Lectins are toxic proteins made by plants to protect themselves from being eaten by animals. Lectins can’t be digested, & bind to particular carbohydrate molecules on our cell membranes & can thereby disrupt cell function, interfere with gene expression, cause red and white blood cells to clump together in our veins, and activate autoimmune responses to our own tissues such as the thyroid, pancreas or joints.
Lectins may also bind to the cells lining our gut wall, thus interfering with absorption of nutrients and causing leaky gut.
This may result in systemic inflammation, which is a major part of all chronic disease.
Symptoms of Inflammation from a high lectin diet may include:
Foods highest in inflammatory lectins are:
Those who remove high lectin foods from their diet, may notice some symptoms like bloating, diarrhea, muscle pain & brain fog disappearing relatively quickly – in the first month. More serious long term inflammatory symptoms may take up to a year to improve so it needs patience to persevere, but it’s worth it to feel good again. If you suspect you may have lectin related inflammation call Sunshine Coast Nutritionist Karen Emans for a consultation on 0408748532
Lectins may also bind to the cells lining our gut wall, thus interfering with absorption of nutrients and causing leaky gut.
This may result in systemic inflammation, which is a major part of all chronic disease.
Symptoms of Inflammation from a high lectin diet may include:
- Wind & bloating
- Diarrhea or irritable bowel
- Joint or muscle pain, leg cramps & restless legs syndrome
- Back pain or headaches
- Brain fog & Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Can’t lose weight
- Autoimmune disease
Foods highest in inflammatory lectins are:
- Grains - yes all of them!
- Beans & Legumes - did you know peanuts & cashews are legumes?
- A1 Dairy
- Nightshades - white potato, tomato, eggplant, capsicum, goji berries
- Gourds - pumpkin, zucchini & squash
- Chia seeds, sunflower seeds
Those who remove high lectin foods from their diet, may notice some symptoms like bloating, diarrhea, muscle pain & brain fog disappearing relatively quickly – in the first month. More serious long term inflammatory symptoms may take up to a year to improve so it needs patience to persevere, but it’s worth it to feel good again. If you suspect you may have lectin related inflammation call Sunshine Coast Nutritionist Karen Emans for a consultation on 0408748532