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5.3.17

plant paradox

Ever reached a point of “wellness fatigue”? As much as we love learning about natural health and nutrition and everything in between, everyone has their limit. Somehow, we found ours when it came to the topic of “lectins”.

That changed when we met with renowned heart surgeon, Dr. Steven Gundry, and got our hands on his new book, The Plant Paradox. Dr. Gundry has used a simple, but therapeutic diet on hundreds of patients in his private practice with some pretty astonishing results — and it’s all based on the notion that humans were never intended to eat the plant-based proteins called lectins. 

After reading The Plant Paradox cover to cover overnight and trying the diet for a few days ourselves, we can’t shake the notion that the lectin-free way of life might be as big a phenomenon as going “gluten-free” has been over the last five years. Read on to learn more and enter to win the book below…

Q: Before meeting you and reading your book, the topic of  “lectins” simply wasn’t a priority. Now it’s at the top of our list. Should a lectin-free diet be the new modern norm?

A: When I did a deep dive with very sophisticated blood tests, the results about lectins’ damaging effects on most people surprised me. Lectins aren’t just a cause of digestive upset or bloating. At a very basic level, lectins are the root of all disease. Why? Because they are the base cause of inflammation as they are designed to attack the body’s cells in order to discourage you from eating plants that make them again. Lectin-free diets or seriously reduced lectin consumption is a prescription for health for all, young and old, food allergic or not. In this country alone, if we all ate a lectin-light diet, the American obesity epidemic would plummet. That’s because lectins also promote fat storage.

Q: Could lectins be the root of the widely varying food sensitivities out there right now? There seems to be no rhyme or reason to the variety — how big a role do lectins play?

A: Not too long ago, no one had a reaction to peanuts even though 94% of all humans have pre-formed peanut antibodies. Ever wonder why food allergies and autoimmune diseases only appeared in the last three to four decades? It’s not that we are sensitive to foods all of a sudden, it’s that our immune system is hyper-sensitized and on high alert from the overdose of lectins and what I call the seven other deadly disruptors mentioned in my new book, The Plant Paradox. Because of these disruptors, the gut wall and the good bugs in our system have been decimated (i.e., leaky gut). Now our immune system is on guard 24/7 and shoots to kill things that it would never be sensitized to in the past.

Q: There are incredible case studies in your book. You’ve helped improve clients’ health from ALS patients to those with dementia by using this diet. It seems too good to be true! Is it?

A: If someone would have asked me if this was possible 15 years ago, I would have laughed them out of the room. As a medical doctor who bases everything on science and research, my patient’s blood work is the proof I needed and the proof required to publish in peer-reviewed articles. In one study on 1000 participants, 800 of them had a family history or personal history of autoimmune disease. Of the 800 patients that followed a lectin-free diet, 100% of the 800 participants had no markers of inflammation within three months!

Also the reverse of this study has happened – this is also in the same study mentioned above. You’ll read in my book several cases where patients inadvertently cheated, eating things like cashews, and then rushed into my office with flare-ups.

It’s quite incredible what avoiding lectins can do. Some of my favorite stories include: a patient with MS in a wheelchair who was able to walk again; an artist with such crippling arthritis he could no longer paint or sculpt, returned to creating art with no pain; a 42-year-old woman with metastatic inflammatory breast cancer that followed my Keto Plant Paradox program and abolished the cancer completely; and so many more success stories.

Q: Where are lectins generally found?

A:Lectins can be found in grains of all kind (especially whole wheat); beans and legumes (especially soy, as it has most of the 7 deadly disruptors); seeds (such as cashews, sunflower, pumpkin, chia, not sesame, etc.); nightshade veggies (eggplant, potatoes, tomatoes, peppers); dairy (avoid dairy products from U.S. cows, consume only Southern European dairy or substitute out sheep/goat milk and cheese); eggs (avoid commercial eggs and eggs labeled “cage-free,” “free-range.” Only eat omega-3 or pastured-raised; meats (eat only pasture-raised proteins. Grain-fed livestock are fed corn/wheat, which are full of lectins.)

Enter to win A Copy of The Plant Paradox!
We’re giving away one copy of Dr. Gundry’s new book, The Plant Paradox!
Enter for the chance to win by leaving us your email in the entry box below.


UPDATE: This giveaway is now closed!

