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What are Lectins?

Daphne Mallory
Daphne Mallory

Lectins are glycoproteins that have sugar-binding properties that enable them to attach to the membranes of cells. Dietary lectins are often damaging because viruses use them to attach to cells in the body, and they help to cause major health issues. Food allergies, autoimmune disease, and inflammation are some of the medical problems obtained from foods. Some of the foods that contain these glycoproteins include corn, soy, and grains that contain gluten, such as wheat and barley.

Many foods contain lectin, but not all of them contain high levels that are potentially toxic. Dairy, beans,and nightshade plants often contain high levels of these sugar-binding proteins. When consumed in an improper manner, such as uncooked or if consumed in too high of a quantity, lectins can be toxic to some people, especially those who already suffer from digestive stress. Some of the symptoms and diseases associated with too much lectin in the body include obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Individuals with autoimmune diseases or gastrointestinal problems often eliminate these foods from their diet to help reduce stress and to allow damaged cells to heal.

Grains with gluten contain lectins.
Grains with gluten contain lectins.

Carbohydrates are found within and protruding out of cells. When lectins enter the body, they attach themselves to the carbohydrates in an attempt to damage the cells and destroy them. The right lectin must match the carbohydrate in the cell for it to work, but when it does it breaks through the cell membrane. It often results in negative immune responses, such as an autoimmune disease. How a person reacts often depends on the amount of healthy gut flora present in the body and the condition of an individual’s immune system.

Eggplants, tomatoes, and other members of the nightshade family have high levels of lectins.
Eggplants, tomatoes, and other members of the nightshade family have high levels of lectins.

One way to stop the harmful effects of dietary lectins is through dietary intervention. Some diets eliminate foods that contain high levels of them. Two of the popular diets include the gluten-free and casein-free diet and the special carbohydrates diet, which don’t allow many foods containing high levels of lectins. Another method often recommended by health professionals is to take specific carbohydrate supplements, such as glucosamine, which prevents the proteins in lectins from binding to the carbohydrates in the cells. While taking supplements is effective, it often doesn’t work for all the lectins that enter the body on an ongoing basis. For that reason, many experts recommend employing a diet that eliminates them in the first place.

Discussion Comments

QuirkyMango

@Sultank- Both lectin and gluten are plant compounds found in foods, like breads. Lectin is also found in potatoes. So, gluten-free probably does not always mean lectin-free.

I know both can cause intestinal troubles, so it may be a good question for your family doctor.

Sultank

Are lectin free foods the same as gluten-free foods?

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    • Grains with gluten contain lectins.
      By: Elena Schweitzer
      Grains with gluten contain lectins.
    • Eggplants, tomatoes, and other members of the nightshade family have high levels of lectins.
      By: Konstiantyn
      Eggplants, tomatoes, and other members of the nightshade family have high levels of lectins.
    • Lectins may be toxic to people who suffer from digestive stress.
      By: lightwavemedia
      Lectins may be toxic to people who suffer from digestive stress.
    • Obesity is associated with too much lectin in the body.
      By: olly
      Obesity is associated with too much lectin in the body.
    • Dairy often contains high levels of lectins.
      By: Lsantilli
      Dairy often contains high levels of lectins.