Lectin sensitivity

    Lectins are proteins that help cells correctly recognize each other. Many plant lectins are harmless. However, some plant lectins can be triggers for mast cell activation because they mess up our own cell communication. 

Signs of lectin sensitivity

Fatigue

Lack of motivation

Brain fog

Pain in the joints and elsewhere in the body

Skin breakouts 

Lectin sensitivity may 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 problems

Water retention

Excessive mucus

Common high lectin foods 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 of them. These receptors are sensing for anything concerning coming into your body.

    There is a specific receptor called a Toll-like receptor on mast cells. It senses things like bacteria, viruses, molds, and even lectins.

    When triggers like lectins come into contact with the mast cell Toll-like receptors, they set off a lot of mast cell activation in sensitive people.

    When these Toll-like receptors are getting 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 lectins to get absorbed into the bloodstream intact.

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

    Immunoglobulin E (IgE) also has 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 some allergies or pre-existing Mast Cell Activation, food lectins can make these worse. 

Lectins can contribute to inflammation, especially for those with any of these:

-Mast Cell Activation Syndrome

-Histamine Intolerance

-Mold Toxicity

-Autoimmunity 

Factors that can make you sensitive to lectins:

-Genetic predisposition

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

-Stress or limbic system activation

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