The Chalkboard Mag and its materials are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. 
All material on The Chalkboard Mag is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health related program. 

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Comments


  1. I’ve read other sources explaining lectins are destroyed in the heating process (ex. raw kidney beans are toxic, cooked have a tolerable amount) as well as sprouting, soaking (add baking soda or AVC to aid in this) and fermenting. I’ve also read that although lectins do contribute to leaky guy syndrome, some are responsible for cellular and immune health as well. Is there a happy medium? It’s hard to think of discounting so many beneficial foods if preparation could make them more tolerated. Not trying to debunk your work- just trying to navigate through other nutritional research and keep a broader, well rounded diet. Thank you for your article.

    Rebecca | 05.03.2017 | Reply
  2. This really frustrates me, I am a vegan and am also gluten free after working with a naturopath and finding food sensitivities to dairy, gluten and eggs (I was already a vegetarian at the time, it was my choice to go vegan.) I feel like I hear about something else I shouldn’t be eating every other day and now to hear that a lot of the foods I eat throughout the day (like beans and veggies) are going to cause problems is incredibly frustrating. I’m ready to throw up my hands and just drink only water for the rest of my life…although there will probably be some problem with that too!

    Vicki | 05.03.2017 | Reply
  3. No grains, beans, veggies, dairy, eggs, meat… what exactly are people supposed to eat then? Only the finest imported Southern European eggs? Good lord.

    Lexi | 05.03.2017 | Reply
    • I have to agree. I changed my diet completely nine years ago following a cancer diagnosis. I follow the blood type diet — for the most part — but have mixed it a little with the paleo diet. I have to stop there. I feel healthy and have good energy. If I do anything more, I won’t be able to socialize outside my home.

      Kim A. Hazel | 05.03.2017 | Reply
    • It’s not no grains, veggies, dairy or meat. You need to avoid grains and CERTAIN veggies, but typically those with seeds or full of starches, ie: the night veggies. All others like lettuces, carrots, cauliflower, broccoli are all fine. As far as meat goes, chicken and fish are my go to, but as long as they weren’t fed corn or wheat you’ll be fine. You can eat eggs, but make sure again that they were fed well and that they are labeled omega-3.

      Michaela Worosz | 08.03.2018 | Reply
  4. What people need is to pay attention to, learn and nurture themselves individually. People need to be Nourished. That comes from the foods they eat, yes. It also comes from the work they do, the purpose they have, the relationships they keep close, the rest they get, the self-care calendar they keep, the healing and life work they invest in and the love they experience.
    All of these diets and research and whatever hogwash comes out as “the new way to eat” is irresponsible, misguided and inappropriate.
    Please think about what you promote on your site. Perhaps having me write or be interviewed would benefit your audience.

    Rachel Harvest | 05.03.2017 | Reply
  5. I went gluten free some time ago, and feel like I’m starving most of the time. Now this…

    Bodina | 05.03.2017 | Reply
  6. Agreed with the comments above. If diary is causing bloat, discomfort, and skin flare ups I would avoid dairy! If legumes cause you to have gas and inflammation, then avoid that. Every individual is different and we all have unique needs. To me, the most important part of a healthy wellness plan is to avoid processed foods, unhealthy saturated fats, and added sugars. Move every single day. Sleep and get to your yoga mat.

    Lindsay Rentz | 05.03.2017 | Reply
  7. Could TCM post a follow-up article on this with a few clarifications? I feel like the health community is always encouraging some of the items mentioned above such as chia and pumpkin seeds, eggplant, etc. To echo some of the other comments, it feels like soon we are going to be very limited on what “healthy” options are left.

    Tess | 05.03.2017 | Reply
  8. I agree with the comments above. As a vegan, I already avoid dairy and wheat gluten. But this is extreme. It basically limits me to eating only non-nightshade vegetables and healthy fats. There has to be a less extreme way to mitigate the effects of lectins. I’d really appreciate a follow-up clarification.

    Meghan | 05.03.2017 | Reply
    • …yeah I’m vegan, am I not supposed to eat potatoes???!!

      Alli Carter | 05.04.2017 | Reply
  9. What the hell am I supposed to eat then?

    Kelsi | 05.03.2017 | Reply
  10. So basically we could eat…nothing???

