Sometimes better health starts with the boring little swaps you make every single day. Most of these take about the SAME amount of time. You don’t always need a 47-step meal plan and a motivational speech from a guy wearing a headset. Sometimes you just need to stop pouring sugar water in a glass and calling it breakfast. 🤣 ~Victor Prince, Southern Keto
For generations, people separated the mind from the body as if the two operated independently. But modern research continues to reveal something many trauma survivors already know firsthand: emotional pain does not always stay emotional. The body remembers stress, fear, grief, humiliation, and trauma in ways that can quietly influence physical health for decades.
This does NOT mean that every illness is “caused” by emotions alone, nor does it suggest that people are responsible for becoming sick because of difficult experiences. Disease is complex and influenced by genetics, environment, lifestyle, infections, toxins, and many other factors. Yet mounting evidence shows that long-term emotional distress—especially childhood abuse, neglect, chronic fear, or unresolved trauma—can contribute to physical breakdown over time.
A child who grows up in an abusive or chaotic environment often lives in a constant state of alertness. The nervous system learns that danger may appear at any moment. Stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline flood the body repeatedly, preparing it to fight, flee, freeze, or submit.
But when the body remains in that state for years, the wear and tear can become significant. Scientists sometimes refer to this accumulated burden as “allostatic load”—the gradual damage caused by chronic stress.
Imagine driving a car with the engine revved at maximum speed every day for twenty years. Eventually something starts smoking under the hood. The human body is no different.
Researchers have linked severe or prolonged emotional stress with increased risks for numerous health conditions later in life, including:
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Autoimmune disorders
• Chronic pain syndromes
• Digestive disorders
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Sleep disorders
• Depression and anxiety
• Substance abuse
• Liver disease
• Certain forms of cancer
One of the most influential studies on this topic was the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study, which found a strong connection between childhood trauma and poorer health outcomes in adulthood. People who experienced multiple forms of childhood adversity were significantly more likely to develop serious illnesses later in life.
The body appears to “keep score,” even when the conscious mind tries not to.
The immune system and nervous system communicate constantly. Chronic emotional stress may weaken immune function, increase inflammation, and interfere with the body’s ability to repair damaged cells.
Inflammation itself is a double-edged sword. In small amounts, it helps the body heal. But chronic inflammation is increasingly associated with diseases ranging from arthritis to cardiovascular disease and even some cancers.
Stress hormones can also influence sleep quality, digestion, appetite, blood sugar regulation, and liver function. Over time, these disruptions may contribute to broader physical deterioration.
Some trauma survivors also develop coping mechanisms that unintentionally compound the problem—such as alcohol abuse, smoking, emotional eating, isolation, or chronic sleep deprivation. These behaviors are understandable responses to pain, but they may further increase disease risk.
The liver is particularly vulnerable to chronic stress in indirect ways. People carrying unresolved emotional trauma may be more likely to self-medicate with alcohol, processed foods, sugar, or substances that strain liver function.
Stress itself may also affect metabolic pathways and inflammatory processes connected to fatty liver disease and other metabolic disorders.
Traditional healing systems have long connected emotional states with organ health. While some of those claims are symbolic rather than scientific, modern medicine is increasingly recognizing that emotional well-being and physical health are deeply intertwined.
Childhood abuse can actually alter brain development. Areas involved in fear processing, emotional regulation, and stress response may become hypersensitive. The nervous system learns to expect danger even in safe situations.
Adults with unresolved trauma often describe symptoms such as:
• Muscle tension
• Fatigue
• Digestive distress
• Headaches
• Chronic pain
• Panic attacks
• Skin flare-ups
• Heart palpitations
• Immune problems
The body is not being “dramatic.” It is responding exactly as it was trained to respond. A nervous system stuck in survival mode may have difficulty returning to rest, healing, and repair.
Interestingly, some studies suggest that emotional suppression itself may contribute to illness. Many trauma survivors become exceptionally capable, productive, and helpful to others while privately carrying enormous emotional burdens.
These are often the people described as:
• “Always strong”
• “Never complains”
• “Takes care of everyone”
• “Pushes through anything”
But constantly suppressing grief, anger, fear, or emotional pain can place continuous stress on the nervous system.
The body has a curious habit of eventually demanding attention the mind refused to give it. Sometimes that demand arrives as exhaustion. Sometimes as anxiety. Sometimes as illness.
