The Paleo diet encourages you to not have grains. There are reasons for this, and here are the top five reasons why grains are not your friends if you are on Paleo.
Damages Guts
Your gut health is a big part of your body. Remember, it affects your mental health too, and we are all impacted by grains, not in the same way as celiacs, but in some form or another. We actually can’t absorb nutrients properly, and that causes a problem, and that can cause other problems to come forward if you’re not careful.
Risk of Autoimmune diseases
Grains cause inflammation, and we are at risk for autoimmune disease if we have too much inflammation. This can actually cause diabetes, lupus, and so much more. Certain cancers can also come about as a result of these autoimmune diseases, and if you’re going to improve on this and prevent it from happening, you need to remember that autoimmune diseases do have these grains linked to them, and it’s not a good thing.
Phytates
Phytates are a part of grains. These are used to bind the minerals in the body. Problem is, these minerals aren’t actually able to be used because of this, and if you have a vitamin or mineral deficiency, it’s been linked to this. Grains along with legumes have a large amount of this, but foods that are on a Paleo have none, except for strawberries and tubers, but usually those are in trace amounts. It does affect your immunity, and it isn’t fun.
Lots of Carbs
Carbs are a big part of grains, and carbs are converted into sugars known as glucose, and they are used for energy. Problem is, if it isn’t used, the pancreas then will need to use more insulin, and this thereby builds insulin resistance, which can lead to diabetes, fatty liver, heart conditions, and even some cancers. it’s better to have fat, because that’ll keep us fuller for so much longer.
Lectins
Lectins are another antinutrient like phytates, and they also cause problems. They are present in smaller amounts in nuts and seeds, but in essence, they’re defenses for plant foods. In order to protect the survival of the grain, lectins are there, but they irritate our gut health, and we don’t actually really digest these, but we instead push them through our body. This is what causes diarrhea, bloating, vomiting, along with acid reflux in some cases. They can impact the lining of the gut, your nutrient absorption, and even interfere with the immune system if you’re not careful.
So yes, grains can play a negative part on your overall health, and its why on Paleo diet, we try to avoid them. Remember, the primitive people didn’t eat grains, so you shouldn’t either, and sometimes, it’s best if you don’t for your overall bodily health, that’s for sure. If you want to, do so in small doses.
