The TRUTH About Anti-Nutrients – Do We Need to Cut These ’Healthy’ Foods Right Now?

The Truth About Anti-Nutrients

The TRUTH About Anti-Nutrients – Do We Need to Cut These ’Healthy’ Foods Right Now?

Do you want to know my biggest frustration when it comes to health?

It’s what I call ‘health BS’…needless, careless, hype, designed purely for headlines, clicks, shares and for the sake of being ‘controversial’ for attention. I’d go as far as to call it exploitation of information.

We are seeing it more and more these days.

First, it was the oxalate and “Kale is BAD for You!”…that was completely unfounded, without research or evidence, but boy it got a lot of clicks for a few websites… (see more about the truth on oxalate here)

Then it was nightshades and “Don’t Eat Tomatoes!”…that too, is based on totally false science, fuzzy logic, and is without research or evidence…but wow, a couple of folks sold some extra books….

And now it’s the frightfully (misleadingly) titled ”anti-nutrients”

And all of a sudden, spinach, lettuce, tomato, quinoa, lentils, almonds, broccoli, and more are off the table…

Wow. I better stop eating those quicker than you can say ‘fake news’, right?

Not quite. And we need to dig into this one a little more to get the real truth. And the simple truth too.

Now – whereas the nightshade and the oxalate/goitrogen fuzzy-logic-stories were without evidence and were making a ton of giant leaps with their hypotheses…anti-nutrients ARE in these foods, they DO exist and we actually know a LOT about them.

But once again, why would people let the truth get in the way of a good controversial headline or book?

This all pains me so much because I know, from my 15 years of experience of coaching people to their health goals and dreams, that confusion, complexity, overwhelm and frustration are the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse when it comes to taking action with your health and everything I do is to help you to take action…

And provocative, fuzzy logic health claims like these are doing nothing but causing people to stop and give up. They’re causing paralysis by confusion.

In my ‘Living Alkaline with Ross’ Facebook group last week (it’s free by the way – you can join here) I saw a tongue-in-cheek post from one of my members who said,

“I’ve read ten health books since the start of the year, and I’m ready to start – but if I follow all of the advice I’ve read, the only thing left to eat is air!”

And I get it. And the hype around anti-nutrients has now left us believing that even some of the most ‘safe’ healthy foods – staples like broccoli, lettuce, spinach, pumpkin, almonds, sunflower seeds, quinoa – are now suddenly off limits? I can see how anyone would want to just throw in the towel and give up.

So today, I want to lift the lid on all of this, give you the real truth, the science, the research and most importantly – you’re simple steps forward, so you can completely understand what anti-nutrients are, what you need to be aware of, careful of and what you can ignore. You’ll know the foods you can eat, those you can avoid and everything in between.

If you currently have a health challenge and you’ve been told to avoid anti-nutrients…or if you’ve just heard the scare story and want to know more….or even if this is the first time you’ve even heard of ‘anti-nutrients’, I want you to read on, because I’m about to make things very clear and simple for you.

What Are Anti-Nutrients?

This is the best place to start, so we really understand what lay behind this ever-so-negative name…

Anti-nutrients, are natural compounds (note, not a result of genetic engineering, they’re natural) in plants.

In the scientific community, the term anti-nutrient was attributed to certain plants because some of the compounds in the plant can be linked to a lower absorption rate of some of the other nutrients in that plant.

Based on that information alone, you can see how some people have taken that one fact and run wild with it.

But we need to dig into this a bit more, because that’s only one tenth of the full picture.

These antinutrients include:

  • phytic acid (or phytates)
  • glucosinolates
  • isoflavones
  • lignans
  • saponins
  • phytoestrogens
  • oxalates
  • phenolic compounds, and others

They are found in all plant foods. The types of anti-nutrient and the volume is different and hugely varied from food to food.

They are a small part of the bigger, complex matrix that makes up the growing plant tissue.

And indeed it is TRUE that some of these anti-nutrient compounds CAN lessen the body’s absorption and use of certain minerals and other nutrients to some degree

But this is only one part of the picture.

