Some foods that are often considered very healthy, such as spinach, almonds, and beets, are naturally high in oxalates—compounds found in many plant-based foods. While these foods are nutritious for most people, individuals who have difficulty metabolizing oxalates may face significant health challenges. Oxalates can bind to minerals like calcium and magnesium, forming insoluble crystals that the body struggles to eliminate. This can lead to conditions such as kidney stones, inflammation, and mineral deficiencies.

For children with autism or developmental disorders, impaired oxalate metabolism may contribute to additional challenges, such as gut dysbiosis, yeast overgrowth, and inflammation, which can negatively impact digestion, mood, and overall health.

Why a Low Oxalate Diet?
A low oxalate diet is specifically designed to reduce the intake of oxalates and alleviate these issues. However, this diet should only be implemented for children whose functional medicine testing shows difficulty absorbing or metabolizing oxalates. Without such evidence, a low oxalate diet is not recommended, as it can unnecessarily restrict healthy foods and limit dietary variety.

Foods High in Oxalates
Common high-oxalate foods to avoid or limit include:
• Spinach
• Swiss chard
• Beets and beet greens
• Sweet potatoes
• Almonds and other nuts
• Sesame seeds and certain other seeds
• Soybeans and legumes
• Whole grains, like quinoa
• Chocolate

Low-Oxalate Alternatives
For children who require a low oxalate diet, focus on incorporating these low-oxalate foods:
• Lacinato kale
• Collard greens
• Turnip greens
• Pumpkin seeds
• Sunflower seed butter
• Non-starchy vegetables
• Specific fruits

Cooking methods, such as soaking, boiling, and steaming, can also help reduce oxalate content in some foods.

Tailored Dietary Interventions
If functional medicine testing identifies oxalate metabolism issues, dietary changes will be discussed during biomedical consultations to ensure they are tailored to the child’s specific needs.

To support families in implementing this diet, a detailed PDF guide is available at the bottom of this page. This resource includes a comprehensive list of high- and low-oxalate foods, along with practical tips for making dietary adjustments.