Most people are aware that eating a lot of sugar, refined carbs, unhealthy fats or processed/fast foods does not bode well for your health.

They’re a sure path to heart disease, cancer, obesity, type 2 diabetes and much more!

But what if I told you that even a healthy diet might possibly make you sick?

Sadly, that may be the case.

Especially if you eat a lot of foods that are high in lectins.

Here’s the skinny on lectins—what they really are, the problems they can cause, and how you can minimize your risk.

Lectins—bug repellents and then some

Lectins are sticky plant proteins that bind to sugar (carbohydrate) molecules on the surface of cells.  They do serve a valid purpose—they were designed by Nature as a way for plants to defend themselves against predatory insects.

Unfortunately, bugs aren’t the only ones who may be affected by lectins—because we humans can be too.

Now, lectins in small amounts are typically fine for most people, but the problems can start to arise if you’re getting too many of them and/or if you are highly sensitive to them.

Here’s what I mean.

The ripple of health problems caused by lectins

One of the most serious issues with lectins is that they trigger inflammation in your body.  Inflammation is major contributing factor behind most chronic diseases including cancer, heart disease and arthritis.

Lectins can also stimulate overzealous immune responses (such as those seen in autoimmune conditions); they can make your blood thick and sticky (getting you in clotting trouble); they can disrupt endocrine function (leading to hormone imbalances) and cause GI distress similar to food poisoning.

Lectins can bind to certain areas in your intestinal wall and interfere with nutrient absorption, leaving you open to deficiencies—this is why they are considered “antinutrients.” 

They can also cause unhealthy changes to your gut microbiome (weakening your immune functioning) and lead to intestinal permeability (leaky gut).

Once your gut wall is leaky, this paves the way for toxins, bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, old worn out hormones and cholesterol, and poorly digested food molecules to enter your bloodstream--stirring up inflammation, triggering food sensitivities, and compromising the functioning of your cells, tissues and organs.

Particularly dangerous are heavy metals—especially if they reach the brain.  For example, aluminum has been found in large concentration in the brains of Alzheimer’s and autism patients, and mercury can cause mental dysfunction, fatigue, poor memory, decreased senses of touch, hearing and vision, and depression.

In addition, if old cholesterol and hormones are not eliminated like they should be, and instead are reabsorbed into circulation through a leaky gut wall, that can increase your risk of elevated cholesterol levels and hormone-dependent cancers.

Certain lectins (especially those found in wheat) are attracted to glucosamine, the polysaccharide that covers your joints—leading to joint problems and pain.

Whew!

So where are these darn lectins hiding anyway?

Lectins are found in high concentration in the following foods:

• Wheat—by the way, the gluten in wheat is another antinutrient that wreaks havoc with many people
• Beans and legumes—kidney beans, lima beans, black beans, soybeans, lentils, peanuts
• Nuts and seeds—cashews, almonds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds
• Nightshade vegetables—potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant, bell peppers

Many of these foods are common allergens as well, and I don’t think that’s a coincidence.  All allergies are an inflammatory immune response and lectins most assuredly do their part to stir the pot.

Who is likely to have a problem with lectins?

Not everyone has an issue with lectins—many people can eat wheat, beans, nuts and nightshades, enjoying the nutritional benefits of those foods, and not be affected in a negative way. 

Others, however, suffer the consequences.

People who should minimize or avoid lectin-containing foods include those who have:

• Autoimmune diseases (including MS, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, Crohn’s disease and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis)
• Heart disease
• Arthritis and joint pains
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Food allergies or sensitivities

How will I know?

If you’ve had symptoms of unexplained gas and bloating, skin eruptions, joint pains, autoimmune issues or haven’t been able to lose weight despite eating a healthy diet and exercising, you may have a degree of lectin sensitivity.

You can start by doing a simple home test.  If you suspect lectins may be doing dirty work in your body, then remove the food sources of lectins I listed above from your diet for 3 weeks and see how you feel.

If you feel significantly better, well, there’s a sign for you.

Reduce lectin levels easily

Note that you can help reduce the level of lectins in various foods simply by peeling nightshades and discarding the peels and seeds, and soaking beans and legumes in water for 12 hours prior to cooking. 

Cooking removes many of the lectins too—especially in tomatoes—and fermenting and sprouting helps as well.

This allows you to enjoy the nutritional benefits of lectin-containing foods and reduce your risk of having problems!

Heal your gut too

If you believe lectins have caused you problems, or just want to support strong gut health, then it’s imperative to help heal your gut and curb inflammation.

Here are 4 very effective measures that can help:

1- Eat probiotic foods like sauerkraut, kefir, kimchi, apple cider vinegar, yogurt, miso and brine-cured olives.

2- Supplement with a well-rounded, full-spectrum probiotic formula like Super Shield.  The following superstar probiotic strains have been shown to be especially beneficial for gut health, and ALL of them are in Super Shield:

• Bifidobacterium bifidum
• Bifidobacterium longum
• Bifidobacterium breve
• Bifidobacterium infantis
• Lactobacillus para casei
• Lactobacillus acidophilus
• Lactobacillus bulgaricus
• Lactobacillus rhamnosus
• Bacillus coagulans

3- Pave the way for efficient digestion by making your meals easier for your system to break down.  My Great Taste No Pain system will show you exactly how to do this!  You’ll learn what foods to pair together in your meals for dramatically improved digestion, more regular bowel movements and less gas, bloating and heartburn!  Plus you’ll get a collection of the most delicious recipes you’ve ever tasted.

And note that if you have a known issue with gluten too, then my Great Taste No Gluten system is your ticket.  You’ll get the same meal planning advice as in Great Taste No Pain, plus a collection of delectable gluten free recipes and guides for keeping gluten out of your life.

4- Take advantage of Nature’s anti-inflammatory—Omega-3 essential fatty acids.  VitalMega-3 fish oil formula provides a pharmaceutical-grade, health-supporting dose of inflammation-soothing Omega-3 fats, including the all-important EPA and DHA in the 3:2 ratio recommended by health professionals.

To your health,

Sherry Brescia