What You Need to Know About Anti-Nutrients RIGHT NOW

There is a bigger picture here, and please remember this because it is so important:

While one result of consuming anti-nutrients is that they block certain mineral absorption, you HAVE to know that they do NOT block the absorption of that mineral entirely, they only block a small amount, they only block it during THAT MEAL (not all day and night).

For the consumption of anti-nutrients to become and issue from a nutrient-blocking perspective you would have to both:

  1. eat HUGE volumes of the same foods that are exceptionally high in anti-nutrients day in day out (think crazy, absurd, nonsensical volumes that would make you sick for other reasons!)…AND
  2. be already dangerously deficient in those minerals/nutrients ALREADY for this to have a significant impact

Make sense?

What’s in a name…?

The name ‘anti-nutrients’ is hugely misleading. It only refers to this one (let’s face it, insignificant) action. I wish it had another name.

These compounds, which are also referred to as the much more accurate ‘phytonutrients’ also have incredible health benefits!

We celebrate phytonutrients, but we chastise anti-nutrients. It’s all in the name – they’re the same compounds!

These same compounds which are being demonised to the degree that people are fearing the wonderfully healthy quinoa, spinach and broccoli are full of disease-fighting, protective, alkaline, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant-rich goodness!

When Anti-Nutrients Turn GOOD!

This is the real truth – with many foods there is good and bad. There is risk and reward. There is balance. This is absolutely the case with anti-nutrients phytonutrients. Yes, some may decrease the absorption of some nutrients. This risk is minimal, but it is there, we know it exists. However, these foods all have huge benefits too.

Remember – we’re talking fresh, natural foods here! We’re talking broccoli, spinach, lettuce, cabbage, almonds, flax, quinoa, tomato, bell pepper – some of the most healthy, commonly consumed, alkaline, staples going!

These foods contain anti-nutrients but their benefit so, so, so, so far outweighs the minuscule risk of the anti nutrient activity.

Let’s Look at a Few Anti-Nutrients in More Detail

Glucosinolates

Let’s take glucosinolates as our first example, which are found in broccoli in particular. Glucosinolates can lower the thyroid’s ability to absorb iodine.

Sure.

But unless you eat an astronomical amount of broccoli AND you’re chronically deficient in iodine (which is practically impossible in the developed world), it’s likely the consumption of broccoli is not going to any damage…in fact, the consumption of broccoli is going to help HEAL your thyroid as not only does it have a hugely anti-inflammatory, alkaline-forming effect but the iron, omega 3, vitamin c, selenium, zinc and more in broccoli are specifically super-protective and healing for the thyroid.

Phytic acid / phytates

Phytates are one of the most demonised – the most accused – as they reduce the absorption of calcium, iron, zinc and magnesium. However, as I’ve mentioned – the reduction of absorption is not only tiny, but is restricted to the food they are contained within (not your overall daily diet)…plus phytates have been proven to improves glucose response, reduce kidney stones, give anti-cancer protection, reduce osteoporosis risk, protect and repair DNA and is a powerful antioxidant.

Again, the benefit far outweighs the negative.

Tannins

Even tannins, which can bind to iron, sure – have been proven to be anti-cancer, support the cardiovascular system, they have anti-microbial properties and so much more.

Polyphenols

And polyphenols, which most people would be surprised to hear are an ‘anti-nutrient’ because all we hear are great things…but yep they’re also on the list! And as we know, polyphenols have huge and diverse benefits for human health including fighting cancer cells, protecting the skin against ultraviolet radiation, fighting free radicals, promoting cognitive health, reducing inflammation, supporting blood sugar health and so much more.

I hope you can already start to see how this myth that’s grown around anti-nutrients has been blown way way out of proportion and has been mis-interpreted, mis-communicated and dare I say it again, exploited for attention, website clicks and book sales.

