3 Anti-Nutrients A Professional Biohacker Says You Shouldn't Ignore

We don't like to demonize foods around here—especially when those foods happen to be healthy fruits and vegetables. However, we do know that some foods simply don't work with some people's bodies, regardless of their stellar nutrient profiles. Take nightshades, for example: These wonderful, whole foods contain plenty of anti-inflammatory properties, yet they can be pro-inflammatory for people with autoimmune conditions. 

Phytic acid is a natural substance found in many plant foods that can be abrasive to the digestive tract; it impairs the absorption of iron, zinc, calcium, and other minerals1 and blocks the production of digestive enzymes, which can make those foods much harder on your stomach. It's why some people might have a hard time digesting raw nuts, like almonds, or oats. 

Asprey also asserts that if you consume too much phytic acid, "you will become mineral deficient, even if you're eating a rainbow of fruits and [vegetables]." And "if you're deficient in minerals, it doesn't matter how hard you try—your body can't make the electricity it's supposed to," he adds. 

Oxalates, too, can inhibit the absorption of other nutrients2, like iron and calcium. And when oxalates bind to calcium, they can form calcium oxalate crystals, which can travel through the body and contribute to kidney stones3. (That's why a low-oxalate diet is known for preventing kidney stone recurrence.)

Which foods contain oxalates, you ask? Well, according to Asprey, raw kale and spinach are some of the biggest offenders. Nothing against these healthy greens, of course, but if you are prone to kidney stones, it is something you might want to be aware of. "If you cook them and drain the water, you can process them in order to make them less harmful that way," Asprey explains. 

Here's the thing: Omega-6s aren't inherently bad. "Omega-6 oils are actually necessary for you to live5," says Asprey. "They're just necessary at trace amounts." And collectively, we're consuming just way too much. 

As a result, the load of omega-6s can eliminate the anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3s and become harmful to our bodies. "You end up making cells that are constantly inflamed, and they're worse at making energy because it affects the membrane of the cells where energy is made," notes Asprey. "So when people clear omega-6 fats out of their diet and replace them with saturated and monounsaturated fats, they start feeling better."