and How to Get Better. Her work exposes the overlooked dangers of plant toxins, especially oxalates, and empowers people to take charge of their health through smarter dietary choices.

Topics discussed:

• What oxalates are and why they're toxic
• Personal health issues linked to high-oxalate foods
• “Superfoods” like spinach, almonds, and sweet potatoes as hidden risks
• Plant defense chemicals and the myth of plant benevolence
• Symptoms of oxalate overload (gut issues, joint pain, fatigue, neurological problems)
• Oxalates vs. other antinutrients (lectins, tannins, etc.)
• Problems with vegan/vegetarian diets and school food policies
• How to safely transition to a low-oxalate diet
• Impact of oxalates on aging, dementia, and autism

3 best quotes:

• “Plants were invented before we were—and they didn’t evolve to be our friends.”
• “We’ve put spinach on a pedestal, but it may be the reason you’re in pain.”
• “If you’re eating like the ‘cool kids,’ you might be slowly poisoning yourself without even knowing it.”