How Food Affects Your Health: The Role of Dietary Lectins
Dr. Steven Gundry is an inventor, best-selling author, and world renowned doctor. Dr. Gundry discusses lectins & autoimmunity.
When it comes to health, the food eaten has the most significant impact of all. And that means avoiding dietary lectins as much as possible. Lectins are a plant toxin that can have adverse effects on a person’s health. Eliminating lectins from your diet can have a big effect on how you feel. If you’re interested in learning more about dietary lectins and how they can affect your health, keep reading!
Dietary lectins often cause autoimmune diseases. Lectins are a protein that can bind to cells in the body and cause inflammation. The lectin-free diet is becoming more popular as people learn about the potential health benefits. A lectin-free diet means you should eliminate and avoid foods that contain lectins, including grains, legumes, and some fruits and vegetables.
The Theory of Why Elevated Adiponectin Is Associated with Lectin Sensitivity
Obesity is a proinflammatory state, and lectins can worsen inflammation. So it’s no surprise that obesity and lectin sensitivity are often linked.
But why? Adiponectin is a hormone secreted by fat cells. It’s known to have anti-inflammatory effects. This, in turn, leads to higher adiponectin levels being released to combat inflammation.
Dr. Gundry recommends following a lectin-free diet if you struggle with obesity or lectin sensitivity. A lectin free diet can help reduce inflammation and may even lead to weight loss.
Dr. Gundry and Lectins
Dr. Gundry is a world-renowned researcher and expert on lectins. He’s dedicated his career to studying leaky gut and how lectins adversely affect the human body. Dr Gundry founded Gundry Health, a telehealth platform that provides information and clinical services on the lectin-free diet and how it can improve your health. Gundry Health offers a variety of resources, to help patients identify and treat leaky gut. The program includes in depth reviews of food and how it affects your body, and lab reports illustrating over 140 food markets that cause leaky gut.
Dr. Gundry also provides great tools to help you live a longer, more healthy life. Eating the right food for good gut health is an important piece of that puzzle. Download the famous Dr. Gundry Yes/No list food list today and start your journey to better gut health (Yes/No List – link).
Gut Lining, Cortisol, Leptin, and Stress
Cortisol is a stress hormone that can cause inflammation and lead to weight gain. Leptin is a hormone that helps to regulate appetite and energy expenditure. When levels of cortisol or leptin are elevated, it can lead to weight gain.
The gut lining is a barrier that separates the inside of the gut from the rest of the body. When this barrier is damaged, it can allow lectins and other toxins to enter the bloodstream, leading to inflammation. In addition, stress can damage the gut lining, which is why managing stress levels is essential to maintaining good gut health.
Permeability, WBC
Cytokines Permeability measures how easily substances can pass through the gut lining. When the gut lining is damaged, it can become more permeable and allow toxins and bacteria to enter the bloodstream which can lead to inflammation. WBC (white blood cells) are part of the immune system, and they help our bodies fight infection. When the body is exposed to a foreign invader, like a virus or bacteria, our body will increase WBC to fight off the infection. However, if the body is constantly being exposed to foreign invaders, like lectins, it can lead to chronic inflammation. Symptoms of an unhealthy gut include fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, and skin problems.
TNF, Local Inflammation
TNF (tumor necrosis factor) is a type of protein that can cause inflammation. The immune system produces TNF in response to an infection or injury. Local inflammation is when the immune system responds to a disease or damage in a specific area of the body . For example, if you cut your finger, the area around the cut will become red and swollen. This is because the immune system is working to heal the injury. A leaky gut is when the barrier between the inside of the stomach and the rest of the body is damaged. When this barrier is damaged, it can allow toxins and bacteria to enter the bloodstream, which can lead to inflammation.
CRP
CRP (C-reactive protein) is a type of protein that is produced in response to inflammation. CRP is a marker of inflammation and can be used to measure the level of inflammation in the body. The American Heart Association recommends that people with heart disease check their CRP levels, as high CRP levels are associated with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
T3
T3 (triiodothyronine) is a type of thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormones play a role in metabolism, and low levels of T3 can lead to fatigue and weight gain. In addition, T3 levels can be affected by many things, including inflammation and oxidative stress.
Oxidative stress
Oxidative stress is when there is an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the body’s ability to detoxify them. Free radicals are reactive molecules that can damage cells. They are produced when the body breaks down food or is exposed to environmental toxins. The body has a natural defense system against free radicals. Still, if the body is constantly exposed to them, it can lead to oxidative stress. This can damage cells and lead to inflammation.
Blue Light
Blue light is found in natural sunlight and artificial light, such as computers and TVs. It has been shown to have some health benefits but can also negatively affect the body. For example, blue light exposure at night can suppress the production of melatonin, which can disrupt the sleep cycle. Blue light exposure can also lead to digital eye strain, where the eyes feel tired and dry after watching a screen for an extended period.
Circadian Rhythm
The circadian rhythm is the body’s internal clock that regulates when we sleep, wake up, and eat. It is controlled by the light-dark cycle, which is vital for maintaining a healthy sleep-wake cycle. Unfortunately, blue light exposure at night can disrupt the circadian rhythm and lead to insomnia.
