Lectins are proteins frequently found in a variety of plant and animal-based foods and are consumed daily. As lectins have such a prominent presence in the human diet, it is important to understand them and take the necessary steps to aid your body in combating these proteins.
Lectins bind specifically to common carbohydrates and certain nutrients found in food, preventing the nutrients’ absorption and use by the body. Because of these actions, lectins are often referred to as an “anti-nutrient.”
Lectins can have some serious undesirable side effects. Not only can they prevent the body from absorbing important nutrients, but they can also result in bloating, gas, weight gain, and even chronic diseases including diabetes, IBS, memory loss, migraines, depression, and heart disease.
With all these negative effects, one may think an anti-lectin diet, or a lectin-free diet, is a reputable solution. Unfortunately, it isn’t that simple. First and foremost, there is no scientific evidence that an anti-lectin diet actually works. And secondly, a diet free of lectins would be nearly impossible!
Beans, seeds, grains (including whole grains), corn, lemons, potatoes, cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, dairy products, eggs, peanuts, peas, and dozens of other food items all contain lectins. A lectin-free diet would mean removing these foods from daily intake, and thus would remove superb sources of healthy carbs, vitamins, proteins, and minerals, too.
Additionally, not all lectins are bad. Some might help control rises in blood sugar and insulin levels while others serve as antioxidants and can protect cells from damage. And most notably, some may even kill cancerous cells.
With so many positive benefits, removing lectins entirely from a diet is unwise. Instead, people can block harmful lectins with the use of a dietary supplement, such as Lectin Guard by KaraMD®. Lectin Guard contains slippery elm, a slippery substance that coats the surface of the intestine, and bladderwrack, a seaweed that is thought to deactivate harmful lectins by preventing them from “sticking” to the gut wall and to other foods. Together, these two ingredients help allow harmful lectins to “slip away.” Lectin Guard may also help control sensations of gas and bloating, as well as promote bowel regularity.
Comprised of all-natural plants, Lectin Guard is an effective, vegan-friendly solution to combat harmful lectins. It’s even safe for people with shellfish and sulfa allergies! Purchase your first bottle today!
References & Disclaimers
✝✝This noted statement is based on independent research and is not necessarily the opinion of the author