By Dr. Amy Davis, MD
The holidays are a time for connection, gratitude, joy, and let’s face it, plenty of indulgent meals. But for individuals with food sensitivities, this joyful time can quickly become stressful, uncomfortable, and even isolating.
Food sensitivities differ from allergies. They typically don’t cause immediate or life-threatening reactions, but they can still lead to uncomfortable symptoms like fatigue, bloating, headaches, joint pain, or brain fog. Whether it’s gluten, dairy, nuts, or other common triggers, managing food sensitivities during holiday gatherings can be especially tricky. Traditional dishes often contain hidden ingredients or risk cross-contamination, and the social pressure to “just have a bite” can make it even harder to steer clear of trigger foods.
Then there’s the emotional side. Holiday stress, travel, finances, packed calendars, and social expectations make sensitivities worse. Stress hormones increase inflammation and reduce your body’s ability to tolerate certain foods, turning small indulgences into big setbacks.
Tips for Staying Balanced
- Know your triggers: Awareness is key. Keep a short list of foods that don’t agree with you and refer to it before events.
- Plan ahead: Bring a dish you know is safe, communicate your sensitivity to the hosts in advance, keep digestive support tools (enzymes, supplements) on hand if needed.
- Don’t skip meals: Arriving famished can lead to overeating or giving in to trigger foods.
- Prioritize calm: Take a few minutes each day to breathe deeply, stretch, or walk outdoors. Even small moments of self-care help regulate stress and digestion.
- Give yourself grace: It’s okay not to be perfect. One slip-up doesn’t undo all your progress, just get back to your healthy habits at the next meal.
At Crossing Back to Health, we understand the complexity of food sensitivities and their wide-ranging impact on health and wellbeing. Dr. Davis, MD specializes in functional medicine approaches that go beyond symptom management, identifying root causes of food reactions and helping patients create personalized plans for long-term relief.
If you’re struggling with food sensitivities and dreading the holidays because of them, you don’t have to go it alone. With proper testing, dietary guidance, and support, you can feel confident, empowered, and healthy, not just during the holidays, but year-round.
If you’re ready to feel your best, we’re accepting new patients and would be honored to support your journey to better health.
Dr. Amy Davis, M.D.
Crossing Back to Health | Ballwin, MO
636-778-9158 • crossingbacktohealth.com