    Valentina | 05.03.2017 | Reply
  11. Absurd. I second everyone else asking what one is supposed to eat on this diet. Irresponsible to post this without affirmative suggestions instead of just listing everything (everything!) not to eat. This is not healthy reporting, it’s disorder-inducing.

    Ariana | 05.03.2017 | Reply
  12. “Obesity rates would plummet.” I feel like you’ve got to be incredibly dense to think the problem with the American diet is “legumes” and “nightshades” and not the McDonald’s, soda and Starbucks on every corner with their syrupy sweet coffee. If lectins were so bad I’d imagine population studies wouldn’t show that vegans and vegetarians have far lower rates of most diseases (heart disease, cancer etc). Plus, the Japanese eat a lot of soy and have one of the highest life expectancies.

    I feel like everyone is just looking for the next big thing to avoid eating. Rational or not.

    abnoyed right now | 05.03.2017 | Reply
    • Vegans and Vegetarians do have a lower rate of health issues, but some also rely on legumes as protein. It’s not a fade it’s science. If you actually read the book and understand that once you cut the sugar, the processed garbage and reduce the lectins in you diet you will feel better and weight loss may be a factor in that lifestyle change

      Danielle | 08.03.2018 | Reply
    • Vegans and Vegetarians do have a lower rate of health issues, but some also rely on legumes as protein. It’s not a fade it’s science. If you actually read the book and understand that once you cut the sugar, the processed garbage and reduce the lectins in you diet you will feel better and weight loss may be a factor in that lifestyle change

      you're wrong | 08.03.2018 | Reply
  13. Hi ya’ll! I read this article, and I felt like I had the responsibility to comment as a health professional and food lover. I have Masters in Public Health and I am registered dietitian. Peer-reviewed nutritional research has demonstrated that “pulses” (beans and legumes) are beneficial to health. Pulses are linked to decrease cancer and diabetes risk among other health benefits. While pulses do contain “lectin,” lectin is mostly found in RAW beans and lentils. When you soak, cook, or ferment beans, most of the lectin is completely eliminated. Don’t worry about lectin, UNLESS YOU EAT RAW BEANS/ LENTILS! I’m pretty sure NO ONE is eating raw beans. Once beans sprout, lectin levels are also significantly reduced, so keep enjoying sprouted pulses. Let’s focus on the real culprits of inflammation ( fast food, sugary drinks ect.) NOT on attacking delicious and healthy beans!

    Alice, MPH RD | 05.04.2017 | Reply
    • He does discuss that in his book that when cooked you can eat beans. This article is only and introduction to what the book is about, if you actually took the time to read the book you’d understand the contents of this article.

      Read the Book not the POST | 08.03.2018 | Reply
  14. THANK YOU ALICE!!!!!! YOU ARE SO RIGHT! THANK GOODNESS WE HAVE EDUCATED READERS SHARING THEIR KNOWLEDGE!!

    Kristen Berry | 05.04.2017 | Reply
  15. YES! What a nightmare this article is.

    So glad all the comments here are intelligent and rational xxx

    Ellie | 05.04.2017 | Reply
  16. So.. I too read this piece yesterday. While I definitely panicked after reading his list that seemed to knock out everything I eat, I was intruiged enough to go buy the kindle book. I just want to highly recommend doing so. He goes much more in-depth about not only what you “can” and “can’t” eat in regards to this plan, but the science behind it and personal stories. I’m already fascinated and am about to start his plan this morning! What could
    it hurt to try? I’m eating (what I thought was) incredibly “healthfully” and still have way to much inflammation. Also when you read the book you see the diet is actually way broader and more inclusive than it seems here. Anyhow, just felt I should speak up. I’m excited about this!

  17. This article totally omits the fact that by boiling beans for a certain amount of time or cooking in a pressure cooker for only 8 minutes, all lectin activity is destroyed. This is another example of one doctor having a theory and some success treating patients, and painting with a broad brush to basically undo the healthy eating of many people throughout the world who have lived long, healthy lives eating beans and grains. Why are we always looking for the latest fad? I still go with Michael Pollan’s approach–eat food, mostly plants, not too much.

    Shari Broder | 05.04.2017 | Reply
    • I definitely agree- the article is too short to give anywhere close to a full picture! I’m almost finished with Dr. Gundry’s book though, and there he states multiple times what you said about cooking beans in a pressure cooker, and has a lot of good tips for reducing lectins for vegans and vegetarians. This piece seems to make it come off way more fad-like than the diet really is, when in reality it’s much closer to Pollan’s approach. It’s been a very interesting read.

