Fenugreek

🌿 What is Fenugreek?
Fenugreek is an herb whose seeds and leaves are commonly used in cooking and traditional wellness practices. With a sweet, nutty, and slightly bitter flavor, fenugreek appears in curries, spice blends, teas, and herbal preparations.

🤔 Why Might a Sensitivity to Fenugreek Occur?

Sensitivity to fenugreek may be linked to:

• Galactomannan: A soluble fiber in fenugreek seeds that may cause digestive discomfort in some individuals.

• Saponins: Natural plant compounds that may irritate sensitive systems.

• Unique proteins: Specific to fenugreek and capable of triggering reactive responses.

🛠️ What Can I Do About It?

• Avoid fenugreek in all forms for 8 weeks.

• Check seasoning blends, teas, and herbal supplements for hidden fenugreek.

• Reintroduce slowly after 8 weeks to evaluate whether sensitivity has improved.

• Keep a symptom log to help identify patterns.

💊 Supportive General Supplements

Consider:

• Digestive Enzymes: Help with breaking down complex fibers like galactomannan.

• Probiotics: Support a healthy gut environment and overall digestive balance.

• Quercetin: May support a calm response to plant-based compounds.

🌟 Why Might I React to Fenugreek but Not Other Herbs?

Key differences include:

• Galactomannan: Fenugreek contains this fiber in larger amounts, unlike most herbs.

• Saponins: More concentrated in fenugreek compared to herbs like basil or parsley.

• Unique protein profile: Fenugreek proteins differ from those found in oregano, coriander, or dill.

🍽️ Popular Dishes with Fenugreek

• Curry powders

• Spice rubs for meats

• Herbal teas

🍽️ Alternatives (if tolerated)

• Coriander

• Cumin

• Fennel

• Dill