1 reviews | Active since Dec 2025
Kale smoothie can make you sick
I purchased the large kale smoothie and after consuming it fell ill. I had a high temperature that I struggled to control and a terrible headache. My kidneys hurt and I had to consult a physician. This is what I discovered high oxalate content, difficult-to-digest fiber, goitrogens, and the potential for high thallium levels. Women's Health Network Women's Health Network +3 Here is a breakdown of why your kale smoothie may have made you sick: 1. High Oxalate Load (Kidney and Joint Issues) Kale, especially in large amounts (like in a smoothie), is high in oxalic acid (oxalates). Dr Peter Holsman Dr Peter Holsman +1 Oxalate Nephropathy: When consumed in high amounts, oxalates can form crystals in the body, which can damage the kidneys and cause symptoms like kidney stones, pain, or kidney failure. Symptoms: This can lead to pain, inflammation, and digestive distress. YouTube YouTube +4 2. Digestive Distress (Raw Fiber and Raftinose) Raw kale is very fibrous and difficult to break down, which can overwhelm the digestive system. Women's Health Network Women's Health Network Bloating and Gas: Kale contains a sugar called raffinose, which is difficult for humans to digest and can produce gas, leading to bloating and abdominal discomfort. Indigestion: The high insoluble fiber content can cause cramping and diarrhea, especially if you are not used to high amounts of raw greens. "Slime" Effect: Some users report that raw kale, when mixed with other ingredients, creates a "slime" in the stomach that causes nausea. Women's Health Network Women's Health Network +4 3. Goitrogens (Thyroid Interference) Kale is a cruciferous vegetable, which means it contains goitrogens. Women's Health Network Women's Health Network Thyroid Suppression: Goitrogens can interfere with the thyroid gland's ability to take up iodine, potentially reducing thyroid function and causing fatigue or metabolic issues if consumed regularly in large amounts. Women's Health Network Women's Health Network +1 4. Heavy Metal Accumulation (Thallium) Cruciferous vegetables like kale can accumulate a toxic heavy metal called thallium from the soil. MDLinx MDLinx Symptoms: Even low-level exposure to thallium can cause symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and hair loss. Chris Kresser Chris Kresser 5. Other Potential Factors Bacteria/Parasites: Raw produce can harbor parasites and bacteria. Blending raw kale may introduce a large, concentrated dose of these to your system. Quick Consumption: Drinking a smoothie too quickly can overload your digestive system, leading to bloating. The Healthy Chef The Healthy Chef +4 How to Make Kale Smoothies Safer Steam the kale: Lightly steaming kale for 7 minutes can destroy most of the goitrogens and reduce the oxalate content. Rotate your greens: Instead of using kale every day, switch to lower-oxalate options like spinach, lettuce, or watercress to prevent buildup. Add calcium: Including a source of calcium (like yogurt) can help bind to oxalates, making them harder to absorb in the gut. Use less: Use smaller amounts of kale rather than filling the blender with it. Chris Kresser Chris Kresser +4 If symptoms persist, it is recommended to see a doctor to check for kidney issues or thyroid issues. The Hidden Dangers In Your Green Smoothie - Women's Health Network 21 Apr 2025 — What are the side effects of green smoothies? * The raw veggie roadblock. Raw vegetables, even pulverized ones, are extremely difficult to digest. Their tough, ...
Women's Health Network
The Dark Side of Green Smoothies - 3 Things You Should Know 13 Mar 2018 — This green smoothie is full of veggies—spinach, kale, and broccoli—so it must be healthy, right? Well, not necessarily. While cruciferous vegetables and leafy g...
Chris Kresser
Does raw kale cause digestion issues? - Facebook 21 Mar 2024 — Does raw kale cause bloating? Treyanna Price ► Let's Get Back to Nature! ... PEACE: I keep seeing posts talking about how great KALE is suppose to be when juici...
Apparently, Consumption of Raw Kale Can Cause These Health Problems 07 Oct 2019 — This information does not constitute medical advice or diagnosis. Eating raw kale can cause digestive problems, including flatulence. Kale contains: * **Fiber**
EMC Healthcare
What is in green smoothies that would cause stomach cramps and ... 20 Oct 2024 — Comments Section * [deleted] • 1y ago. Comment deleted by user. marysalad. • 1y ago. It sure feels like it. * williamhenry9988. • 1y ago. Fiber and thallium. ma...
Reddit Is your green smoothie doing more harm than good? - MDLinx 18 Dec 2019 — But, as it always turns out, too much of a good thing can be bad. * Thallium. Smoothies are usually chock full of the cruciferous vegetables—we're talking kale,
MDLinx
Green smoothie causing the runs for my husband two hours after ... 15 Jan 2021 — Keep encouraging him and try new things together! Maybe a new restaurant, recipe or food item you've both never tried before! It's fun to jump into a deep lake ...
