Discover why grain-free vodka may harm your gut and explore healthier drink options.
New York: So, Dry January is almost over, but that doesn’t mean you have to ditch your health goals. There are ways to enjoy a drink without messing up your wellness plans.
Dr. Daryl Gioffre, a celebrity nutritionist and gut health expert, has some great tips on what to drink if you want to keep your gut happy. He also warns about one type of vodka you should definitely avoid.
Now, vodka made from grains is often labeled gluten-free, but that doesn’t mean it’s good for your gut. Gioffre says grain-free vodka is a much better choice, especially if you care about your gut health.
Brands like Ciroc and Chopin are great examples. They’re made from fruit and tubers, so they’re naturally gluten-free and don’t have the allergens found in grain-based vodkas.
Gioffre warns that gluten-filled vodkas can really mess with your gut. Gluten can cause inflammation and damage your intestines, leading to what’s known as leaky gut.
Leaky gut is like a security breach in your body. When your gut lining weakens, bad stuff can slip into your bloodstream, causing all sorts of health issues.
He also mentions that gluten can throw off the balance of good and bad bacteria in your gut. By choosing grain-free vodka, you can avoid this harmful protein and keep your gut healthier.
If vodka isn’t your thing, Gioffre suggests tequila as a good alternative. It’s naturally gluten-free and low in congeners, which are the impurities that can cause hangovers.
Tequila is made from the agave plant, and it’s sugar-free since the natural sugars are removed during distillation. But be careful; tequila is more acidic than vodka, which can lead to issues like acid reflux and bloating.
Gioffre has a tip for that, though. He recommends using his Acid Kicking Alcohol Alkalizer to help with reflux and inflammation if you enjoy tequila.
Even with healthier options, you still need to watch what you mix with your drinks. Syrups and juices are just sugar water and can be bad for your gut.
And don’t think diet sodas are safe either. They might be calorie-free, but they’re packed with artificial sweeteners that can harm your gut. So, your “skinny” cocktail might not be as friendly as you think.