The Real, Simple Truth About Anti-Nutrients

What You Need to Know Now, Be Aware Of, Be Careful of & Take Forward

The core facts about anti-nutrients, and the reason I want you to largely ignore the hype are:

  1. Anti-nutrients exist in some volume in ALL plants
  2. The other name for anti-nutrients is phytonutrients – and they’re universally accepted and loved(!)
  3. Anti-nutrients can inhibit the absorption of certain nutrients (mostly minerals) to varying degrees – but only the nutrients actually in that meal – none else
  4. The volume of nutrient deficiency caused by this is very, very, very small and unless you were significantly, chronically deficient in that nutrient already AND ate an un-natural, huge, almost impossible amount of that particular food every day – the risk is tiny
  5. PLUS – anti-nutrients have a huge variety of very significant health BENEFITS which far outweigh the risk

Important: the nuance – look the the SOURCE of the anti-nutrient, rather than the anti-nutrient itself!

When people talk about avoiding anti nutrients, they often focus on a couple in particular – lectins and phytates – and those two are both found in gluten-containing grains such as wheat, barley, rye, spelt and so on. I agree with this advice, in that these grains are some of the most pro-inflammatory, acid-forming, oxidative-stress-causing, unhealthy, endocrine disrupting, digestive imbalancing, diabetes-causing foods on earth. They run a close second only to sugar.

And there are myriad issues with grains like this – and the phytate and lectin argument often gets thrown in there with them. Which is, again, misleading with regards to anti-nutrients.

For example, there is a suggestion that the lectins can cause an immune-response that could theoretically cause leaky gut.

It’s what I’d call a ‘dotted line theory’, for sure.

HOWEVER, by FAR more contributory to leaky gut is the fact that when digested gluten is broken down into many things, one of which is a protein gliadin which causes the release of another protein called zonulin (which we only discovered in 2000).

Zonulin modulates the permeability of tight junctions between cells of the wall of the digestive tract. It should only be released in a case of the immune system requiring action, but gliadin causes it to get released regardless – meaning that there are unrequired gaps and holes in the wall of the digestive tract 24/7 – allowing undigested matter, toxins, waste and more to pass back into the blood – leading to leaky gut.

You have to be careful, you need to know the cause and effect, you need to know the truth!

Your Steps Forward

anti-nutrients hype

You know me – I am all about REMOVING unnecessary complication, removing complexity and confusion – and keeping it as simple as possible.

The foods that contain the anti-nutrients/phytonutrients include those healthy, alkaline, anti-oxidant rich, anti-inflammatory, real, natural, whole foods.

Each of these foods can contain a small risk-factor, and it could even be that prevalence of anti-nutrients.

In the case of nightshades it could be the alkaloids that we are being told cause autoimmune issues (when in reality, barely any nightshades contain anything other than trace levels of these, which have zero effect on the body and those that do i.e. potatoes that have sprouted and gone purple, are not something we’re going to eat even close to enough of to have any negative effect).

It could even be that spinach contains cyanide in super, tiny, micron-sized amounts!

In each of these cases the downside to these foods is miniscule. It shouldn’t even be a point of discussion.

Yet the upside is HUGE – these foods are absolutely essential in the prevention of chronic disease.

Turmeric, which has been shown to be more powerful than dozens of prescription medications, incredible cancer-preventive, proven to help reverse type 2 diabetes, heart disease and more COULD be put in the naughty corner because it is 2% oxalate. But if you want to have abundant health and prevent degenerative disease you would be absolutely crazy to avoid it.

People with thyroid issues are told to avoid oxalate, but turmeric is probably the most anti-inflammatory natural compound on earth and thyroid disorders (both hyper- and hypo-) are disorders of inflammation (see my hypothyroidism plan here).

The bottom line is this: nature has provided us with an incredible, abundant array of delicious, nourishing foods. PLEASE don’t get caught up in anything other than the guiding principle of eating real, whole foods, as close to nature as possible.

If you stick with my principles of eating 60-70% or more alkaline-forming foods you will thrive. These alkaline forming foods are all naturally nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant-rich and have a restorative, regenerating, healing effect on the body.

Spinach, kale, lettuce, broccoli, almonds, quinoa – these are all absolutely wonderful healing foods.

