If you haven’t already checked out our last blog, pop back over and see the beginning of our ongoing discussion regarding upcoming sugar consumption. Today, the sugar craze discussion continues with  stomach doctor’s insight. In today’s article, we are sharing more about sugar alternatives and how they may benefit you on upcoming holidays.

Thanksgiving with a sugar intolerance made easier:

Thanksgiving is a time for family and friends to catch up and spend quality time together. The talking usually takes place in the kitchen preparing the food or around the table enjoying the food. Most of the time, food is in involved during Thanksgiving.

For some families, it is a day more centered around sports. However, the majority of families in the United states carry out some form of a meal. For some of those dealing with unsolved digestive issues, they may not be completely aware they have digestive issues.

Many people write off digestive issues to bloating or eating too much. As we know, people can truly have intolerances which make it difficult on the body to digest the food or ingredient. On Thanksgiving, the typical American family may have the following on their tables:

  • turkey
  • ham
  • pork roast
  • green bean casserole
  • sweet potato casserole
  • buns
  • cranberry salad
  • creamed spinach
  • stuffing
  • gravy
  • mashes potatoes

and many more… Most of the dishes mentioned above have sugar. Sugar can greatly upset an average person’s stomach if too much is consumed at once. In fact, there have been studies with fructose presented as the culprit for an allergy to coca-cola, a popular sweet, brown soda.

Avoid digestive issues:

For those with an intolerance, the effects are worsened. Bloating may become intense and painful. There are multiple reasons that may make your body intolerant of certain foods.

One possible reason an individual’s body may be intolerant to sugar is the absence of an enzyme which is needed to digest the food. For example, if you are lactose intolerant, your body does not produce enough of the lactase which breaks down milk.

Symptoms of food intolerance include:

  • bloating
  • gas
  • diarrhea
  • abdominal pain

Other underlying issues, such as stress or IBS, may also cause these symptoms so discuss these issues with your gastroenterologist quickly. This whole mystery whether you have a sugar intolerance or not may shed light on other intolerances.

Stomach doctors share other foods may cause issues:

You may be consuming other ingredients that are in the same foods as fructose, or naturally found sugar in foods. In the meantime, consider cutting down on sugar. Start off with the added sugars.

This means, if you see a packaged food item, check to see if there was sugar added that was not found naturally in the food. Soups, granola bars, and dried fruits are just a few examples of “healthy” foods that may really have added sugars. So be aware of what is on and not on the label.

Next week, we are sharing some more sweeteners that may be useful to those out there suffering from sugar intolerance. There are even some options for those that love to bake! Come back next time for more on all digestion.

Staff Writer