Which Came First: Oxalates or Mast Cells?

You don’t have to drink green juice every morning or stock your refrigerator full of superfoods to participate in the Western world’s health-conscious culture. It quite literally shapes us and everything around us, whether you’re aware of it or not.

Every year, new trends captivate the health and nutrition space, but not always for a good reason. In fact, there’s been a lot of debate recently around the benefits that oxalates and mast cells play in our overall health, and whether or not we should be avoiding these two things completely.

But what are oxalates and mast cells, and are they beneficial to our overall wellbeing?

In this blog, we’ll explore the science behind oxalates and mast cells, their roles in the human body, and the discussions surrounding their potential benefits.

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Understanding Oxalates

Oxalates, otherwise known as “oxalic acid”, is an organic acid that can be found in an array of foods including

• Spinach
• Rhubarb
• Almonds
• Baked potatoes
• Cocoa powder

As a naturally occurring compound, oxalate forms when minerals in plants combine. Most people are able to excrete these through their urine or stool with no issue.

The Dangers of Oxalate

You may think a diet full of leafy greens and seeds is a good thing, however oxalate-rich foods have been given a bad rep in recent months. While the research into these acids is still quite limited, some scientists argue that people who struggle with intestinal, abdominal, and general stomach issues should limit their intake of these foods as much as possible.

High-oxalate diets have been connected to a higher risk of kidney stones and other health issues in sensitive individuals due to the way they interact with calcium to form insoluble crystals. But it’s a catch-22: The study also found that reducing the amount of oxalate in your diet won’t prevent kidney stones, and cutting back on oxalate-rich foods won’t lower your risk of developing calcium oxalate kidney stones.

Therefore, it can be said that a low oxalate diet is nothing to be worried about. On the other hand, people who frequently get kidney stones from oxalate or who suffer from specific hereditary and digestive issues should consult a doctor and a qualified dietitian for advice on therapy, which may involve controlling oxalate intake.

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Mast Cells: Guardians of the Immune System

White blood cells, otherwise known as mast cells, are found throughout the body, but they are particularly abundant in tissues that are exposed to the outside world such as the skin, respiratory system, and gastrointestinal tract.

Frontiers In Immunology describes these cells as ‘Multi-Functional Master Cells’. They are vital to the body’s immunological response. When triggered, they release histamine and other inflammatory mediators in response to allergies, infections, or injuries. They serve as an essential line of defence against pathogens and help keep our bodies safe.

While mast cells are crucial for protecting the body from dangers, they can cause long-term inflammation and aggravate illnesses, including autoimmune diseases, allergies, and asthma, when activated abnormally.

The Connection Between Oxalates and Mast Cells

There’s not a lot of concrete evidence to go off, but some studies indicate that oxalates could affect mast cell function and vice versa. This suggests a possible two-way link between the two variables, which has caused some health experts to question whether or not these two things should exist together.

According to Healing Histamine’s research, the body’s excessive oxalate levels may directly trigger mast cell degranulation, which would cause the production of inflammatory mediators and exacerbate symptoms in those with vulvodynia or interstitial cystitis.

On the other hand, abnormally high mast cell activity can make people more sensitive to dietary oxalates, which can exacerbate immunological reactions, worsen inflammation, and cause more symptoms.

Therefore, it’s important to approach the connection between oxalates and mast cells with subjectivity. Every person is different, and there’s no rule of thumb when it comes to assessing the role that these two variables play. There’s nuances to be mindful of.

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Moving Forward

Open-mindedness is priceless when it comes to understanding the relationship between oxalates and mast cells. Human curiosity will continue to lead the exploration into the complex relationships between immune function and nutrition.

By encouraging multidisciplinary cooperation and expanding our knowledge of these biological processes, we can create more individualized methods of managing health, and provide people with the tools they need to maximize their wellbeing.

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