The benefits and criticisms alike are vast, and it’s hard to wade through it all to know whether or not your body will benefit from this diet. But that’s where we come in. Read on to learn everything you need to know about the Plant Paradox Diet, plus a meal plan if you’re thinking of trying it out. In 2017, Gundry published The Plant Paradox, a book about “the hidden dangers in ‘healthy’ foods that cause disease and weight gain.” It details the ways in which lectins can cause inflammation, which then can contribute to disease and weight gain, and contains a comprehensive list of foods to eat and avoid on the diet. The book gained popularity quickly, and in part because of the success that Kelly Clarkson experienced while following the diet. Gundry now owns and runs his own clinic in California examining the impact of diet on health. Among other foods, lectins are found in all nightshades—a popular family of plants including potatoes, peppers (bell as well as hot peppers like chili and jalapeño), eggplants, goji berries, and tomatoes. And, according to Gundry, these pesky proteins can cause some problems, if you’re intolerant to them. “A lectin is a type of protein2 that forces carbs (sugars, starches, and fibers) to clump together and even attach to certain cells in your body when you eat them,” explains Gundry. “Often, lectins can get in the way of important cells communicating with one another. And when that happens, the body’s response is usually inflammation or some other type of reaction to toxicity, like nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting. A break in cellular communication can also result in symptoms like fatigue or forgetfulness.” It’s important to note that this process tends to only happen to people with sensitivities to lectins. That said, it’s always best to do what works for your own body; if you are intolerant to lectins, it may be a good idea to avoid them with the Plant Paradox Diet. A piece of older research3 suggests that a diet high in lectins may contribute to autoimmune diseases like Crohn’s disease, celiac, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes. Thus, the benefits of following the Plant Paradox Diet and cutting out lectins may include a reduced risk and better management of autoimmune disease and chronic disease—however, there are no clinical trials demonstrating this just yet. While the goal of the Plant Paradox Diet is to reduce inflammation, weight loss may be an added benefit. There have been many claims of individuals shedding pounds on the Plant Paradox Diet. Many say that it’s not simply the lack of lectin content in the diet but the focus on mindful and healthful eating that results in weight loss. (The diet recommends cutting out many processed foods and refined carbs, which doesn’t hurt!) On that note, you might not want to start the Plant Paradox Diet if you feel perfectly fine eating lectins. If you don’t have an adverse reaction to those foods, cutting them out from your diet may not be necessary (and can keep you from eating healthy vegetables). It’s also important to mention the lack of clinical trials surrounding lectins and a lectin-free diet. While there has been anecdotal evidence (as with Gundry’s experience), it may be risky to regard the health claims as true without more research. Before starting any diet, consider talking with your doctor or a registered dietitian about your options, especially if you’re aiming to treat chronic disease. Here’s a sample of a day in the life of a Plant Paradox Diet: When it comes to lectins, it’s best to listen to your body and take all the existing research into account. While much more research is needed before we can say whether lectins are inherently “good” or “bad,” if you have a sensitivity to lectins, the Plant Paradox Diet may be a good option for you. As always, consult your doctor before starting any restrictive diet, especially one that cuts out many healthy fruits and veggies!
