Oxalates are found in foods such as spinach, beets, wheat bran, peanuts, chocolate, and tea. Oxalate appears in the urine from eating these foods, but also by digestion of bacteria in the intestines. The theory is that oxalate crystals in the urine are irritating and that the vulvar burning is caused by elevated levels of oxalates in the urine. The “condition” has been treated by limiting oxalate rich food and by taking calcium citrate, which competes with oxalate in the tissues. In reality, this theory is very controversial and largely unproven and most experts discount it. And while taking calcium citrate can’t hurt and may help prevent osteoporosis, many find the low oxalate diet very restrictive.  A low oxalate, high calcium diet has no place in the treatment of vestibulodynia (VVS).