  18. Hi TCM community,
    We felt the same – overwhelmed, curious, frustrated! – after speaking with Dr Gundry and reading his new book, but we knew his ideas were worth presenting for further exploration.
    Like most of our stories, this interview provides just a brief introduction to a topic. If the lectin-free philosophy interests you (or infuriates you!) consider leafing through the whole book to get the full story on Dr. Gundry.
    We’re kind of proud that our community has already chimed in with words of self-care, balance and “everybody just hold on a minute” kinds of messages! There is no ‘one size fits all’ way of living well – we love knowing our readers are mindful when it comes to their health choices and we encourage that 100%!

    The Chalkboard | 05.04.2017 | Reply
  19. This is what Atlantic Monthly had to say about this book, and I think it is very wise: ‘Book publishers are rarely held accountable for publishing invalid health information. Rather, there seems to be an incentive to publish the most outlandish claims that purport to upend everything the reader has ever heard. This is a problem much bigger than any plant protein. Cycles of fad dieting and insidious misinformation undermine both public health and understanding of how science works, giving way to a sense of chaos. It seems that every doctor has their own opinion about how to protect your body from calamity, and all are equally valid, because nothing is ever truly known.” I coach people who want to know what to eat, and this guy is confusing everyone so he can sell books.

    Shari Broder | 05.08.2017 | Reply
  20. of course you can’t sustain life forever simply drinking water… lol

    Donna D | 05.12.2017 | Reply
  21. Perhaps a rational thought would be to test it out, if it works meaning your blood work numbers are better and you feel better and have more energy why not. As an athlete most of us are always trying to improve performance and there is a never ending supply of “stuff” that claims to help, some work some don’t for me but for others maybe.

    ironyogi | 05.22.2017 | Reply
  22. Hmmm, corrections to the above below;
    (website should consider allowing edits since your text entry isn’t all that good.)

    The intelligent way to think about this is NOT “what can I eat?” but “How do I want to feel, health or unhealthy?”

    If you do (feel better) try introducing one food group that was eliminated sparingly and see what happens. Then make the decision that’s best for YOU.

    Namma | 05.27.2017 | Reply
  23. Humanity has been dealing with lectins in the food supply for a long time, and we have come up with many ways to process the foods to make them edible (to render the lectins inactive). We have lost much of this wisdom because of our arrogance and belief in the superiority of technology and our blind belief in “science.” This book goes into much detail on how to remove all lectins from your diet and then how to gradually reintroduce foods that have been “neutralized” via processes like pressure cooking, etc. one at a time to test your response to them. One anecdotal story from the book describes how one woman with life-threatening allergies to nuts (always carrying around her Epi-Pen) was able to eat nuts after a few months of being on a lectin-free diet…..so some of the restrictions implied in the story above and which everyone is so freaked out about (Oh, God, what is left that I can eat?? BTW I had the same reaction…) are natural reactions but the reality is good news. ..Really good news – so much pain and disease relief is to be found as we explore and learn more about how to deal with these plant lectins. I recommend getting the book, checking out YouTube and podcasts by Dr. Gundry. You’ll be relieved and inspired at what you learn. Be well….

    Humzee | 06.02.2017 | Reply
  24. Me and hubby were getting very sore wrist and hand joints suddenly. We were eating lots of nuts at the time. We gave up nuts and the inflammation disappeared. Then read Plant Paradox and found out why. My old farmer daddy used to peel and unused his tomatoes before eating them. I was very young when he told me those parts have some poison in them. My hubbys Italian German stomach suffers no upset from imported Italian marinara because they cook it with no skin or seeds, but suffers upset Amercan brands. Same with my kids. I hardly eat tomato sauces. They always made me nauseous as a child so kind of spoiled me on them. Hubby also nearly vomited from a delicious casserole made from 4 of the nightshades. Poor man, now I know why I had to give up that recipe.
    Only thing I don’t agree with Gundry about is flax seeds. He may not know about a chemical in them that blocks iodine
    reception. It can hurt a person’s thyroid as well as in other animals. It happened to me. Taking extra iodine will not help. Look up thiocyanate. If you have a sore swollen thyroid with all your “healthy” eating, you are eating too many raw salads etc with that natural plant toxin in it. And your smoothies, salads, can make you gain and have headaches.

