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If eating natto, a so-called superfood, actually worsened your burnout and fatigue
Author
- Lumen
Category
- Plant-based estrogen
- Fermentation
Natto is a traditional Japanese food made by fermenting soybeans. It is a "superfood" that is very rich in beneficial components, such as Vitamin K2 (MK-7), which is excellent for bone health and preventing cardiovascular disease, and Nattokinase, which dissolves blood clots. Thanks to the traditional fermentation process, harmful antinutrients naturally present in soybeans, such as phytic acid and enzyme inhibitors, are largely neutralized, which has the advantage of making digestion and nutrient absorption much easier.
However, depending on your individual health condition, you must consider the following important precautions when consuming natto.
1. Histamine intolerance and Candida (yeast) proliferation problems
Because natto is a fermented food, histamine levels increase significantly during the fermentation process .
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People with 'histamine intolerance,' who cannot properly break down histamine in their bodies, should avoid consuming fermented foods, as consuming natto may cause symptoms such as headaches, severe allergic reactions, hives, and itching.
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In addition, for people with intestinal microbial imbalance (such as leaky gut syndrome), fermented foods can serve as food for harmful yeasts (such as Candida) in the body, causing them to multiply, or can trigger a severe 'detox reaction' caused by beneficial bacteria, so caution is required.
2. Soy allergy
Even after undergoing a fermentation process, soybeans, the main ingredient of natto, are a very powerful allergen that can stimulate the body's immune system .
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People with soy allergies should, of course, not consume natto.
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You should also be careful when choosing vitamin K2 supplements for bone health. Since a significant number of vitamin K2 (MK-7) supplements on the market extract their ingredients from natto, it is safer for people with soy allergies to choose the MK-4 form of vitamin K2 instead of MK-7.
3. Phytoestrogens and thyroid dysfunction (goitrogens)
Natto contains isoflavones and phytoestrogens such as daidzein and genistein.
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There are concerns that these ingredients may cause hormonal imbalances because they can act similarly to or block the female hormone estrogen in the body.
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In addition, soybeans contain goitrogens, which interfere with iodine absorption and impair thyroid function . Therefore, people with hypothyroidism or iodine deficiency need to exercise special caution when consuming legumes, including natto.
4. Powerful natural thrombolytic (blood-thinning) effect
Natto's unique mucilage contains a protein-degrading enzyme called 'Nattokinase'.
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This enzyme acts as a 'natural blood thinner' that powerfully breaks down blood clots in blood vessels and clears blocked arteries.
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Although it is excellent for improving blood flow and preventing cardiovascular disease, its effects are powerful, so those who have a history of bleeding disorders or are taking anticoagulants (such as antiplatelet agents) prescribed by a doctor should consult a doctor, as drug interactions may cause the blood to become excessively thin.
5. Risks of Genetically Modified (GMO) Soybeans
A significant portion of soybeans mass-produced and distributed in the market are likely genetically modified (GMO) crops designed to be resistant to herbicides. To avoid the risks associated with pesticide residues or pesticides, it is recommended to choose natto made from organic soybeans whenever possible .
6. Distinctive smell and sticky texture (Sensory precautions)
Although not a medical side effect, natto emits a strong, distinctive odor similar to old gym socks or a kitchen compost bin because it produces ammonia during the alkaline fermentation process by Bacillus subtilis bacteria . The longer the fermentation continues, the stronger this smell becomes.
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It also has a texture of long, stretchy, very slippery and sticky mucus threads called 'neba-neba' in Japanese.
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Due to its distinctive texture and smell, it is an 'acquired taste' that elicits strong opinions, both positive and negative.
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One of the things to be careful about when eating natto is to avoid inadvertently scratching your forehead or face while eating. Sticky, cobweb-like mucous threads on the chopsticks can stick to your face and hands, causing significant discomfort.
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🔗 Original Text and In-depth Guide: https://cosmicgarden.org/natto-side-effects-purification-histamine-relief
🔗 Original Text and In-depth Guide: https://cosmicgarden.org/natto-side-effects-purification-histamine-relief