Natto

🌱 What is Natto?
Natto is a traditional Japanese food made from fermented soybeans. It has a strong aroma, sticky texture, and savory, umami-rich flavor. Natto is known for its natural probiotic content and is a good source of protein and vitamin K2.

🤔 Why Might a Sensitivity to Natto Occur?

A sensitivity to natto may occur due to:

• Soy Proteins: Natto contains active soy proteins such as glycinin and beta-conglycinin, which may be difficult for some individuals to process.

• Bacillus subtilis: The beneficial bacteria used for fermentation may overwhelm sensitive digestive systems.

• Histamines: As a fermented food, natto contains higher histamine levels, which may contribute to reactions.

• Isoflavones: Natural plant compounds in soy that may create digestive or hormonal sensitivities in certain individuals.

🛠️ What Can I Do About It?

• Avoid natto for 8 weeks and observe any changes in how you feel.

• Check labels for foods that may include natto-based ingredients.

• Choose alternatives such as tolerated legumes or non-soy fermented foods.

• Reintroduce natto gradually after the elimination period to evaluate your response.

💊 Supportive General Supplements

Consider:

• Digestive Enzymes: Support the breakdown of soy proteins and fermented components.

• Probiotics: Encourage a balanced gut environment that may improve general digestive wellness.

• Quercetin: Helps support the body’s natural inflammatory responses and may assist with histamine-related sensitivities.

• L-Glutamine: Supports the gut lining and overall digestive comfort.

🌟 Why Might I Have a Sensitivity to Natto but Not Other Soy Products?

Key differences include:

• Fermentation: Natto’s fermentation process introduces high histamine levels and active bacteria not present in non-fermented soy.

• Nattokinase: An enzyme unique to natto that may be difficult for some individuals to process.

• Protein Activity: Natto contains more active soy protein structures than tofu or soy milk.

• Processing Differences: Other soy products undergo processes that may reduce components that are more active in natto.

🍽️ Popular Dishes with Natto

• Natto rice bowls

• Sushi rolls containing natto

• Natto added to miso broths

🍽️ Alternatives (If Tolerated)

• Tempeh

• Miso

• Lentils

• Chickpeas