Cruciferous vegetables, oxalate-containing foods, nightshades and indeed these anti-nutrient-containing fruits, vegetables and nuts should never be defined by those titles. They are healthy, natural, healing foods and I am giving you permission to:

…completely ignore the hype around anti-nutrients.

Keep it Simple, Trust in Nature, Trust in Your Body

Don’t get caught up in hype, fads or frustrated by the complexity. Trust your instincts, trust your heart and your intuition.

Trust nature to provide the tools and trust your body to know how to use them.

Health should be simple, let’s keep it this way.

Ross

PS. if you want to learn more about getting started on the Alkaline Diet – see my Beginner’s Guide to the Alkaline Diet here

ross keeps it simple

References

Chirumbolo S. Dietary assumption of plant polyphenols and prevention of allergy. Curr Pharm Des. 2014;20(6):811-39. (link)

Chung KT, Wong TY, Wei CI, Huang YW, Lin Y. Tannins and human health: a review. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 1998 Aug;38(6):421-64. (link)

Fasano, A. Zonulin, regulation of tight junctions, and autoimmune diseases; Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2012 Jul; 1258(1): 25–33. (link)

Gemede HF. Potential Health Benefits and Adverse Effects Associated with Phytate in Foods: A Review; Vol 14, No 3-K (2014): Global Journal of Medical Research (link)

Hanakahi LA, Bartlet-Jones M, Chappell C, Pappin D, West SC. Binding of inositol phosphate to DNA-PK and stimulation of double-strand break repair; Cell. 2000 Sep 15;102(6):721-9. (link)

Jagadeesh S, Banerjee PP. Inositol hexaphosphate represses telomerase activity and translocates TERT from the nucleus in mouse and human prostate cancer cells via the deactivation of Akt and PKCalpha; Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2006 Nov 3;349(4):1361-7. Epub 2006 Sep 12. (link)

Lee KM, Kang HS, Yun CH, Kwak HS. Potential in vitro Protective Effect of Quercetin, Catechin, Caffeic Acid and Phytic Acid against Ethanol-Induced Oxidative Stress in SK-Hep-1 Cells; Biomol Ther (Seoul). 2012 Sep;20(5):492-8. doi: 10.4062/biomolther.2012.20.5.492. (link)

López-González AA, Grases F, Roca P, Mari B, Vicente-Herrero MT, Costa-Bauzá A. Phytate (myo-inositol hexaphosphate) and risk factors for osteoporosis. J Med Food. 2008 Dec;11(4):747-52. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2008.0087. (link)

Muraoka S, Miura T. Inhibition of xanthine oxidase by phytic acid and its antioxidative action; Life Sci. 2004 Feb 13;74(13):1691-700. (link)

Norhaizan ME, Ng SK, Norashareena MS, Abdah MA. Antioxidant and cytotoxicity effect of rice bran phytic acid as an anticancer agent on ovarian, breast and liver cancer cell lines. Malays J Nutr. 2011 Dec;17(3):367-75. (link)

Pathak L, Agrawal Y, Dhir A. Natural polyphenols in the management of major depression. Expert Opin Investig Drugs. 2013 Jul;22(7):863-80. doi: 10.1517/13543784.2013.794783. Epub 2013 May 6. (link)

Schröterová L, Hasková P, Rudolf E, Cervinka M. Effect of phytic acid and inositol on the proliferation and apoptosis of cells derived from colorectal carcinoma; Oncol Rep. 2010 Mar;23(3):787-93. (link)

Shahidi F. Beneficial Health Effects and Drawbacks of Antinutrients and Phytochemicals in Foods (link)

Wang L, Cheng C, Zhao H, Cui H. Anti-tumor effect of phytic acid on human osteosarcoma U2OS cells in vitro; Wei Sheng Yan Jiu. 2012 Nov;41(6):943-6. (link)

Wawszczyk J, Orchel A, Kapral M, Hollek A, Weglarz L. Phytic acid down-regulates IL-8 secretion from colonic epithelial cells by influencing mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway. Acta Pol Pharm. 2012 Nov-Dec;69(6):1276-82. (link)

Xu Q, Kanthasamy AG, Reddy MB. Neuroprotective effect of the natural iron chelator, phytic acid in a cell culture model of Parkinson’s disease. Toxicology. 2008 Mar 12;245(1-2):101-8. doi: 10.1016/j.tox.2007.12.017. Epub 2007 Dec 27. (link)


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Ask Me a Question or Leave a Comment Here - I'd Love to Hear from You

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  1. Dee Reply

    Almost 100% of people quiting vegetables spontaneously see depression, MS, autoimmune disease, diabetes, go away, and find themselves not obese Anymore.

