Are Plants Harming Your Health? My Experience After 8 Years Keto and Low-Carb
It sounds crazy at first — the idea that plants might not be as harmless as we’ve been taught. But after hearing Dr. Anthony Chaffee speak about plant toxins and how they can cause so many of the symptoms and diseases people struggle with, I had to pause. Not because it was a new idea to me — but because it lined up almost exactly with what I’ve seen happen in my own life.
Dr. Chaffee talks a lot about how plants, unlike animals, can’t run away. They defend themselves chemically. Things like lectins, oxalates, and other natural plant toxins are part of their survival system. And while some people seem to tolerate them fine for a while, he argues that over time, these compounds can trigger all kinds of health issues — from autoimmune problems to mental health struggles.
When I think back to my old diet — full of "healthy" whole grains, fruits, and vegetables — I realize how bad I felt all the time without even noticing. I had constant bloating, fatigue, brain fog...and yet I thought I was doing everything right. Eat your plants. Eat a balanced diet. Eat in moderation. That's what everyone said.
Eight years ago, I switched to keto and dropped my carbs to about 20 grams a day. Not long after, the brain fog lifted. My energy came back. The digestive issues? Gone.
But here's the kicker — just recently, I went even further. No more fruits. No more vegetables. Mostly meat, eggs, and healthy fats. You would think I'd be constipated or feeling awful without all that fiber we're told is so essential. The opposite happened. Everything — digestion, energy, mood — got even better.
After spending hundreds (honestly, probably thousands) on bloodwork over the years, the proof is there in black and white. My labs are excellent. My mental health is solid. I feel stronger and sharper now than I ever did living off the so-called “balanced” diet.
Some people tell me I'm being extreme. Others try to nudge me back toward the "normal" way of eating — the Standard American Diet but just "in moderation." But after seeing and feeling the difference, I can tell you with absolute certainty: I will never go back. No way.
Hearing Dr. Chaffee lay it out so clearly — how plants have evolved to protect themselves in ways that don't always agree with our bodies — really made me think. He once said something along the lines of, “Plants are trying to kill you; they just do it very slowly.” And looking at how my body feels now compared to how it used to? I can’t help but believe there’s truth in that.
Of course, everybody is different. What works for me might not work for someone else. But when your own experience lines up with what the science (and common sense) suggest... it gets harder to ignore.
For me, the evidence is in.
And I’m not looking back.
This content is never meant to serve as medical advice.
In crafting this blog post, I aimed to encapsulate the essence of research findings while presenting the information in a reader-friendly format that promotes critical thinking and informed decision-making.