The encouraging news is that the nervous system remains adaptable throughout life. Emotional healing may positively influence physical health, stress levels, immune function, sleep quality, and overall well-being. Healing does not necessarily mean “forgetting” trauma. It often means helping the body finally understand that the danger has passed.
Helpful approaches may include:
• Trauma-informed therapy
• Support groups
• Meditation or prayer
• Gentle exercise
• Time in nature
• Healthy relationships
• Creative outlets
• Proper nutrition
• Adequate sleep
• Stress reduction techniques
Even learning to identify and express emotions safely can reduce physiological stress over time.
Modern science increasingly supports what many ancient healing traditions believed all along: the human being is an integrated whole. Emotional wounds and physical health are deeply connected.
A difficult childhood does not doom anyone to illness, and illness should never be viewed as a personal failure or punishment. But acknowledging the relationship between emotional suffering and physical disease may help people approach health with greater compassion—for themselves and for others.
Sometimes the body is not betraying us. Sometimes it is telling the story the mind was forced to silence years ago.
A
Abdominal Cramps: Fear. Stopping the process.
Abscess: Fermenting thoughts over hurts, slights and revenge.
Accidents: Inability to speak up for the self. Rebellion against authority. Belief in violence.
Aches: Longing for love. Longing to be held.
Acne: Not accepting the self. Dislike of the self.
Addictions: Running from the self. Fear. Not knowing how to love self.
Adrenal Problems: Defeatism. No longer caring for the self. Anxiety.
Alcoholism: Feeling of futility, guilt, inadequacy. Self-rejection.
Allergies: Denying your own power.
Alzheimer’s Disease: Refusal to deal with the world as it is. Hopelessness and helplessness. Anger.
Amenorrhea: Not wanting to be a woman. Dislike of the self.
Anemia: “Yes-but” attitude. Lack of joy. Fear of life. Not feeling good enough.
Ankle: Inflexibility and guilt. Ankles represent the ability to receive pleasure.
Anorexia: Denying the self life. Extreme fear, self-hatred and rejection.
Anxiety: Not trusting the flow and the process of life.
Apathy: Resistance to feeling. Deadening of the self. Fear.
Appetite, Excessive: Fear. Needing protection. Judging the emotions.
Arm: Represents the capacity and ability to hold the experiences of life.
Arteries: Carry the joy of life.
Arthritic Fingers: A desire to punish. Blame. Feeling victimized.
Arthritis: Feeling unloved. Criticism, resentment. – Rheumatoid Arthritis: Feeling victimized. Lack of love. Chronic bitterness. Resentment. Deep criticism of authority. Feeling very put upon.
Asthma: Smother love. Inability to breathe for one’s self. Feeling stifled. Suppressed crying.
Athlete’s Foot: Frustration at not being accepted. Inability to move forward with ease.
B
Back Issues: Represents the support of life. Back Problems: – Rounded shoulders: Carrying the burdens of life. Helpless and hopeless. – Lower Back Pain: Fear of money or lack of financial support. – Mid-Back Pain: Guilt. Stuck in all that stuff back there. “Get off my back!” – Upper Back Pain: Lack of emotional support. Feeling unloved. Holding back love. – Back Curvature: The inability to flow with the support of life. Fear and trying to hold on to old ideas. Not trusting life. Lack of integrity. No courage of convictions.
Bad Breath: Anger and revenge thoughts. Experiences backing up.
Balance, Loss of: Scattered thinking. Not centered.
Baldness: Fear. Tension. Trying to control everything.
Bedwetting: Fear of parent, usually the father.
Belching: Fear. Gulping life too quickly.
Bell’s Palsy: Extreme control over anger. Unwillingness to express feelings.
Bladder Problems: Anxiety. Holding on to old ideas. Fear of letting go. Being “pissed off”.
Bleeding: Joy running out. Anger.
Blisters: Resistance. Lack of emotional protection.
Blood Pressure: – High: Longstanding emotional problem not solved. – Low: Lack of love as a child. Defeatism.
Body Odor: Fear. Dislike of the self. Fear of others.
Bones: Represent the structure of the universe. – Bone marrow: Represents deepest beliefs about the self. How you support and care for yourself. – Breaks: Rebelling against authority.
Brain: Represents the computer, the switchboard. – Tumor: Incorrect computerized beliefs. Stubborn. Refusing to change old patterns.
