Surviving Holidays & Special Occasions with Gluten Intolerance [Video]

Video: Surviving Holidays & Special Occasions with Gluten Intolerance

Dr. Vicki Peterson discusses how those with gluten intolerance can navigate holidays and special occasions without compromising their health. She emphasizes that even small amounts of gluten can cause harm, comparing it to consuming rat poison. Peterson also addresses the importance of educating family and friends about the severity of gluten intolerance, urging a zero-tolerance approach. She offers practical advice for maintaining a gluten-free diet during festive times and encourages sharing this message to foster understanding and support.

Transcript of the video

The importance of following a strict gluten free diet for special occasions

Hello, Dr. Vicki Peterson here. I want to talk to you about the upcoming holidays. If you’re watching this at a different time, just think about an upcoming birthday or special occasion—any event that makes you feel, “Oh, I should be able to eat whatever I want,” or “I don’t have to worry about it; I’ll be fine.” Society often suggests that there are moments when we can throw all the rules away and indulge. While it sounds great, unfortunately, it’s not something those of us who are gluten intolerant can do. I’m sorry, but it’s the truth.

Whether you are someone who thinks, “Oh yeah, that’s definitely me because if I cheat, I’m in big trouble,” or if you’re the person who cheats and doesn’t notice any symptoms, I can guarantee that whether you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, your body knows it. You might not feel it obviously, but your body is negatively affected.

This could mean a slow progression toward colon cancer, thyroid disease, liver disease, or any autoimmune disease. Damage takes place whether you feel it or not. It’s definitely easier to say no when you get a migraine or feel terrible, but regardless of your symptoms, if you know you’re gluten intolerant, the damage is happening. During holidays, birthdays, or other events, there are many fun things to do, but cheating on gluten isn’t one of them.

Educating Friends & Family

I also wanted to address this video to family and friends because many individuals have requested it. I often hear, “My family just doesn’t get it. My friends don’t understand why I can’t have a little.” My favorite analogy is if your friend says, “Just have a bite. I made this cookie just for you. Could you have a bite and tell me what you think? It’s just a little bit.” You can respond, “Let me give you an analogy. You asking me to have a little bit is like me asking you to have a little bit of rat poison. How do you feel about that?” If they say you’re being dramatic, you can reply, “No, I’m not. Gluten is killing me when I eat it. That’s why I can’t eat it, just like if I gave you a little bit of rat poison.” That’s the truth.

This is a conversation you need to have. There are many videos, books, and blogs available for educational purposes, not just by me. Patients often say, “Oh, I think that one will work; I think they’ll get that.” I really want to get this message across. It’s the end of October; soon Halloween will be upon us in the U.S., followed by Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year—all the holidays bundled together. As a doctor, I can tell you this can be a difficult time for my patients who go from one event to another. They’re tired of explaining their special diet and don’t want to talk about it, so they say, “Oh, to heck with it.” Then we have a big mess as a result.

We don’t want to do that. There are certain places you just don’t go, right? One of them is eating rat poison, or the equivalent, which for us is gluten. I hope this helps, and please show this video to family and friends so they can understand it’s not about the amount of gluten; it’s a yes or no. It’s a zero-tolerance policy. That’s the only way we can manage this. Have a wonderful holiday season, take good care of yourself, you’ll enjoy it a lot more, and we’ll start next year healthier. Until next time, I wish you very good health.

Additional resources

What is gluten sensitivity
Gluten Sensitivity | Gluten Intolerance