Why Does Spinach Make My Mouth Dry? Solved

Last Updated on September 12, 2024 by Shari Mason

Do you enjoy eating spinach? You are not alone.

Spinach is a nutrient-rich vegetable that has many health benefits. However, some people find that spinach makes their mouths dry. But why does spinach make my mouth dry? 

In this blog post, we will look at the possible causes of this phenomenon and provide some tips on overcoming it.

Why Is Spinach Making My Mouth Dry?

When you eat spinach, it’s not unusual to experience a dry feeling in your mouth. This is due to the high oxalate content in spinach. 

Oxalates are compounds that bind with calcium and other minerals to form crystals. These crystals can then deposit in tissues and irritate. 

The body gets rid of oxalates by excreting them in urine. However, consuming too many oxalates can build up in the body and cause health problems. 

In addition to causing a dry feeling in the mouth, spinach can also cause kidney stones, joint pain, and digestive problems. 

If you’re concerned about the effects of spinach on your health, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian. They can help you determine if you need to limit your intake of spinach or other foods high in oxalates.

But can you eat spinach stems?

How Do You Get Rid Of Dry Mouth From Spinach?

There are several ways to combat dry mouth from spinach. 

First, you can drink plenty of fluids during and after eating spinach. This will help to keep your mouth moist and prevent the oxalates from binding to saliva. 

You can also chew gum or suck on hard candy to stimulate saliva flow. 

Finally, you can rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash after eating spinach. This will help remove any remaining oxalates in your mouth and prevent them from causing further irritation. 

By following these simple tips, you can enjoy spinach without dealing with the uncomfortable side effects of a dry mouth.

How To Prevent Spinach Teeth

Most everyone has heard of spinach teeth, but did you know there are ways to prevent it?

Spinach teeth occur when the iron in spinach combines with fluoride in toothpaste to form a dark green film on your teeth. 

The best way to avoid spinach teeth is to brush your teeth immediately after eating spinach or any other food that contains iron.

You can also try rinsing your mouth with water before brushing or using toothpaste that does not contain fluoride. 

If you do find yourself with spinach teeth, don’t worry. The film can be easily removed by brushing your teeth with a toothbrush or using dental floss. But how long is spinach dip good for in the fridge?

What Are The Negative Effects Of Eating This Vegetable?

Though spinach is very nutritious, it also contains high levels of oxalate [1]. When oxalate becomes too concentrated in body fluids, it can crystallize and cause health problems. 

For this reason, people with kidney or gallbladder problems may need to avoid eating spinach. 

Additionally, spinach is one of the most common food allergens. Those who are allergic to spinach may experience hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, and throat. 

In severe cases, anaphylactic shock may occur. If you suspect you may be allergic to spinach, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. 

Lastly, due to its high nitrate content, spinach has been linked to a small increase in the risk of developing thyroid cancer. Though the risk is small, it is something to be aware of if you regularly eat large amounts of spinach.

What Are The Benefits OF Eating Spinach?

• Boosting your immune system: Vitamin C helps to fight off infections and strengthens the immune system.

• Reducing inflammation: Spinach contains antioxidants that can help to reduce inflammation throughout the body.

• Improving brain function: The iron in spinach helps to improve cognitive function and memory.

• Lowering blood pressure: The potassium in spinach helps to regulate blood pressure.

FAQs

How do you remove oxalic acid from teeth?

There are a few ways to remove oxalic acid from teeth. One way is to brush teeth with baking soda and water paste. 

Another way is to use a straw to suck on lemon or lime juice. Lastly, you can use an over-the-counter oxalic acid removal product.

Does everyone get spinach teeth?

No, not everyone gets spinach teeth. Some people have a natural aversion to the taste of spinach, and others may not eat enough of it to cause discoloration. 

However, if you are eating a lot of spinach and still notice that your teeth are getting progressively more yellow, then it’s likely that spinach is the culprit.

Why does raw spinach make my mouth feel weird?

Raw spinach can make your mouth feel weird because of the oxalic acid it contains. This compound can interact with other minerals in the body to form insoluble salts, which can cause a gritty feeling in the mouth. 

Additionally, some people may be sensitive to the taste of oxalic acid.

Why does spinach have a metallic taste?

Spinach has a metallic taste because it contains high levels of iron. This is a good thing because iron is necessary for human health. 

However, some people find the taste of spinach unpleasant, which is simply due to personal preference.

In Conclusion

There are many possible explanations for why eating spinach might make your mouth dry. It could be due to the high iron content in spinach or a reaction to certain compounds found in the vegetable. 

If you’re concerned about this side effect, try drinking plenty of water and avoiding other foods known to cause dryness, such as coffee and alcohol. 

You should also talk to your doctor if the problem persists, as there could be an underlying medical condition causing your mouth to feel dry.

Reference:

1. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/oxalate-good-or-bad