Breast: Represents mothering and nurturing and nourishment. – Cysts, Lumps: A refusal to nourish the self. Putting everyone else first. Over mothering. Overprotection. Overbearing attitudes.
Breath: Represents the ability to take in life. – Breathing Problems: Fear. Not trusting the process of life. Getting stuck in childhood. Fear of taking in life fully. – Bronchitis: Inflamed family environment. Arguments and yelling.
Bruises: The little bumps in life. Self-punishment.
Bulimia: Hopeless terror. A frantic stuffing and purging of self-hatred.
Burns: Anger. Burning up. Incensed.
Bursitis: Repressed anger. Wanting to hit someone.
C
Calluses: Hardened concepts and ideas. Fear solidified.
Cancer: Deep hurt. Longstanding resentment. Deep secret or grief eating away at the self. Carrying hatreds.
Candida: Feeling very scattered. Lots of frustration and anger. Demanding and untrusting in relationships. Great takers.
Canker Sores: Festering words held back by the lips. Blame.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Anger and frustration at life’s seeming injustices.
Cataracts: Inability to see ahead with joy. Dark future.
Cellulite: Stored anger and self-punishment.
Cerebral Palsy: A need to unite the family in an action of love.
Chills: Mental contraction, pulling away and in. Desire to retreat.
Cholesterol: Clogging the channels of joy. Fear of accepting joy.
Circulation: Represents the ability to feel and express the emotions in positive ways.
Colds: Too much going on at once. Mental confusion, disorder. Small hurts.
Colic: Mental irritation, impatience, annoyance in the surroundings.
Colitis: Insecurity. Represents the ease of letting go of that which is over.
Coma: Fear. Escaping something or someone.
Conjunctivitis: Anger and frustration at what you are looking at in life.
Constipation: Incomplete releasing. Holding on to garbage of the past. Guilt over the past. Sometimes stinginess.
Corns: Hardened areas of thought – stubborn holding on to the pain of the past.
Coughs: A desire to bark at the world. “Listen to me!”
Cramps: Tension. Fear. Gripping, holding on.
Crohn’s Disease: Fear. Worry. Not feeling good enough.
Crying: Tears are the river of life, shed in joy as well as in sadness and fear.
Cuts: Punishment for not following your own rules.
Cysts: Running the old painful movie. Nursing hurts. A false growth.
Cystic Fibrosis: A thick belief that life won’t work for you. “Poor me.”
D
Deafness: Rejection, stubbornness, isolation. What don’t you want to hear? “Don’t bother me.”
Depression: Anger you feel you do not have a right to have. Hopelessness.
Diabetes: Longing for what might have been. A great need to control. Deep sorrow. No sweetness left.
Diarrhea: Fear. Rejection. Running off.
Dizziness: Flighty, scattered thinking. A refusal to look.
Dry eyes: Angry eyes. Refusing to see with love. Would rather die than forgive. Being spiteful.
Dysmenorrhea: Anger at the self. Hatred of the body or of women.
E
Ear: Represents the capacity to hear. – Ache: Anger. Not wanting to hear. Too much turmoil. Household arguing.
Eczema: Breath-taking antagonism. Mental eruptions.
Edema: What or who won’t you let go of?
Elbow: Represents changing directions and accepting new experiences.
Emphysema: Fear of taking in life. Not worthy of living.
Endometriosis: Insecurity, disappointment and frustration. Replacing self-love with sugar. Blamers.
Epilepsy: Sense of persecution. Rejection of life. A feeling of great struggle. Self-violence.
Epstein-Barr Virus: Pushing beyond one’s limits. Fear of not being good enough. Draining all inner support. Stress.
Eye: Represents the capacity to see clearly past, present, future. – Astigmatism: “I” trouble. Fear of really seeing the self. – Hyperopia: Fear of the present. – Myopia: Fear of the future.
F
Face: Represents what we show the world.
Fainting: Fear. Can’t cope. Blacking out.
Fat or Weight issues: Oversensitivity. Often represents fear and shows a need for protection. Fear may be a cover for hidden anger and a resistance to forgive. Running away from feelings. Insecurity, self-rejection and seeking fulfillment. – Arms: Anger at being denied love. – Belly: Anger at being denied nourishment. – Hips: Lumps of stubborn anger at the parents. – Thighs: Packed childhood anger. Often rage at the father.
Fatigue: Resistance, boredom. Lack of love for what one does.
Feet: Represent our understanding – of ourselves, of life, of others. – Foot Problems: Fear of the future and of not stepping forward in life.