- The Gut Microbiome: A Hidden Universe of Health Warriors
Believe it or not, your gut is home to a thriving community of microorganisms, each with its own unique set of talents. These mighty warriors are not mere passengers; they actively contribute to your digestion, immune system, metabolism, and even influence your mood and mental health. It’s mind-boggling to consider just how much power lies within this hidden universe.
- The Gut-Brain Connection: Unleashing Your Second Brain
Did you know that your gut is often referred to as the “second brain”? Yes, you read that right! The intricate network of neurons lining your gut, known as the enteric nervous system, communicates directly with your brain. This bidirectional highway of communication allows your gut to influence your emotions, thoughts, and even decision-making. Taking care of your gut is like nurturing your own personal brain health spa.
- Nurturing Your Gut Microbiome: Feed the Good, Starve the Bad
Maintaining a healthy gut microbiome requires a mindful approach to nutrition. The key is to feed the beneficial bacteria while starving the harmful ones. And how do we achieve this? By embracing a plant-rich, fiber-filled diet abundant in colorful fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. These delectable choices provide nourishment for the good bacteria, enabling them to flourish and support your well-being from within.
- The Hidden Dangers: Antibiotics and Processed Foods
Ah, the modern pitfalls of gut health—antibiotics and processed foods. While antibiotics serve as powerful weapons against harmful infections, they can inadvertently disrupt the delicate balance of your gut microbiome. It’s crucial to use them judiciously and consider supportive measures such as probiotics to help restore harmony. Equally important is reducing your consumption of processed foods laden with artificial additives that wreak havoc on your gut health. Opt for whole, natural foods whenever possible.
- Probiotics and Prebiotics: Your Gut’s Best Friends
Enter the superheroes of gut health: probiotics and prebiotics. Probiotics are live microorganisms that confer a plethora of health benefits when ingested. These friendly fighters can be found in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi. On the other hand, prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that serve as fuel for the good bacteria in your gut. They can be obtained from sources like garlic, onions, asparagus, and bananas. Embrace these allies, and your gut will thank you!
- Listen to Your Gut: A Journey of Self-Discovery
As you embark on this transformative journey, it’s essential to listen to the signals your gut sends your way. Pay attention to how certain foods make you feel—energized or lethargic, vibrant or sluggish. Remember, each individual’s gut microbiome is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Trust your gut instincts and embrace the foods that nourish you from the inside out.
Lectins, Autoimmune Disease
What are lectins?
Lectins are a type of protein found in plants. They are often found in grains, legumes, and nightshade vegetables. Lectins are also found in some animal products, such as milk and eggs. They are known to cause inflammation in the body and have been linked to autoimmune conditions.
The autoimmune protocol diet (AIP) is a type of diet that eliminates foods that are known to cause inflammation, such as lectins. The AIP diet is often used to treat autoimmune conditions.
What is the low-lectin diet?
The low-lectin diet is a type of diet that eliminates or limits foods that are high in lectins.
What are the benefits of the low-lectin diet?
The low-lectin diet has been shown to be effective in treating autoimmune conditions. The diet is also thought to be beneficial for gut health, as it eliminates or limits foods that can damage the gut lining. Additionally, the low-lectin diet may help to reduce inflammation in the body and improve overall health.
What are the risks of the low-lectin diet?
The low-lectin diet may cause some side effects, such as fatigue, headaches, and constipation. Additionally, the diet may be difficult to follow long-term.
Who should not follow the low-lectin diet?
Anyone with an autoimmune condition or gut damage should speak to a doctor before starting the low-lectin diet. Additionally, pregnant women and children should not follow the diet.
A Revolutionary Way to Treat Autoimmune Disease
At Gundry Health, we help patients improve health, happiness, and longevity through our personalized clinical care program. This program combines Dr. Gundry’s unique vision of human nutrition with integrated lab and clinical solutions.
An autoimmune disease is when your immune system mistakenly attacks your body. If you or a loved one is suffering from an autoimmune disease, Gundry Health clinical care plan can help find the cure. Over 20 years of treating autoimmune disease experience will help you to understand your condition and treat it in the best way possible.
Customized Plan
Each Gundry Health patient receives a unique customized care plan designed especially for the ailment causing harm.
Medical Lab Data
At no additional cost to the patient, Gundry Health performs quarterly blood panel diagnostic labs providing insight into ailment-causing triggers.
Clinical Care
Gundry Health patients receive ongoing clinical care and in-depth follow-up reviews using our Telehealth platform and mobile application.
Providing Expert Care Solving Autoimmune Disorders.
Using our proprietary HIPAA-compliant Telehealth platform and customized clinical lab programs, our care coordinators help and treat ailments associated with autoimmunity.
Live a healthy life with Gundry Health. It’s a good day to start!
For more information, please visit our website at www.gundryhealth.com. The microbiome is a very complex topic. This section needs to be reviewed and much more added to it.
