Let’s play a guessing game. Name a former surgeon who “moved on” to bigger and better thing$, aka humping questionable dietary supplements. “Better” as in a bigger and better portfolio. Who comes to mind? Dr. Oz, of course, right?
While the “Wizard” has done an admirable job of trading his ethics for a pile of loot, he is far from the only one to cash in.
The profoundly annoying Dr. Gundry, aka “No More Mr. Knife Guy,” whose face is plastered on a seemingly infinite number of website ads, has done a superb job of selling a bunch of "questionable" stuff, much like Oz. Why is he so interested in your s###? It's because he wants you to buy his s##t instead. Let's dig into the bowels of the Gundry supplement empire.
Yes, Gundry actually begs you to stop eating blueberries. And that’s just the beginning.
Like Oz, Gundry's medical credentials provide the perfect costume for a carnival of claims. Enter: The Evil Hannibal Lectin.
Hannibal Lectin: The Cereal Killer
[W]hen lectins invade our bodies, they can cause some serious inflammatory responses and other health issues, like leaky gut syndrome, weight gain, brain fog, and more.
Source: Drgundry.com
Gundry's "tour de farce" is a family of plant-based proteins called lectins. Lectins, which plants use as a defense mechanism, are theoretically capable of interfering with nutrient absorption by attaching to the gut lining; however, they are deactivated by cooking. Even if consumed raw, don't worry - they're present in small amounts and are largely neutralized by soaking.
"Lectins are 'toxic proteins' that cause leaky gut, inflammation, and chronic disease. You should avoid foods like tomatoes, beans, and whole grains."
Source: Drgundry.com
So, are lectins dietary devils—or just the latest scapegoats in a long line of fake food villains? Spoiler: it’s not the tomatoes that are full of crap. Don't take my word for it. Here are a few (of many) quotes from reputable sources:
"Although lectins may cause problems for people with an intolerance or people who eat them in excess, there is strong research to support the benefits of eating plant-based foods. Advocates of a lectin-free diet claim that it can aid weight loss and improve overall health and well-being. However, there is insufficient evidence to back up any of these claims or the safety of a lectin-free diet."
MedicalNewsToday, March, 2025
Most of what Steven Gundry says in his book The Plant Paradox is demonstrably wrong. There is no science-based reason to avoid lectins.
Harriet Hall, M.D. in Science Based Medicine
And, why not pile it on?
"Overall, we rate Gundry MD as a strong Pseudoscience website based on the promotion of unsubstantiated health claims, a financial interest in promoting products with exaggerated benefits, and a controversial study that resulted in a failed fact check."
Will an Apple a Day Keep This Doctor Away?
What could be healthier than blueberries? Apples, of course, right? Nope.
"On this episode of The Dr. Gundry Podcast, you’ll learn why an apple a day ISN’T actually healthy."
Of course, it goes further than this. Here’s a sampling of Gundry’s no-no list, which looks like a murder scene at a farmer’s market:
- tomatoes
- potatoes
- eggplant
- kidney beans
- green beans
- Wheat
- quinoa
- cashews,
- peanuts
- cow’s milk
- yogurt
- ice cream
- cottage cheese
- Pasta,
- bread,
- sugar, agave, other artificial sweeteners
- (Many more)
There is so much more, so let's just end musically. Perhaps the Osmonds were prescient.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
So, what should you eat? His supplements, of course.
Yawn...
Josh Bloom
Director of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Science
Dr. Josh Bloom, the Director of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Science, comes from the world of drug discovery, where he did research for more than 20 years. He holds a Ph.D. in chemistry.