Fever: Anger. Burning up.
Fibroid Tumors: Nursing a hurt from a partner. A blow to the feminine ego.
Fingers: Represent the details of life. – Thumb: Represents intellect and worry. – Index: Represents ego and fear. – Middle: Represents anger and sexuality. – Ring: Represents unions and grief. – Little: Represents the family and pretending.
Food Poisoning: Allowing others to take control. Feeling defenseless.
Frigidity: Fear. Denial of pleasure. A belief that sex is bad. Insensitive partners. Fear of father.
Fungus: Stagnating beliefs. Refusing to release the past. Letting the past rule today.
G
Gallstones: Bitterness. Hard thoughts. Condemning. Pride.
Gas: Gripping. Fear. Undigested ideas.
Gastritis: Prolonged uncertainty. A feeling of doom.
Genitals: Represent the masculine and feminine principles. Worry about not being good enough.
Gland Problems: Represent holding stations. Self-staring activity. Holding yourself back.
Gout: The need to dominate. Impatience, anger.
Glaucoma: Stony unforgiveness. Pressure from longstanding hurts. Overwhelmed by it all.
Gray Hair: Stress. A belief in pressure and strain.
Growths: Nursing those old hurts. Building resentments.
Gum Problems: Inability to back up decisions. Indecisive about life.
H
Hands: Hold and handle. Clutch and grip. Grasping and letting go. Caressing. Pinching. All ways of dealing with experiences.
Hay Fever: Emotional congestion. Fear of the calendar. A belief in persecution. Guilt.
Headaches: Invalidating the self. Self-criticism. Fear.
Heart: Represents the center of love and security. – Heart Attack: Squeezing all the joy out of the heart in favor of money or position. Feeling alone and scared. “I’m not good enough. I don’t do enough. I’ll never make it.” – Heart Problems: Longstanding emotional problems. Lack of joy. Hardening of the heart. Belief in strain and stress.
Heartburn: Fear. Fear. Fear. Clutching Fear.
Hemorrhoids: Fear of deadlines. Anger of the past. Afraid to let go. Feeling burdened.
Hepatitis: Resistance to change. Fear, anger, hatred. Liver is the seat of anger and rage.
Hernia: Ruptured relationships. Strain, burdens, incorrect creative expression.
Herpes Genitalis: Mass belief in sexual guilt and the need for punishment. Public shame. Belief in a punishing God. Rejection of the genitals.
Herpes Simplex: Bitter words left unspoken.
Hip: Carries the body in perfect balance. Major thrust in moving forward. Fear of going forward in major decisions. Nothing to move forward to.
Hives: Small, hidden fears. Mountains out of molehills.
Hodgkin’s Disease: Blame and a tremendous fear of not being good enough. A frantic race to prove one’s self until the blood has no substance left to support itself. The joy of life is forgotten in the race of acceptance.
Hyperactivity: Fear. Feeling pressured and frantic.
Hyperventilation: Fear. Resisting change. Not trusting the process.
Hypoglycemia: Overwhelmed by the burdens in life.
I
Impotence: Sexual pressure, tension, guilt. Social beliefs. Spite against a previous mate. Fear of mother.
Incontinence: Emotional overflow. Years of controlling emotions.
Indigestion: Gut-level fear, dread, anxiety. Griping and grunting.
Infection: Irritation, anger, annoyance.
Inflammation: Fear. Seeing red. Inflamed thinking. Anger and frustration about conditions you are looking at in your life.
Influenza: Response to mass negativity and beliefs. Fear. Belief in statistics.
Ingrown Toenail: Worry and guilt about your right to move forward.
Injuries: Anger at the self. Feeling guilty.
Insanity: Fleeing from the family. Escapism, withdrawal. Violent separation from life.
Insomnia: Fear. Not trusting the process of life. Guilt.
Intestines: Represent assimilation and absorption.
Itching: Desires that go against the grain. Unsatisfied. Remorse. Itching to get out or get away.
J
Jaundice: Internal and external prejudice. Unbalanced reason.
Jaw Problems: Anger. Resentment. Desire for revenge.
K
Kidney Problems: Criticism, disappointment, failure. Shame. Reacting like a child.
Kidney Stones: Lumps of undissolved anger.
Knee: Represents pride and ego. Stubborn ego and pride. Inability to bend. Fear. Inflexibility. Won’t give in.
