It’s cookie, cake, and pie season! For many, this sweet treat attack is a wonderfully delicious part of what makes the holidays feel like the holidays…
But if gluten makes you feel a little less than grateful, this time of year may also deliver more pain and discomfort than you care to deal with.
Naturally, you want to socialize with friends and family, go to holiday parties and have fun. But that can be tricky when you’re trying to dodge gluten at every turn (or suffer nasty consequences). Because even if you're even a little bit gluten sensitive, a simple party snack can leave you trapped in the bathroom.
And while you might think avoiding the usual suspects – gingerbread cookies, stuffing, grandma’s classic pies, dinner rolls, pastas, etc – will keep you safe, here’s the truth:
Gluten hides in DOZENS of places you’d never expect.
So during the winter holiday season, be careful about what you eat. And proactively protect your gut from gluten fallout by taking a few simple precautions.
Living with Gluten Fallout
If you’re one of the millions of people with some level of gluten intolerance, you know how uncomfortable even a few crumbs can make you (and yes, the data shows that a few crumbs is all it can take). More than that, you likely know that gluten symptoms don't affect just your gut – though those are the most common and noticeable.
Gluten can cause a wide range of symptoms including:
- Diarrhea
- Bloating
- Gas
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Headaches
- Itchy skin
- Joint pain
- Anxiety
- Fatigue
The best way to avoid those gluten consequences is to follow a gluten-free diet. But even that option isn’t a perfect solution. Plus, you can’t very well read the ingredients list on a passed hors d’oeuvres tray or a spread of your uncle’s favorite cheese dip and crackers.
What’s more, you may try to stick with seemingly gluten-free options at office parties and family gatherings… only to get sidelined by hidden gluten.
Surprise! This Is NOT Gluten-Free
A lot of foods may seem gluten-safe… but when you dig a little deeper, they’re far from it.
And unfortunately, many of the most common holiday staples contain hidden gluten. Eating any one of these popular and festive dishes can set off gluten reactions that leave you feeling frustrated and sick.
So while you’re dodging the obvious gluten-bombs at parties, you’ll also want to avoid these ten surprising sources of hidden gluten as well:
- Hors d’oeuvres including meatballs and imitation crab
- Green bean casserole (especially if made with cream of mushroom soup)
- Candied or seasoned nuts
- Cheese popcorn
- Wine coolers and flavored vodkas
- Eggnog, especially if it contains alcohol
- Dip on veggie platters
- Soups and bouillons
- Gravies and sauces
- Tea blends, flavored coffee, and cocoa mix (especially with mini marshmallows)
Frustratingly, when it comes to gluten, not only can looks be deceiving, you can’t even rely on foods labeled as gluten-free to be 100% accurate.
But this doesn't mean that you have to sit in the corner and nosh on a baggie of carrots and celery that you brought from home… or avoid eating and drinking at all. You can let yourself have fun – and partake in the holiday food celebration – by taking the steps necessary to proactively protect yourself against stray gluten.
Trust These Gluten Defenders
When you’re gluten-sensitive, it means your body can't properly process this frustratingly common protein. But as we’ve discussed, there’s no one size fits all symptom when it comes to gluten digesting difficulties. You may experience uncomfortable GI issues, headaches, fatigue, skin issues, an autoimmune condition, or worse.
But no matter where your issues fall on the gluten-intolerance scale, you can give your digestive system extra support to guard against hidden gluten surprises. The best support you can supply includes:
- Special digestive enzymes, such as Tolerase G and DPP-IV, that specifically target harmful gluten proteins and break them down into harmless digestible compounds BEFORE they can cause problems
- Betaine HCl, a natural compound that increases acid production in your stomach to support healthy digestion and optimal nutrient absorption
- Targeted probiotics such as Saccharomyces boulardii, Bacillus coagulans, and Bacillus subtilis HU58 that help provide structural support in your gut to counterbalance gluten fallout so you can feel your best
Making sure your gut has an effective, ongoing gluten safety net to guard you against the laundry list of gluten consequences will give you a big leg up this holiday. Even better, it’ll help you feel more protected, so you can eat and drink confidently, this season and beyond.
Just Thrive Gut Health Products
Opt In To All The Holiday Celebrations with Gluten Away
Just Thrive Gluten Away can help you enjoy the holidays by supporting your body’s ability to manage unexpected gluten.
To provide targeted gluten support, Just Thrive Gluten Away contains:
- Gluten-digesting enzymes: DPP-IV and Tolerase G
- Supportive probiotics: Bacillus coagulans, Bacillus subtilis HU58, and Saccharomyces boulardii
- Betaine HCl
Participate in all the holiday cheer, and celebrate with confidence! Give yourself the gift of Just Thrive Gluten Away.