    Keekee | 06.07.2017 | Reply
  25. Eat Right for your blood type by Dr Peter J D’Adamo puts forth also a case for lectins which largely correlates with Dr Gundry. I wish I could find a way to ask Dr Gundry if he has read this book. I am type O blood and do not seem to have a problem with any tomatotes, and I love them. According to eating right for your blood type I can have them but Dr Gundry says avoid unless skinned and seeds are removed. Eating right for your blood type says if type O blood to avoid coconut oil or coconut, while Dr Gundry highly recommends this oil/flour. Just sort of wondering whose research is more detailed on these two products. Does anyone know of a way you can ask specific questions of Dr Gundry? Thanks

    Marsha Day | 07.11.2017 | Reply
    • Just made a similar comment to yours as I am on the blood type O diet and do not handle coconut oil, avocados and a few other things very well that are in Dr. Gundy’s diet. The blood type diet seems to work great for me but I was healthy when I started it so don’t know about curing illnesses?

      Alice | 09.20.2017 | Reply
  26. I definitely react to nightshade vegetables with joint pain and some lectins, but that doesn’t mean we need to eat the processed junk that Dr. Gundry promotes with Mycoprotein & yeast extract & toxic canola oil & maltodextrin that will hurt our immune system. Yeast extract & maltodextrin are often hidden cover names for MSG.

    crosswind | 07.18.2017 | Reply
  27. I am 25, gained 30lbs and could not lose the fat while working out 2x a week. By removing the things he said to not have, i have returned to my original weight. Simply, our bodies hold onto fat when we eat lectins. In regards to the people who crave beans, have u ever seen the people who eat lots of beans. Its not something to fight for.

    John Michaels | 07.19.2017 | Reply
  28. I read the book this weekend. The gloom and doom crowd should read the book before moaning and groaning.

    As someone suffering from Lupus and Crohn’s Disease, I’ve been doing a lot of reading. You can’t just skim a quick article and declare something good or bad.

    Go to the library and read this book. He doesn’t say never again have beans or tomatoes, but once one is healthy, add them back in your diet but prepared a certain way in order to reduce lectins.

    theresa | 07.31.2017 | Reply
    • The problem I have with your comment and others is “go buy the book”. I feel Mr Gundry’s focus is more about spreading fear, wich I felt after reading about his work, and offering the solution in the book. Low vibration kind of sell tactics. And we should not support someone spreading fear.

      Nicolas | 04.20.2018 | Reply
  29. This doc has meticulous credentials. Just do a little research. See the latest August 2017 Dr. Mercola interview with Dr. Gundry. Looks like Dr. Gundry has found the root cause of inflamation. Heads up everyone. Very exciting times!

    Susan | 08.04.2017 | Reply
  30. I did Gundry’s plant paradox for 2 weeks and it made me crazy. His breakfast recipes are flour and oil muffins or sausage and eggs. No fruit but he sells a product called vital reds that contains fruit. I didn’t know what to eat and over-ate things that I could and gained 6 lbs that I am still having a hard time getting off. I have learned severe restriction makes me nuts. However, my chronic jaw clenching at night improved and I went 2 weeks without my retainer. Interesting, finding the middle-way continues.

  31. SS omits to mention that Dr Gundry’s muffins contain coconut and almond flours. And coconut oil. Personally I’d rather have an omelette than faff around in the morning. Which is perfectly acceptable on this diet. I am gutted that I can’t eat night shades but Dr Grundy has only reinforced something I already knew but wouldn’t do anything about. His book makes perfect sense and watching him on you tube is a great introduction. Im surprised he uses quorn considering it contains pea protein, wheat gluten,and potato protein. He and I part company there!