L
Laryngitis: So mad you can’t speak. Fear of speaking up. Resentment of authority.
Left Side of Body: Represents receptivity, taking in, feminine energy, women, the mother.
Leg: Carry us forward in life.
Liver: Seat of anger and primitive emotions. Chronic complaining. Justifying fault-finding to deceive yourself. Feeling bad.
Lockjaw: Anger. A desire to control. A refusal to express feelings.
Lump in the Throat: Fear. Not trusting the process of life.
Lung: The ability to take in life. Depression. Grief. Not feeling worthy of living life fully.
Lupus: A giving up. Better to die than stand up for one’s self. Anger and punishment.
Lymph Problems: A warning that the mind needs to be recentered on the essentials of life. Love and joy.
M
Malaria: Out of balance with nature and with life.
Menopause Problems: Fear of no longer being wanted. Fear of aging. Self-rejection. Not feeling good enough.
Menstrual Problems: Rejection of one’s femininity. Guilt, fear. Belief that the genitals are sinful or dirty.
Migraine Headaches: Dislike of being driven. Resisting the flow of life. Sexual fears.
Miscarriage: Fear of the future. Inappropriate timing.
Mononucleosis: Anger at not receiving love and appreciation. No longer caring for the self.
Motion Sickness: Fear. Bondage. Feeling of being trapped.
Mouth: Represents taking in of new ideas and nourishment. Set opinions. Closed mind. Incapacity to take in new ideas.
Multiple Sclerosis: Mental hardness, hard-heartedness, iron will, inflexibility.
Muscles: Resistance to new experiences. Muscles represent our ability to move in life.
Muscular Dystrophy: “It’s not worth growing up.”
N
Nails: Represent protection. – Nail Biting: Frustration. Eating away at the self. Spite of a parent.
Narcolepsy: Can’t cope. Extreme fear. Wanting to get away from it all. Not wanting to be here.
Nausea: Fear. Rejecting an idea or experience.
Neck: Represents flexibility. The ability to see what’s back there. Refusing to see other sides of a question. Stubbornness, inflexibility. Unbending stubbornness.
Nephritis: Overreaction to disappointment and failure.
Nerves: Represent communication. Receptive reporters.
Nervous Breakdown: Self-centeredness. Jamming the channels of communication.
Nervousness: Fear, anxiety, struggle, rushing. Not trusting the process of life.
Neuralgia: Punishment for guilt. Anguish over communication.
Nodules: Resentment and frustration and hurt ego over career.
Nose: Represents self-recognition. – Nose Bleeds:A need for recobnition. Feeling unnoticed. Crying for love. – Runny Nose: Asking for help. Inner crying. – Stuffy Nose: Not recognizing the self-worth.
Numbness: Withholding love and consideration. Going dead mentally.
O
Osteomyelitis: Anger and frustration at the very structure of life. Feeling unsupported.
Osteoporosis: Feeling there is no support left in life. Mental pressures and tightness. Muscles can’t stretch. Loss of mental mobility.
Ovaries: Represent points of creation. Creativity.
PQ
Pain: Guilt. Guilt always seeks punishment.
Paralysis: Paralysing thoughts. Getting stuck. Terror leading to escape from a situation or person.
Pancreas: Represents the sweetness of life.
Pancreatitis: Rejection. Anger and frustration because life seems to have lost its sweetness.
Parasites: Giving power to others, letting them take over and life off of you.
Parkinson’s Disease: Fear and an intense desire to control everything and everyone.
Peptic Ulcer: Fear. A belief that you are not good enough. Anxious to please.
Phlebitis: Anger and frustration. Blaming others for the limitation and lack of joy in life.
Pimples: Small outbursts of anger.
Pituitary Gland: Represents the control center.
Pneumonia: Desperate. Tired of life. Emotional wounds that are not allowed to heal.
Poison Ivy: Allergy Feeling defenseless and open to attack.
Polio: Paralysing jealousy. A desire to stop someone.
Premenstrual Syndrome: Allowing confusion to reign. Giving power to outside influences. Rejection of the feminine processes.
Prostate: Represents the masculine principle. Mental fears weaken the masculinity. Giving up. Sexual pressure and guilt. Belief in aging.
Psoriasis: Fear of being hurt. Deadening the senses of the self. Refusing to accept responsibility for our own feelings.
R
Rash: Irritation over delays. Immature way to get attention.