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Dr Peter Holsman
Raw kale in smoothies or salads can be harmful - Facebook 09 Jan 2016 — Thoughts? ok your kale. Kale and collards come close to being as healthy as wild greens. But it's best not to add raw greens to smoothies or salads. Raw kale is...
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YouTube·High Intensity Health Exclusive | Biohacker Dave Asprey: your green smoothie could be ... 04 Mar 2025 — 'Father of biohacking' warns that green smoothies can 'actually be working against you' * Dave Asprey is a biohacker who advocates for a low-carb, high-fat diet...
New York Post
3 Reasons You're Bloated After Your Smoothie - The Healthy Chef 04 Sept 2019 — If you've ever found that you feel bloated after you drink a smoothie, these could be some reasons for you to consider: * 1. Hard To Digest Ingredients. Some fr...
The Healthy Chef
1:19 The Dark Side of Green Drinks & Green Smoothies
YouTube·High Intensity Health Does Kale Cause Gas? Cruciferous Vegetables and Gas - Gas X Why This Healthy Vegetable May Be Causing Your Gas (And How to Still Enjoy it) When it comes to veggies, you can't get much healthier than dark,leafy greens. Ka...
Gas X
2:26 3 Reasons Smoothies Are Ruining Your Gut Health | Ayurvedic Health ...
YouTube·Gut story with Dimple Jangda Eating raw kale in smoothies can be harmful - Facebook 03 Feb 2019 — Raw kale in smoothies: potential health risks. ... just read this- now I'm confused ! What do you know about raw kale in smoothies ? "Kale and collards come clo...
Do Green Smoothies and Berries Cause High Oxalates and Joint Pain? | MosaicDX 28 Jul 2023 — Genetic predispositions, imbalances in the gut microbiome, leaky gut syndrome, and eating too many high-oxalate foods daily can increase oxalates in the bloodst...
Mosaic Diagnostics
Poisoning from Alocasia × amazonica Roots: A Case Report 10 Apr 2025 — Nevertheless, excessive consumption of plants with high oxalate content may overwhelm the protective effect of microbial degradation, leading to hypocalcemia, n...
PubMed Central (PMC) (.gov) Understanding Oxalate Sensitivity: Are Healthy Foods Causing You Discomfort? – The Academy of Systematic Kinesiology 21 Aug 2024 — Conclusion Oxalate sensitivity is a complex condition that can lead to various symptoms, from digestive issues and inflammation to sleep disturbances and kidney...
The Academy of Systematic Kinesiology
Hyperoxaluria and oxalosis - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic 11 May 2023 — Kidney stone symptoms can include: - Sharp pain in the back, side, lower stomach area or groin. - Urine that looks pink, red or brown due to blood.
Mayo Clinic Are Goitrogens in Foods Harmful? - Healthline 15 Jun 2017 — Goitrogens May Cause Thyroid Problems Interfering with TPO: The thyroid peroxidase (TPO) enzyme attaches iodine to the amino acid tyrosine, which together form...
Healthline
Love Organic Kale? It May Have A Dark Side 08 Jun 2024 — The doctor supervising them ( A molecular biologist ) finally realized that the kale they were eating appeared to have high levels of heavy metals, creating tox...
Institute for Integrative Nutrition
Is There a Dark Side to Kale? 17 Mar 2015 — Even the President dined on kale salad at his Thanksgiving feast as noted in The Washington Post. With this craze, people are learning how to amp up their kale ...
IMUA Orthopedics, Sports & Health
Ask Leyla: Why do veggie smoothies cause stomach discomfort? 23 Oct 2024 — In other words, you wouldn't eat a bag of kale, carrots and beets from your individual salad bowl, would you? That's enough produce to fill a tray! You shouldn'
Dr. Ronald Hoffman
Super Food Tips: Kale Facts and Why We Shouldn’t Eat Raw Kale 16 Jan 2018 — Research has shown that consuming raw kale in small amounts and sparingly is fine. So to prevent those issues as we've mentioned above, mix it up and introduce ...
Super Farmers
The Dark Side Of Kale (And How To Eat Around It) 10 Jan 2014 — If people have hypothyroidism or they're taking thyroid medication, then they should check with their doctor. But even in this case, reasonable amounts shouldn'
WBUR
Kale Drinks for Women in 2026: A Realistic Guide to Hormones, Skin, Weight & Everyday Energy 11 Mar 2026 — If you have thyroid issues, kidney stones, or take blood thinners, you should check with your doctor or a registered dietitian first and likely favor cooked kal...
Central Texas College
The Hidden Dangers In Your Green Smoothie 21 Apr 2025 — 5. The stowaway problem It may be unpleasant to consider, but raw produce contains a heavy load of bacteria and parasites — even if you choose the organic varie...
Women's Health Network.
I am very disappointed. Woolworths claims to thoroughly check all products, yet this happened.
I am very disappointed. Get your act together please. Don't play with peoples lives.