The relationship between Lichen Sclerosis & oxalates

oxalates & lichen sclerosis

The relationship between oxalates and the autoimmune condition Lichen Sclerosis (LS) is a topic of ongoing research. But there are some connections:

• Oxalates, an anti-nutrient and plant defence, can accumulate as crystals in tissues and organs, and cause health problems from kidney stones to vulvodynia.
  The link between oxalates and lichen sclerosis centres around the role of oxalate crystals in inflammation and tissue (skin) damage in LS

• Some studies have found higher levels of oxalates in the urine of women with LS compared to others

• Furthermore, some women with LS have reported improvements in symptoms after adopting a low- or lower-oxalate diet

• Anecdotal reports also say that if a woman has a hard time breaking down oxalates and they have LS, eating higher-oxalate foods can trigger flares

Lichen sclerosis & menopause

In menopause, the chances of a woman getting an autoimmune disease, including LS, increase due to the loss of the proactive impact of oestrogen on the body and skin.

Bio-individuality

Every woman is individual, and our dietary sensitivities can vary. This is why a healing approach needs to be individual. In general, oxalates, histamines, gluten, dairy, sugar and refined carbs, and manufactured seed oils can be common contributors to autoimmunity and gut health issues.