    • ross Reply

      I would absolutely LOVE to see that study Dee.

  2. Jenny Reply

    I’ve been eating brown rice which is supposed to be anti -nutrient. Also pearl barley is supposed to be
    another culprit. I keep a good supply of them on hand.

    What about people who have a severe allergic reaction to nuts & eggs?
    Is it possible to overcome this immune issue?

  3. T Reply

    Do u think we should eat buyates to counter anti nutrients ?

    • T Reply

      Buyrates -do u think we should focus on these for countering anti nutrients

  4. Helen Marie Humphreys Reply

    Thanks so much Ross. There is way too much scaremongering going on in regards to our health and wellbeing, And yes, we can trust nature and trust our body and we can thrive. Keep up the goof work.

  5. Adelaide Caetano Reply

    That was a spot-on analysis. I knew by just looking at him , MR. Heart Surgeon , that he was full of BS. These videos where they take a bowl of salad and throw it in the garbage are so corny it is ridiculous !
    Thank you for all your research and your dedication to getting the real facts known !

    • ross Reply

      My pleasure 🙂

  6. Brenda Dombey Reply

    What are the actual foods rich in anti nutrients?
    I’m sorry I have no time to read through all the info but am happy to have bought the recipe book.. I’ve always cooked this way so it’s not a big switch for me but a boost to improve
    Thankyou !!

  7. Peggy Reply

    Very clear and concise. Eggplant gets a bad rap as a nightshade. Your thoughts.

  8. Sherry Reply

    Interesting article…I’ve heard all the rumors and wondered but it didn’t stop me from eating what I consider beneficial foods from nature. Thank you!

    Do you have a list of foods to or not to eat when you have diverticulitis? An undisciplined friend of mine is suffering terribly and her Dr. gives antibiotics. Any information you could share would be extremely useful…
    [email protected]

  9. Rosie Janota Reply

    Hello Ross,
    A great big thank you for all that you do. Are you saying oatmeal is not a good thing to be eating? Is this a gluten-containing grain?

    • ross Reply

      Oats are totally fine – they’re not naturally gluten-containing, but are sometimes contaminated if they’re not milled in a gluten-free certified facility. But unless you’re very very sensitive this wouldn’t make a huge problem for you. If you ARE very sensitive, look for certified GF oats.

  10. Stephan Wilmes Reply

    Hi, Thanks! What about lectins? Thanks, Stephan

  11. Bill Creen Reply

    I also offer thanks for sharing this IN THIS MANNER, as I too have removed Facebook, Twitter and other BIG TECH “anti-freedoms” from my life. And what a difference in stress-reduction that has resulted in. You do us a great service with your valuable information!

  12. Janet Reply

    Great, clarifying article. I don’t do Facebook so am very grateful for information you share that I can access.
    Am a beginner on the alkaline diet and appreciate the recipes. Most important the simplicity and truth of your approach.

  13. Cynthia Weedon Reply

    I feel so trusting in your above statement re “anti nutrients”. Thank you , Ross, for the direct and positive statement of the truth. You have saved this one from giving up the effort !!

  14. Patricia C Acree Reply

    Dear Ross, Thank you for this exceptionally prudent, no nonsense, down to earth info, Very encouraging. I’ve been health concious for 50 yrs, and recently finding digestive issues and an inability to manage.reduuce 6 months of a bulging gut. Heretofore could always manage. So Im in personal mini crisis as to new (old) and better answers that make sense and good health.
    THANK YOU Very Much, Trysh A

    • ross Reply

      My absolute pleasure Trysh!