    Susie | 08.24.2017 | Reply
  32. After a particularly stressful time 8 years ago, I suddenly gained 30+ pounds and was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. Prior to this I was a healthy weight, vegetarian/vegan, did yoga, and avoided chemicals in personal care products as much as possible. Since I got sick I’ve been on every diet with little to no success, gained another 10 pounds, exercised daily while eating “healthy” with no results, and have not really felt like leaving the house except for work. After 5 days following The Plant Paradox Diet I’ve lost 6 pounds without being hungry or exercising, my bowels have healed noticeably (all IBS symptoms have improved or disappeared), and I feel happier and more social. Sometimes I actually cry from gratitude for this book. Please don’t knock it before you’ve tried it or try to sway others away from it. Your knee-jerk opinion could keep them from a source of healing and, ultimately, from stopping the destruction of their lives.
    WHAT I ATE TODAY: Two eggs scrambled in coconut oil and served on two slices of Paleo bread, two cups of organic coffee with hemp milk and stevia, two dates rolled in coconut flakes, a small salad of leafy greens, walnuts, olives, one half of an avocado, and Italian Parmesan with olive oil and lemon dressing, a small cup of coconut yogurt with frozen berries on top, a big bowl of steamed broccoli and sweet potato with avocado oil, sea salt, and Italian Parmesan, 6 squares of 72% dark chocolate, some jicama, and tons of water. Tomorrow over half of these foods will be different. I do not feel limited in my choice of food items and I do not need to eat meat or any fake meat products if I don’t want to.

    Laura | 08.25.2017 | Reply
  33. I am currently reading his book and find his research and expertise to be fascinating. He has changed the way I view plant matter,”plants produce lectins as a way to defend themselves ,saying that unripened fruits and seeds contain the highest lectins as a way to survive. He brings up a few traditional concepts about eating in season and soaking and high pressure cooking to reduce these Lectins. For example eating local fruit in season is considered a good idea. Im very inspired by his work and will continue with his book while implementing his re
    recomendations. I feel inspired and grateful for his dedication to health.

    Shawna Todd | 08.29.2017 | Reply
  34. This lectin free diet is absurd for vegetarians. I will have to starve. Raw lectin may be an issue but our Indian food is well cooked and since we use other spices, this lectin loses its potency. We have been eating for ages and we are all fine

    padmini murthy | 09.05.2017 | Reply
    • I am your name sake LOL, have been reading about this Lectin started reading in Ayurveda what it says. In our Indian cooking turmeric, cummin and pepper that we add reduces the lectin effect. I have more faith in Ayurveda than any modern doctors.

      padmini murthy | 01.29.2018 | Reply
  35. After following the blood type diet for years, which works for me, I believe lectins do have a lot to do with our health. Being blood type O I do not think this diet would work for me because there are too many foods included in it that I gave up when I started the blood type diet at which time I started feeling much better and lost a little weight. Weight loss was not my goal because I was not over weight but it was nice to lose a few pounds. The blood type diets actually address lectins much more extensively than The Plant Paradox does and has specific diets for each type.

    Alice | 09.20.2017 | Reply
  36. I came across The Plant Paradox after an artist friend of mine nearly died from a heart attack. He researched a food-only solution to his body’s situation and found Dr. Gundry’s book. I’ve been a student of health for a good deal of my life, mainly, finding out what causes the body to not operate as it should and gain knowledge to handle the cause, not the symptom(s). I’ve read and applied the programs in many books including the Blood Type Diet, Metabolic Type Diet, the Raw Diet, Food Combining, Natural Hormonal Enhancement Diet, and others. From each of these plans I experienced benefits, but I didn’t realize the gains I was hoping for in all areas. So, I’ve continued looking. The best book for me so far, and one which puts things in perspective, is Nourishing Traditions. It’s based on the work of Dr. Weston Price, who documented the diets and lifestyles peoples around the world who lived to be over 100 (he did this in the early 1900s!). The common denominator re food was that most of it was prepared in a way that made it more digestible, i.e., sprouted, cultured, fermented or boiled down (bone broths). These peoples didn’t have the science of today’s researchers, yet they evolved methods of preparing food that undoubtedly made it less harmful to their bodies. That said, I’m about halfway through TPP and I am very much looking forward to applying Dr. Gundry’s program to this body to see how it responds. Bottom line, you can eat all the healthiest food you want, but if your gut, cell receptors and other cellular components are inhibited from extracting all the nutrition from the food you eat, that nutrition will not arrive to your cells. One last note, Dr. Gundry has a new maxim that’s easy to wrap your wits around (paraphrased): What you DON’T eat has more impact on your health than what you DO.

    Randall Michael Tobin | 12.05.2017 | Reply
  37. Take Lectin Shield to help with this. Buy it and try it. One may be able to tolerate Nightshades and Lectins once taking this. Worked for me.

