Why Lectins Bind to Carbohydrates, Not Just Cells
When people first encounter the topic of lectins, they are often told a simplified version of the story: lectins “stick to cells,” disrupt digestion, or irritate the gut lining.
When people first encounter the topic of lectins, they are often told a simplified version of the story: lectins “stick to cells,” disrupt digestion, or irritate the gut lining.
Most people think of digestion as something that happens only when food enters the body. Eat a meal, feel full, absorb nutrients, move on. But digestion is not a simple on-off process.
The human gut microbiome is one of the most complex ecosystems on the planet. Trillions of microorganisms coexist within the digestive tract, forming a dynamic community that influences digestion, immunity, metabolism, and even mood and cognition.
Fermentation is one of the oldest food preservation methods known to humanity, yet it continues to surprise modern researchers with how profoundly it reshapes the chemistry of what we eat. When it comes to high lectin foods, fermentation does something especially interesting. It transforms ingredients that may trouble sensitive individuals …