Oxalates are a common food chemical. They are produced in plants as ways to protect from being eaten. In humans, they bind to minerals and cause serious health problems at the cellular level. A number of factors determine the level of Oxalates in the body. In addition to dietary, intestinal health (permeability) and bacterial ability to break it down as well as healthy kidney function all determine the levels found in the body.
Oxalate crystals can be razor sharp and may cause damage to various tissues. The sharp crystals cause damage due to their physical structure, but any contact with the crystals also increases inflammation.