Right Side of Body: Giving out, letting go, masculine energy, men, the father.
Ringworm: Allowing others to get under your skin. Not feeling good enough or clean enough.
S
Scabies: Infected thinking. Allowing others to get under your skin.
Sciatica: Being hypocritical. Fear of money and of the future.
Scleroderma: Protecting the self from life. Not trusting yourself to be there and to take care of yourself.
Scratches: Feeling life tears at you, that life is a rip off.
Senility: Returning to the so-called safety of childhood. Demanding care and attention. A form of control of those around you. Escapism.
Shin: Represents the standards of life. Breaking down ideals.
Shingles: Waiting for the other shoe to drop. Fear and tension. Too sensitive.
Sinus Problems: Irritation to one person, someone close.
Skin: Protects our individuality. Anxiety, fear. Old, buried things. I am being threatened.
Slipped Disc: Feeling totally unsupported by life. Indecisive.
Snoring: Stubborn refusal to let go of old patterns.
Solar Plexus: Gut reactions. Center of our intuitive power.
Sores: Unexpressed anger that settles in.
Spleen: Obsessions. Being obsessed about things.
Sprains: Anger and resistance. Not wanting to move in a certain direction in life.
Sterility: Fear and resistance to the process of life or not needing to go through the parenting experience.
Stiffness: Rigid, stiff thinking.
Stomach: Holds nourishment. Digests ideas. Dread. Fear of the new. Inability to assimilate the new.
Stroke: Giving up. Resistance. Rather die than change. Rejection of life.
Stuttering: Insecurity. Lack of self-expression. Not being allowed to cry.
Sty: Looking at life through angry eyes. Angry at someone.
Suicidal thoughts: See life only in black and white. Refusal to see another way out.
T
Teeth: Represent decisions. – Teeth Problems: Longstanding indecisiveness. Inability to break down ideas for analysis and decisions. – Root Canal: Can’t bite into anything anymore. Root beliefs being destroyed. – Impacted Wisdom Teeth: Not giving yourself mental space to create a firm foundation.
Throat: Avenue of expression. Channel of creativity. – Throat Problems: The inability to speak up for one’s self. Swallowed anger. Stifled creativity. Refusal to change. – Sore throat: Holding in angry words. Feeling unable to express the self.
Thrush: Anger over making the wrong decisions.
Thymus Gland: Feeling attacked by life. They are out to get me.
Thyroid Gland: Humiliation. I never get to do what I want to do. When is it going to be my turn. – Hyperthyroid: Rage at being left out.
Tics, Twitches: Fear. A feeling of being watched by others.
Tinnitus or Ringing in the Ears: Refusal to listen. Not hearing the inner voice. Stubbornness.
Toes: Represent the minor details of the future.
Tongue: Represents the ability to taste the pleasures of life with joy.
Tonsillitis: Fear. Repressed emotions. Stifled creativity.
Tuberculosis: Wasting away from selfishness. Possessive. Cruel thoughts. Revenge.
U
Urinary infections: Pissed off, usually at the opposite sex or a lover. Blaming others.
Uterus: Represents the home of creativity.
V
Vaginitis: Anger at a mate. Sexual guilt. Punishing the self.
Varicose Veins: Standing in a situation you hate. Discouragement. Feeling over-worked and overburdened.
Vitiligo: Feeling completely outside of things. Not belonging. Not one of the group.
Vomiting: Violent rejection of ideas. Fear of the new.
WXYZ
Warts: Little expressions of hate. Belief in ugliness. – Plantar Warts: Anger at the very basis of your understanding. Spreading frustration about the future.
Wrist: Represents movement and ease.

In recent years, the ketogenic diet has exploded in popularity. Praised for weight loss, blood sugar control, and appetite reduction, keto has helped many people improve their health. But there’s a side of the keto lifestyle that is rarely discussed: the extremely high intake of oxalates that often comes with it.
Many staple keto foods are loaded with oxalates — naturally occurring compounds found in plants that can contribute to kidney stones, inflammation, pain, and other health problems in susceptible individuals. While not everyone reacts negatively to oxalates, chronic overconsumption may quietly create problems over time, especially when high-oxalate foods are eaten daily.
