Health News Desk, Spinach is a leafy green vegetable known for its tremendous nutrients. It contains essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It has many health benefits, many diseases are cured by its consumption, however, consumption of spinach in the form of juice and smoothie is considered to be the cause of kidney stones. Can drinking spinach juice cause kidney stones? Experts will know about it in detail…
Can spinach juice cause kidney stones
Health coach Dr Dimple Jangra recently shared an Instagram reel where she warned everyone against consuming too many spinach smoothies and spinach juices as they can cause kidney stones. Here’s why. According to Dr Jangra, spinach is a powerhouse of iron but it also contains a compound called oxalate, which is very difficult for the body to absorb. Hence, it is a major cause of kidney stones and even gallstones nowadays. According to Jangra, a glass of spinach juice or spinach smoothie contains eight to ten times more oxalate compound than your body can process and probably handle. This compound binds the calcium present in your body, resulting in the formation of calcified stones in the kidneys and gall bladder.
Disadvantages of eating too much spinach
Spinach is rich in fiber, which can be beneficial for digestion in moderate amounts. However, Dr. Jangda says that consuming excessive fiber in the form of spinach can cause indigestion, bloating, gas, flatulence, constipation, diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome, especially in individuals with sensitive digestive systems.
Spinach contains compounds such as phytates that can interfere with the absorption of essential minerals such as iron, calcium, and zinc. This is a concern for those at risk of mineral deficiencies or individuals who have poor nutrient absorption.
Spinach contains goitrogens, which are naturally occurring substances that can interfere with the normal functioning of the thyroid gland. In large amounts, goitrogens can interfere with iodine absorption, potentially affecting thyroid hormone production.
Some individuals may be allergic to spinach, experiencing symptoms such as itching, hives, or difficulty breathing.