    King Kong | 12.25.2017 | Reply
  38. If you truly want the best health for longevity, then it won’t hurt you to try something for 30 days. Like many stated above, I try to live a healthy life but nothing seemed to produce the results that made me go “wow, I FEEL the difference.” Well, I read the entire book 2 weeks ago and tried it out last week. The results: WOW

    -I’m a petite 5’2″ female who wears a size 4 but had a bit of belly and back fat due to age. I’m over 40 yrs old. I lost 4 pounds and never felt deprived or humgry.
    -one surprise benefit, I stopped losing my hair in huge clumps. Been losing hair for over a decade and never thought it would stop. Two days later, reduced it by 80%. Shocking!
    -swelling went down all over body and face and neck.
    -brainfog is gone.
    -voracious hunger is gone. I used to start eating and couldn’t stop. Now, I can eat a small amount and feel satiated. Again, new concept for me.
    -my mood has mellowed. I have anxiety and I feel much calmer.
    -my husband had arthritic pain in elbow and knees for years and they’re gone now.

    What do we eat? Example: Breakfast: eggs with meat and avocado. Lunch: lettuce wrap with meat and European cheese. Dinner: ground beef, cabbage and mushrooms. Also, crockpot chicken with carrots, celery and cauliflower.

    We love it and will never go back to the old way of living. I can see how others don’t believe but again, you never know till you try. We did and it is miraculous for our health. Btw, if you read the book, it isn’t that restrictive.

    Ashley | 01.01.2018 | Reply
  39. I’ve been following Dr Gindry’s Plant Paradox diet for three months now! Although I thought I was eating relatively healthy, this diet has dramatically changed how I feel! I’ve lost 12 lbs effortlessly, the pain in my hands and feet that I attributed to “normal” again/ arthritis is simply GONE! I’m sleeping better, have more energy and feel fantastic. There are PLENTY of food choices, you just have to do a little more label reading at the store, and more cooking. I can’t see myself going back to my old way of eating ever.

    Dr Ginger | 01.23.2018 | Reply
  40. I’ve been diagnosed with SIBO. I was desperate to get my digestive system healthy again so I tried out the Dr Gundry diet. Within a couple of weeks I experienced noticeable improvement and I’ve kept eating Dr Gundry’s diet since August 2017. While I was disappointed to give up some favorites like tomatoes, rice and potatoes there’s absolutely pleanty of food to eat on this plan. You will have to adjust your shopping list and cooking. It’s worth it.
    Breakfast today was goat milk yogurt with pecans, snack a green smoothie, lunch a fish taco made with cassava & coconut flour tortilla, dinner shawarma chicken with cauliflower rice and broccoli. And if you want dessert you have to try his coconut milk chocolate ice cream. Yummy
    I eat as much as I want, I’m never hungry and I can’t believe I’ve lost 13 pounds. I never feel like I’m on a diet, it’s just how I live now.

    Caroline | 05.11.2018 | Reply
  41. I came to this site looking suggestions for Sports nutrition as my hockey player son needs more fuel on the ice. This just goes to show that eating-to-live is everchanging and the quest for the knowledge to do this is everpresent! Eating is only to fuel the body! What are your needs? It’s all individual to you. You have to keep questing for the knowledge to fuel you, heal you and get to the finish line as healthy as possible. I’ve been on the Plant Paradox for 2 months, (seeing great results) previously we were gluten free (90%) and cut out artificial flavours, colours, really cut back on sugar, and Non-GMO veg and meat. So I get the “What are we supposed to eat air” It’s definitely a different world now and the hardest part is at some point you have to go all in to reap the rewards. Yes, the grocery bill went up but taking away fast food, chunk foods and dining out at restaurants gave us back so much money that it looks like a wash budget wise. We are in a have to do this situation to help with ADHD issues, as well as stomach and joint issues. Most of the symptoms were alleviated. For ADHD the diet change has been a game changer. We don’t take meds and are in the high percentile of normal behaviour (whatever normal is, right?!) fitting in is much easier, with high honours grades and good quality friendships all being the norm now. Now seeing greater results going Lectin Free, have lost 15 pounds, my bloat and swollen body are gone, no more stomach issues and my joints are pain-free. It takes 90 days to rewrite your body I’m so excited to see more positive results. I am pacing my family through the changes that happen in family meals and snacks with baby steps, explaining the substitutions and why the change. Mostly it’s trial error and trial and win, finding things that appeal to their differing palets, ie Parsnips instead of potatoes, that was a win! It’s not easy for my family to adopt this new lifestyle, especially when staring in the fridge and finding only healthy options then lunge for the pantry to again only find healthy options. I feel their pain honestly I do, the hard work comes in retraining the brain of the false media blitzes that packaged “food-like” products of high sugar and salts and artificial crap are good for you. I have to repeatedly tell them, argue and debate, now that we know better we HAVE to do better. I’m trying by going the extra mile of home cooking every meal breakfast, lunch, dinner, 2-3 snacks and the ever popular 2nd dinner. I’m in the kitchen or health isles of grocery stores more then I like but it’s what has to be done. I make several loaves of Lectin Free bread weekly. Late night chips snack is replaced with the healthier lectin free nut mix of macadamia, walnuts, pistachio and blanched almonds. For a healthier sweet tooth craving, we do coconut yoghurt with 1 tbsp of Maple Syrup, adding in slivered, blanched almonds and shavings of 70% or higher cacao dark chocolate. Lectin Free can be done!!!

