I thought nuts, seeds, and legumes were healthy! Aren’t they?
Well, yes and no.
In general, they are healthy. Nuts and seeds provide healthy fats, protein, and carbs; legumes provide protein and carbs. Plus, both have many vitamins, minerals, and fiber for our bodies and minds. But ….
Have you ever eaten any of the above foods and later experienced bloating, gas, tummy discomfort, diarrhea, constipation, or even headaches and fatigue? This can happen for some people. Why?
Some people cannot tolerate nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains as they are because they contain lectins and phytates. God created the lectins for the plant’s benefit – helps plants fight off insect predators. The phytates may protect against kidney stones and colon cancer, but they also bind to nutrients and often inhibit absorption and assimilation of minerals like iron, zinc, and calcium.
*But they’re often not so good for some humans who have compromised digestive systems and/or autoimmune issues. What happens?
You may have bloating, gas, tummy discomfort, or other digestive issues – sometimes even headaches and fatigue and you’re not sure why. If your digestive system cannot break these foods down, then that food cannot be turned into nutrients for your body plus may cause those symptoms.
So what can you do?
Soak, sprout, or ferment.
I’m only going to talk today about soaking which is the easiest. To soak the seeds, nuts, or legumes, just cover in filtered water (with or without 1 – 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar) a few hours to overnight. I usually use raw nuts, soak in water and salt, and slow-roast in the oven.
By simply soaking, you may help reduce the lectins and phytates. Your digestive system can then digest those foods better so you absorb the nutrients and decrease those awful symptoms.
So try this the next time you eat nuts, seeds, or legumes. See if it helps.
And if you’d like some one-on-one help in identifying your symptoms and how to help, contact me here. This is what I do with clients. We can jump on a 20 minute quick call to see if I can be helpful for you and your needs.
