Are Holiday Meals Making Us Sick?

Thanksgiving is a time of family, gratitude, and, of course, food. But for many, it also marks the beginning of a season filled with colds, flu, and digestive issues. Why does this occur? Allow me to explain.

The culprits often lurk in plain sight on your holiday table: gluten and sugar.

The Problem with Gluten:

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and oats. For many individuals, perhaps even most, gluten wreaks havoc on the gut lining, leading to inflammation and damage to the tiny villi tentacles in the intestines that are essential for nutrient absorption. When these villi tentacles are damaged, your body struggles to absorb the vital nutrients it needs to maintain optimal health.

At Thanksgiving, traditional stuffing, rolls, pies, and even gravies abound with gluten. Most people are unaware of what gluten is doing to their bodies, but if you're gluten sensitive or gluten intolerant, this can result in bloating, digestive discomfort, and an immune response that increases your vulnerability to illness.

Sugar: A Hidden Immunity Killer

Now, let's address sugar. The Thanksgiving table often overflows with sweetened cranberry sauces, candy yams, desserts, and sugary beverages. Excess sugar dampens the immune system, impacting your body's ability to fend off viruses and bacteria. Sugar also nurtures harmful gut bacteria, disrupting your microbiome—the cornerstone of your immune health.

Combining gluten and sugar creates a formidable challenge. Your immune system is weakened, your gut health is impaired, and your body lacks the nutrients it needs for recovery.

How to Stay Healthy This Thanksgiving

Here's how you can enjoy the holiday without compromising your health:

1. Go Gluten-Free: Substitute traditional stuffing and bread with gluten-free options made from almond flour or rice. Choose mashed sweet potatoes or roasted vegetables over rolls.

2. Minimize Sugar: Opt for naturally sweetened dishes using alternatives like stevia or monk fruit. Concentrate on whole, fresh foods rather than sugary, processed ones.

3. Prioritize Nutrients: Ensure your Thanksgiving meal is rich in nutrient-dense choices like green beans, collard greens, turkey, and salads with healthy fats such as grass-fed butter or ghee.

4. Supplement Smart: Despite an ideal diet, you can't obtain all the nutrients you need from food alone, especially given today's depleted soil. Take your 90 essential nutrients daily for immune support and overall wellness.

Thanksgiving doesn't have to derail your health. With some careful selections, you can savor the holiday, bolster your body, and step into the winter season feeling robust and lively.

Happy Thanksgiving