Lectins are proteins in plants that can have negative side effects on your digestion. They are a plant’s defense mechanism against “predators”. Much like a porcupine has it’s quills, plants have their defense system as well. Here are three major signs that you should try a lectin free diet:

You Have a Leaky Gut

A leaky gut is also known as intestinal permeability. It’s when the lining of the small intestine allows for undigested food particles, bacteria, and waste products to leak through and into the bloodstream.

This can cause symptoms such as migraines, irritable bowel, bloating, and cramps. Lectins can be causing the intestinal permeability.

You Have Nausea After Eating Certain Foods

A lectin sensitivity may present itself to you as nausea. If you notice that you’re experiencing nausea after eating certain foods, you may have had a previous bad reaction to it. Intense nausea could also be one of the side effects of a leaky gut and thus the need to remove lectins from your diet.

You Have Chronic Fatigue

If you’re experiencing severe fatigue, giving a lectin-free diet a try might be the right choice for you. Lectins are connected to autoimmune reactions in your body. Problems with your immune system and fatigue often go hand in hand.

Lectins in Food

In addition to relieving stomach issues, a lectin-free diet can also help lower inflammation. To reap the benefits of this diet, here are some of the foods you need to avoid:

• Legumes
• Nightshade veggies (peppers, white potatoes, eggplant)
• Zucchini
• Grains (including quinoa)
• Pasta

It’s also important to note that fruit should only be consumed in moderation and eat only fruit that’s in season. Look up a lectin free “yes” & “no” food list to see that there are lots of “yes” foods and a lectin-free diet is highly doable!

Eating lectin free doesn’t mean forever but if it alleviates your stomach pain and discomfort plus giving the intestines time to heal the holes, why not try it?! What do you have to lose??