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Lectins? What is All The Hype?
Today, we are going to talk more about a five-step approach to get your gut healthy and about the fact that I actually had the same problem with my dog that I had with myself. I was told that I should go on steroids, and I should go on antibiotics, that I would need surgery and all these different things. After a while it was like I don't think the problem is being solved here.
Microbiome Testing
Many of you may or may not know that there is a trend now for veterinarians that are now offering microbiome testing for animals, and other types of testing. When I did food sensitivity testing on my last dog, we found out that she was sensitive to chicken and corn and then we had to buy a special diet for her. It was a special type of formula that was recommended to me by a naturopathic veterinarian. We found out what food she was sensitive to and that stopped the merry go round of antibiotics and steroids, antibiotics and steroids and we resolved all her skin issues, so this stuff isn't made up.
Personalized Nutrition Works
We are here to discuss personalized nutrition, and it's based on the concept that one size does not fit all differences in our genetics, our prenatal experience, our health history, our lifestyle, nutrient intake. metabolism, and our microbiomes contribute to individualized differences observed in response to therapeutic diets, nutrition, nutrition status, the timing of eating, stress responses, and chemicals in our food and household products. This means that our genomes, nutrigenomics, Biochemistry, metabolism, and microbiome are unique for every one of us. The principles in the BioUNIQUE boutique involve an understanding of chronic diseases, individualized biochemistry, and how food is metabolized different for everyone, assigning therapeutic diets and developing individualized nutrition strategies that are customized to each person's individualized needs.
And we say, test, don't guess. Schedule a free call today!
What Have We Covered?
Today on the show, we’ll discuss lectins—are they good or bad? We’ll also touch on free recipes I’m offering, dive into IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), food sensitivities, intestinal permeability, and the value of food sensitivity testing. Our goal is always to get to the root cause of health problems.
Last week, on the November 9th show, we talked about the risks of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). If you missed it, you can catch up via the podcast. To summarize, PPIs are among the top 10 most prescribed drug classes, commonly used for acid reflux, indigestion, and ulcers. Though they’re assumed to be safe, studies—and many pharmacists—suggest they can lead to other health issues by reducing stomach acid levels too much. Proper stomach acid levels are critical for gut health, and disruptions can lead to problems like bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine.
Only 7% of Americans have good cardiometabolic health, 60% live with at least one chronic disease, and 40% have two or more. Additionally, 80% of autoimmune conditions affect women, and mental health issues often emerge between ages 45 and 55. These are sobering statistics that underscore the importance of food and nutrition. Americans spend $4.5 trillion annually on healthcare, nearly 19% of the GDP. Unfortunately, industries like Big Ag, Big Sugar, and Big Pharma profit from keeping people unwell.
Up to 15% of Americans suffer from IBS, and studies show 60–70% of these cases are linked to SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth). Treating SIBO often resolves IBS. We’ll discuss natural treatments like herbal antimicrobials and nutraceuticals to restore gut health. We’ll also explore leaky gut—how it develops, why it matters, and how it’s linked to other health issues, including autoimmune diseases and migraines.
Conventional medicine often overlooks the therapeutic potential of diet for conditions like IBS and IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease). Unlike IBS, IBD is an autoimmune disease, encompassing conditions like celiac disease, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease. Studies show diet plays a crucial role in both symptoms and inflammation for these diseases.
For example, while garlic is often touted as anti-inflammatory, it can aggravate symptoms for those with IBS or Crohn’s. This highlights the importance of working with a professional rather than experimenting on your own. As a licensed dietitian with over 20 years of experience, I specialize in weight loss resistance, GI issues, and food sensitivities.
We also discussed the microbiome, often called the “second brain,” as it houses 80% of your immune system. Imbalances in gut bacteria can lead to cholesterol issues, eczema, psoriasis, and even Alzheimer’s. Weight loss resistance, brain fog, and a weakened immune system are other common signs of gut dysfunction.
If you’re tired of conventional medicine’s generic diagnoses or long wait times, there’s hope. Functional nutrition focuses on testing—not guessing—to uncover the root causes of your health challenges. For example, with proper testing, I’ve helped patients uncover thyroid imbalances and optimize treatments that their doctors missed.
What’s the Buzz on Lectins?
On the topic of lectins, let’s address the buzz. Lectins are naturally occurring proteins found in many plants, including beans, peanuts, lentils, tomatoes, and whole grains. Some claim lectins are harmful, but the scientific evidence doesn’t support eliminating them from your diet. Cooking and processing foods significantly reduce lectin levels, making them safe to consume. The proven benefits of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains far outweigh any theoretical risks of lectins.
Finally, remember: nutrition is not a one-size-fits-all approach. If you’re dealing with GI issues, weight loss resistance, or food sensitivities, personalized testing can help identify exactly which foods and supplements work best for you. Don’t waste time on quick-fix solutions or self-diagnosing—work with an expert to achieve lasting results.
If you’re ready to take control of your health, schedule a free call with me at Harmony with Food. Let’s see if we’re a good fit to work together!
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