What Are Lectins? The Health Implications and How to Avoid It

Over the past few years, there has been so much hype and speculation around gluten, with many people considering it the number one gut health enemy. While you could genuinely be having gluten intolerance or any other health condition linked to gluten, sometimes this protein isn’t the real menace. Individuals claiming to have gluten intolerance may actually be suffering from lectin sensitivity. So if you have been experiencing symptoms of gluten intolerance especially after eating something that’s made from wheat, then lectin could be the cause of your problems. Read on to find out more about lectin and how you can avoid lectin intolerance. What Are Lectins? Lectin is a protein that binds carbohydrates together in an organism. It is contained in a wide range of the foods we consume-fruits, vegetables, meats, and even oils. Lectins are particularly concentrated in legumes and grains. Once consumed, lectins can stick to body cells, increasing vulnerability to bacteria, viruses, and various illnesses. While many varieties of lectin are not harmful, a few are toxic, which is why it is advisable to avoid them altogether especially if you already have lectin intolerance. The Health Effects of Consuming the “Sticky Proteins” Lectins can lead to various functional breakdowns once they get into your body. Your body will usually respond to this compound in various ways which leads to different health implications, including; Leaky Gut Diarrhea Bloatin Nausea Gas Digestive probl...
Source: Nursing Comments - Category: Nursing Authors: Tags: Nutrition Source Type: blogs