    Mardi | 10.04.2018 | Reply
  42. I tried two of Dr. Gundry’s products — very expensive — and did nothing for me. I would like to try his Lectin product, but he is just way too expensive! Only the rich and famous can afford his products. I tried to get my money back, but I had ordered 3-month supplies and they would not give me my money back because I did not save the bottles! I didn’t know I had to save them all! That should not be necessary. Money back is money back.

    Tried His Products | 03.06.2019 | Reply
  43. Two things: 1) Trying a new diet and concluding anything from that n=1 experiment is just fooling yourself, and I can safely say that as a PhD scientist with over 40 years of research experience.
    2) Here’s a quote from the Wiki page about Gundry: ” Robert H. Eckel, an endocrinologist and past president of the American Heart Association, argues that Gundry’s diet advice contradicts “every dietary recommendation represented by the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association and so on” and that it is not possible to draw any conclusions from Gundry’s own research due to the absence of control patients in his studies. Writing in New Scientist, food writer and chef Anthony Warner notes that Gundry’s theories “are not supported by mainstream nutritional science” and that evidence of the benefits of high-lectin containing diets “is so overwhelming as to render Gundry’s arguments laughable”.
    If you think that a nutrition blogger or one retired surgeon knows more about nutrition than those organizations and the huge body of research they conclude from, there’s no hope for you.

    Lewis | 02.14.2021 | Reply
  44. People are having trouble making the leap between the apple falling from the tree and Newton’s theory of relativity. At times in life there are paradigm shifts, and people have to make the necessary adjustments by learning new concepts and trying new approaches. Sticking to the fallen apple stage is a copout, and I see too many physicians and scientists doing just that. They are addicted to their comfort zones and unwilling to learn further and accept paradigm changes. Those who want to learn bypass the stuck-in-the-muds and get on with learning, combining it with due diligence, cautions and attention to the empirical evidence. There are quite a few articles on lectins in the NIH literature databases – but I have a notion that the experts cited haven’t looked them up. That should not prevent ordinary citizens with medical problems from trying new dietary recommendations, best in consultation with their personal physicians and always keeping their own physical status and experiences in mind. No diet works for everyone. Some diet work for many, but tailormade to them as individuals. As a PhD with years of research behind me, I am not about to throw the fallen apple on the compost pile. I will take each individual discovery and study it, collect the evidence and evaluate the outcomes fairly with the aim of determining the intrinsic worth. As an example, my family has a lot of allergies and immune problems. My brother, a noted research physician, became ill with an accute attack of autoimmune encephalitis and was placed in an induced coma to stop the convulsions. My father was a noted research scientist, who, among other things, worked to elucidate plasmapharesis as a novel discovery. After weeks in a coma, the ICU staff decided to try plasmapharesis as a means of stopping the seizures. It worked. My father through research and without knowing developed the science needed to save his son’s life. Responsible scientists to not cancel scientific discovery on the flimsiest of notions. It is kept and assessed and developed over the long-term and used cautiously with the necessary safety precautions. – It may turn out to be just what was needed in the end.

    Sara Drake | 04.06.2022 | Reply
  45. why can’t they just make a supplement to replace all this old world diets and make it more like what nasa supplies in the space lab environment

    ed stig | 04.28.2023 | Reply

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