In 2015 I diagnosed myself with Diabetes. I had an A1c of 8.2 and my blood sugar was around 280. I am ashamed to admit that I was a Natural Health Researcher with a carb addiction. (It’s not just sweets that cause Diabetes- our bodies CONVERT carbs to sugar) So, of course, I turned to Facebook! Don’t laugh because the first group I came upon was called Type II Diabetes Straight Talk. They are still there and I’m still a member. After watching videos, reading files, talking to the admins, and asking stupid questions, within months my A1c was down to 4.8 and my blood sugar was in the 90s.
So why would I develop kidney stones? Right- the low carb, or keto, diet. Years of eating almond flour this, and spinach that, plus other super high oxalate foods, will lead you straight to calcium oxalate kidney stones.
Don’t get me wrong here- I am STILL a huge proponent of a super low carb diet to heal your body and keep it functioning optimally, but please- check the foods you eat daily for oxalate content! Here’s a link to a pretty good low and high oxalate foods list: https://thekidneydietitian.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Oxalates-in-Food-Summer-2020.pdf
(Of course my ultimate list would show oxalates AND carbs!)
Oxalates (also called oxalic acid) are compounds naturally found in many plants. In nature, they serve as a defense mechanism for the plant. In the human body, however, oxalates can bind to minerals such as calcium and form sharp crystal-like compounds.
The body eliminates oxalates primarily through urine, stool, and sweat. But when oxalate intake becomes excessive — or when the body cannot efficiently remove them — crystals may accumulate in tissues and organs.
The most well-known consequence is calcium oxalate kidney stones, the most common type of kidney stone. However, researchers and clinicians increasingly suspect that oxalates may also contribute to:
Some individuals appear far more sensitive than others, especially those with gut disorders, mineral deficiencies, chronic inflammation, or impaired kidney function.
The keto diet eliminates grains and many fruits while emphasizing foods high in fat and low in carbohydrates. Unfortunately, many of the “healthy” foods promoted heavily within keto circles happen to be some of the highest-oxalate foods in existence.
This becomes especially problematic because keto followers often consume these foods every single day. While each food alone may not seem concerning, the cumulative oxalate load can become enormous over weeks, months, or years.
Spinach deserves special attention because it is often marketed as a “superfood,” especially in low-carb communities. Yet spinach is one of the highest-oxalate foods on earth.
Just one cup of cooked spinach can contain several hundred milligrams of oxalates. Some experts suggest keeping oxalate intake below 100 mg daily for sensitive individuals — meaning a single spinach salad may exceed that amount several times over.
Many keto enthusiasts consume spinach daily in smoothies, salads, omelets, and casseroles without realizing the potential consequences.
Another major concern is almond flour. Traditional diets rarely included large quantities of almonds. But keto baking transformed almonds into a daily staple. It can take dozens of almonds to make just a small amount of flour. This concentrates oxalates dramatically. Someone eating multiple almond flour products daily may unknowingly consume an extremely high oxalate load.
One of the most frustrating aspects of oxalate sensitivity is that many sufferers are diligently trying to improve their health. They are eating salads, nuts, seeds, and vegetables because they have been told these foods are universally beneficial.
Unfortunately, bio-individuality matters. For some people, a diet overloaded with high-oxalate foods may slowly worsen symptoms rather than improve them. Though more research is needed, anecdotal reports continue to grow.
Gut health plays a major role in oxalate tolerance.
Certain beneficial gut bacteria help degrade oxalates in the digestive tract before they are absorbed. However, antibiotics, poor diet, gastrointestinal disease, and chronic stress may reduce these bacteria. Ironically, many people turn to keto to heal gut issues, while unknowingly increasing another potential problem.
Many people mistakenly avoid calcium because they fear kidney stones. In reality, adequate dietary calcium may actually help bind oxalates in the gut so they can be excreted safely.
When calcium intake is too low, more free oxalates may be absorbed into the bloodstream. This is one reason balanced nutrition matters. Eliminating entire food groups without careful planning can sometimes create unintended consequences.
Not necessarily.
Oxalates are present in many nutritious foods, and not everyone has problems with them. Some individuals tolerate moderate oxalate intake without issue. People who wish to remain low-carb do not necessarily have to abandon keto completely. Instead, they can choose lower-oxalate foods more often.
Rotating foods rather than eating the same ingredients daily may also help reduce overload. Nutrition is rarely one-size-fits-all. Even foods labeled as “superfoods” can become problematic when consumed excessively or without balance.
