Toxic Superfoods: Uncovering the Hidden Dangers of Oxalates with Sally K. Norton, MPH

Welcome to the 44th episode of the Back to Human Podcast!

On this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Sally K. Norton, MPH, author of Toxic Superfoods. After years of consuming so-called "healthy" foods, Sally suffered from chronic pain, fatigue, and unexplained health issues—until she discovered the hidden dangers of oxalates. Her journey led her to uncover how these naturally occurring compounds, found in many popular foods, can silently contribute to serious health problems.

Despite being promoted as “superfoods,” many plant-based staples contain high levels of oxalates—compounds that can accumulate in the body and trigger a range of issues, from joint pain and kidney stones to inflammation and mineral depletion. In this episode, Sally breaks down the science behind oxalates, the symptoms of toxicity, and what you can do to protect your health.

02:16 Sally’s personal health struggles and how she uncovered oxalate toxicity
03:47 What oxalates are and where they come from
04:50 Commonly promoted “superfoods” that are high in oxalates
19:38 How oxalates accumulate in tissues, joints, and organs
17:09 Why oxalates don’t just affect the kidneys
22:10 How high oxalate intake raises uric acid, increasing the risk of gout and kidney disease
23:31 The role of oxalic acid in calcification and its impact on health
31:33 The link between high oxalates and gout
26:51 Primary hyperoxaluria—how even those without this genetic disorder can suffer from oxalate overload
27:04 Why high oxalates in urine signal deeper issues
30:57 What is oxalate dumping and how detoxing can affect the body
35:06 How oxalates deplete essential minerals
37:41 Do we really need fiber? A look at common misconceptions
48:10 How cultural norms, dietary trends, and societal conditioning shape our beliefs about "healthy" foods
37:16 Should you quit oxalates cold turkey or reduce them gradually?
45:52 The future of health and the role of feminine energy in healing
43:40 How oxalate toxicity can affect children
52:09 How Sally’s dietary approach has evolved over time

If you’ve been dealing with chronic inflammation, pain, or unexplained health struggles, this episode is a must-listen!

📖 Sally’s book, Toxic Superfoods, is available everywhere books are sold.
📊The Data Companion to Toxic Superfoods is available at
🍽️ Sally’s latest project, the long awaited cookbook, Sally’s Recipe Collection, is filled with amazing recipes; it can be found at . Connect with Sally:

YouTube: Sally K. Norton
Instagram: @sknorton & @toxicsuperfoods_oxalate_book
Facebook: @BeFreeToThrive
Twitter: @BetterLowOx