  15. Clive Reply

    Wow Ross, thankyou for all this wonderful information you’ve given us. I got your alkaline reset cleanse book a few days ago and am sooo excited to begin! I’ve been wondering for years how to get fresh veg into my diet in quantity and you have shown me how.
    Is it true one should not eat spinach too often because the liver couldn’t cope with too much oxalic acid? May I ask an off topic question about what you think of the use of H2O2 to alkalize water? I read about this in “The pH Miracle” by Robert Young.
    Thanks again for making your findings so accessable
    Cheers

  16. Vivienne Davis Reply

    Hello I live in the uk and have fibromyalgia what foods should I be eating and what supplements might help?

  17. Nia Carter Reply

    Excellent article. Thank you very much for clearing this up! I already receive your emails. Is there

  18. Susan Clancy Reply

    I was reading the article on anti nutrients. I think the core issues are moderation and variety. IF you eat large amounts of anything they can have a negative effect. Also there can be symbiotic effects when you eat a variety of foods. They help each other with the absorption of nutrients.
    I am wondering if you have done any research on how things change when they are cooked. I saw something about how certain vegetables are better for you when they are cooked.
    Starting day one of my cleanse. The week of the precleanse was difficult. I had a lot of stomach discomfort and mild constant headache. We eat pretty healthy so the response of my body was a surprise. I’m looking forward to this week. This experience has brought back memories of going to the health food store in the late 60’s with my mom. Also I’m using the juicer I had bought for my sister after her surgery for pancreatic cancer.
    Thank you for your enthusiasm and concern for peoples health.

  19. Kathy Reply

    Simply, thank you for this. Its SO confusing out there and I’m so glad you addressed this issue.

  20. Sue Reply

    Hi Ross

    I requested some information about severe skin psoriasis and the result using the alkaline diet.
    Anyone with this condition had a positive result?
    Your feedback please
    Thanks

    • Eileen sarcone Reply

      I was told oxilates are very bad for gout and psoriasis arthritis. Also what is ok for lipadema(fluid in n tissues in my legs and belly

  21. Nina Sarroino Reply

    Ross, I have bought your books and followed you for years
    I would like to know the protein Powder you use and the green powders
    and minerals and nutrients
    you once showed them about two weeks ago
    grey bottles if I remember correctly
    I am recoverying from knee replacement
    and had thyroid medication since 11 and am 69 now
    did bariatric and was really successful
    and I prefer to use green powders to the fresh vegetables since I
    find the organic ones too expensive
    Still about 20 lbs overweight but been vegetarian and meditator for 30 years
    but still, get cravings for sugar,
    but try to choose healthy sugars if there is anything
    have arthritis

  22. Lorraine Reply

    Thank you! I appreciate your explanation and the science you note to support your information.

  23. Patricia Reply

    Wow that was impressive, thank you.
    Is there any chance you could say anything good about kefir?! I know you say it’s acidic.

  24. sheila cohn Reply

    Once again a great article! Thanks

  25. Itsia Reply

    A big THANK YOU!!!!
    Ross, you are awesome. I am amazed by the way you are dedicated to all of us. You certainly LOVE what you do.

    • ross Reply

      Thank you Itsia – I really do 🙂

  26. Marijke Reply

    Thanks Ross! It’s great to see your high level of consciousness where you see the integrated Bigger Picture of the food industry, and are socially aware of what people need, and want to achieve great things by making a positive difference for as many people as you can – but also know when to rely on the “absolute truth” of science and when to make a powerful statement to “fight” injustice. The sad thing is that there will always be people who only want to hear what they want to hear, but the good thing about it is, that it brings out the best in you, it keeps you sharp as a tack, energetic to the max, and makes you THE expert in your field!

  27. Inger Reply

    Wow thank you for going so much into this subject. Now I know how to answer people when they tell me to be careful and I do not have to worry.

    • ross Reply

      My pleasure Inger and everybody else!