Engaging in regular physical activity is crucial for maintaining health and independence as you age. The best exercises for individuals over 60 focus on strength, aerobic fitness, balance, and flexibility.
| Exercise Type | Description | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Strength Training | Involves using weights or body weight (e.g., squats, push-ups). | Preserves muscle mass, improves bone density, and enhances daily function. |
| Aerobic Activities | Includes walking, swimming, and cycling. | Boosts cardiovascular health and reduces the risk of chronic diseases. |
| Balance Exercises | Activities like tai chi and single-leg stands. | Reduces the risk of falls and improves stability. |
| Flexibility Exercises | Practices such as yoga and Pilates. | Enhances joint flexibility and overall mobility. |
Older adults should aim for:
Incorporating these exercises into your weekly routine can significantly enhance your quality of life, helping you stay active and independent as you age.
A normal platelet count ranges from 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood. You may have had labs come back saying your platelets are low and that can be scary! Thrombocytopenia is when the count falls below 150,000, leading to increased bleeding risks. When platelets are low you might experience lots of bruising, nosebleeds, and slow wound healing.
Certain foods and nutrients can help increase platelet production:
| Nutrient | Food Sources |
|---|---|
| Vitamin B12 | Beef liver, eggs, fortified cereals |
| Folate (Vitamin B9) | Dark leafy greens (spinach, kale), beans |
| Vitamin C | Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons), berries |
| Iron | Red meat, lentils, spinach |
| Vitamin K | Broccoli, collard greens, kale |
Incorporating these dietary changes and lifestyle adjustments can help improve your platelet count naturally.
Ear crystals, also known as canaliths, are tiny calcium carbonate structures located in the inner ear. They play a crucial role in maintaining balance by responding to gravity and head movements. When these crystals become dislodged, they can lead to a condition called Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV).
Displacement of these crystals can occur due to various factors, including:
When the crystals shift from their normal position, they can cause episodes of dizziness or a spinning sensation, particularly during specific head movements.
The Epley maneuver is a common treatment for BPPV. It involves a series of specific head and body movements designed to reposition the dislodged crystals back to their original location in the inner ear. Here’s a simplified overview of the steps involved:
The Epley maneuver is effective in relieving symptoms in about 80% of patients with BPPV. It is typically performed by a healthcare provider but can also be done at home.
The first signs of liver problems often include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, pale stools, fatigue, and abdominal pain or swelling. Early detection is crucial for effective management of liver disease.
Recognizing the initial symptoms of liver issues is vital for timely intervention and effective management. The first signs often include:
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Jaundice | Yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes due to bilirubin buildup. |
| Dark Urine | Urine may appear brown or amber, indicating liver dysfunction. |
| Pale Stools | Stools may become light or clay-colored, suggesting bile flow obstruction. |
| Fatigue | Persistent tiredness that does not improve with rest. |
| Abdominal Pain or Swelling | Discomfort or swelling in the abdomen, often due to fluid retention. |
Many of these symptoms can be caused by Fatty Liver Disease, which mainly occurs due to uncontrolled high blood sugar. If you notice any of these symptoms, make sure you get yourself a glucose monitor and see where your blood sugar levels are. When my sugar levels were high, I cut out all carbs except for salads. I ate mostly protein and healthy fats.
Early detection of these symptoms can significantly improve treatment outcomes and prevent the progression of liver disease. If you notice any of these signs, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation.
Yes, in some states, you can order lab tests directly without a doctor’s order through services that offer direct access testing. However, this option is not available in every state, so it’s important to check the regulations in your area.
Choose a Service: Look for lab testing services that offer direct access, such as Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp OnDemand. We have used both of these services, and prefer Labcorp. Their internet interface to sign up and get your results is much more user friendly.
Select Your Tests: Browse through the available tests on the service’s website. Common tests include:
Purchase Online: Complete your order online. You will typically pay out-of-pocket at the time of purchase. We used our Health Savings Account funds to pay for everything. Some tests can be pricey. For instance a CBC can be as low as $30, but more comprehensive health tests my run up to just over $200.
Sample Collection: Depending on the service, you can either visit a lab location or use an at-home collection kit. Some services also offer mobile phlebotomists who can come to your home.
Receive Results: Access your results online, usually within a few days. Some services may notify you directly if results require prompt attention. Labcorp and Quest supplied our results the very next day.
Getting lab tests without a doctor’s orders can save time and money, allow for early health data collection, bring peace of mind if you suspect something is ‘off’ with your health, and provide privacy for individuals who prefer to manage their health independently.