Lectin Sensitivity

    Lectins are proteins that help cells recognize each other correctly. Many plant lectins are harmless. However, some plant lectins can trigger mast cell activation because they disrupt our own cellular communication.

 

Signs of Lectin Sensitivity

-Fatigue

-Lack of motivation

-Mental confusion

-Pain in joints and other parts of the body

-Skin rashes

 

Lectin sensitivity can also contribute to the following conditions:

-Mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and psychosis

-Neurodegenerative diseases

-Autoimmune diseases

-Inability to gain or lose weight

-Blood sugar issues

-Water retention

-Excessive mucus

 

Common foods high in lectin to avoid if you have lectin sensitivity:

-Corn

-Potatoes

-Beans

-Lentils

-Gourds

-Melons

-Seeds

-Grains

-Peppers

-Cucumber

 

The Lectin-Mast Cell Connection

Mast cells have hundreds of different types of receptors on the outside. These receptors detect anything that comes into your body.

There is a specific receptor called a Toll-like receptor on mast cells. It detects things like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and even lecithins.

When triggers like lecithins come into contact with the Toll-like receptors on mast cells, they trigger a lot of mast cell activation in sensitive people.

When these Toll-like receptors are overactivated, they trigger the mast cells to release a lot of their inflammatory mediators.

In very sensitive people, problematic lectins can also cause leaky gut. This allows the lectins to be absorbed intact into the bloodstream.

In the bloodstream, they can activate all sorts of immune cells, especially mast cells. They can cause the mast cells to release histamines and other mediators.

Immunoglobulin E (IgE) also plays a role in lectin sensitivities.

IgE is a type of antibody that recognizes allergens. In people with allergies, IgE binding to allergens can activate mast cells. Lectins recognize a portion of IgE. Therefore, if you have a pre-existing allergy or mast cell activation, dietary lectins may make it worse.

Lectins may contribute to inflammation, especially for those with any of the following:

- Mast cell activation syndrome

- Histamine intolerance

- Mold toxicity

- Autoimmunity

 

Factors that may make you sensitive to lectins:

- Genetic predisposition

- Immune system triggers, which may include mold toxicity and infections

- Stress or limbic system activation

- Deficiencies in nutrients that are important for immune tolerance, such as vitamins A and D and zinc