  28. Lesley Reply

    Hi Ross
    Thank you for this great article it seems that the powers that be want to keep us eating bad food and scare us away from the good stuff eating almonds as I write this
    Thanks again for all you do
    Lesley

  29. Rhiannon Reply

    Hi Ross,
    I came to the same conclusion as you about the hype around so-called ‘anti-nutrients’ and I am glad to hear someone else voicing these thoughts. THANK YOU! From my research, I have found that blood type can influence sensitivity to these nutrients. Soaking, sprouting and fermenting can neutralize the effects of bloating or indigestion that certain types of anti-nutrients can have and also unlock the bio-availability of other nutrients contained in beans, lentils, nuts and cabbage. Soaking beans has always been a traditional part of their preparation and the research I have done leads me to believe it is best to continue that practice. I also ferment oats – they are way more flavorful and there too, the fermenting process renders certain nutrients more bio-available to humans. Same with raw fermented cabbage to which I add cumin. Does your research corroborate this? With warm regards and admiration for your work, Rhiannon

  30. Antonio Reply

    Thanks Ross, very thanks, Antonio

  31. Oliver Reply

    Am I allowed any type of bread?

    • ross Reply

      Hey Oliver

      Basically you’re looking to avoid gluten – so sprouted grain breads (sprouted grains haven’t developed the gluten yet so sprouted wheat, rye etc is fine – but check the label to see if they have put the gluten back in!), gluten free breads, breads made from grains and grasses ec that don’t contain gluten (buckwheat, amaranth, chia, quinoa etc) are all fine.

      Here’s one of my recipes for you: http://liveenergized.com/alkaline-recipes/easy-gluten-free-bread-recipe/

      • JOANN JORDAN ORLOFF Reply

        Hi Ross,
        I spoke to a food manufacturer who makes sprouted wheat tortillas and they informed me that the sprouted wheat DOES INDEED HAVE GLUTEN in it..you cannot get away from gluten with wheat is what they told me.

        • ross Reply

          Just not true. BUT a manufacturer will always err on the side of caution. When sprouted the seed does not contain gluten. The gluten forms as the plant becomes mature.

  32. Patricia Harte Reply

    Thank you, that was so informative I am so happy to hear that many of the stories about nutrients tend to be exaggerated. Because it is only the last few years that I have been eating a plant based diet and enjoying it!

  33. Jill ilott Reply

    Hi Ross – Got your book – haven’t started yet as had visitors staying :-(( and stuff happening but its not long off…
    But you don’t mention lectins at all and we have been told they are the ones that put on weight – or should I say contribute to your NOT losing weight if on a diet. (Check The Plant Paradox by Steven R Gundry) and also need to keep off grains and quinoa is a grain. I was pleasantly surprised when he suggested the only bread we eat is white sourdough – and I must say, my gut really likes it whereas I had to stop eating grains as could feel a difference afterwards, most times. He says we can’t eat anything with seeds – or at least have to remove them along with skins of tomatoes and scrape out the cucumber ones…..etc etc. What is your bent on this? Am presuming you have read the book as is a best seller……

  34. Elin Reply

    Hi,
    I have been a follower for some time, and I used to add a lot of super foods to my diet. However later down the line I started suffering various health issues, and decided to go for a food intolerance test. The tests showed that I had leaky gut and was intolerant to 65 different foods, and all of the super foods I thought was so good for me and I was having regularly. This includes broccoli, kale, quinoa, cucumber, carrots, lemon, kiwi, almond, dates and many more. It has been 1,5 years since my test, and I am trying to avoid the ‘bad’ foods, but will soon go for another test to see if the 65 bads hopefully have reduced. Meanwhile, I am sure that this is mainly caused by drinking green juices daily, and eating kale, quinoa, and the above mentioned foods nearly daily for years. And I still suffer when I eat some of the foods on the list. What do you think?

    • Karen Reply

      Hi I would be interested to see what Ross’s advice was to your question Elin, I have similar problems as you but never been tested for leaky gut. Also have my green powder everyday and now wonder if it’s a good thing?
      I have only just be introduced to this site by a friend.

      Kind Regards

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