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Hey there,
Holiday season translation: more hugs, more shared appetizers, more strangers breathing directly into the spinach dip. You tell yourself, “It’s fine, my immune system’s got this,” while balancing a plate of cheese, cookies, and something mayo-based that’s been out since 4 p.m.
Here’s the thing. By the time you’re at the party, the germs are already in play. The real question is: Did you stock your microbiome before you walked in?
This is your realistic guide to giving your gut a head start before the holiday chaos.
Your gut is the guest list
Think of your gut like a crowded house party.
Every seat, couch cushion, and bit of floor space is “real estate.”
When your microbiome is healthy and diverse, the good bugs are already sitting in most of the seats.
When it’s depleted (stress, antibiotics, ultra-processed food, no fiber), there’s open space—which is when sketchier microbes can slide in, grab a drink, and overstay their welcome.
Probiotics and fermented foods don’t make you invincible. They just make it harder for sketchy microbes to find a place to move in.
Fermented foods = daily training, not a rescue mission
Yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, kombucha aren’t magic potions. They’re more like daily drills for your immune system.
A few key truths:
One cup of yogurt after sketchy sushi isn’t going to “fix” the sushi.
Small amounts, most days can help keep your gut microbes flexible and ready.
Different ferments = different microbes, which means more training variety.
Think of it as giving your gut bugs regular practice so when a party germ shows up, your system isn’t shocked. It’s like, “Oh, we’ve seen this kind of nonsense before.”
Probiotic supplements, decoded
Think of supplements as structured training, not a hangover pill.
Look for multi-strain formulas with billions of CFUs.
Take them daily for weeks, especially during party/travel season.
One capsule after a buffet isn’t a fix. It’s a gesture.
Holiday experiment: one gentle swap
No one is taking away your pie.
Try this instead:
Trade one dessert for one fermented thing a day.
Keep a ferment you like in the fridge.
Once a day: skip one extra sweet and add one fermented serving.
Notice: less bloat? Better poops? More stable energy? That’s data.
P.S. If you’re going to splurge on something this season, make it something that gets you outside and moving—like TaylorMade’s Qi35 holiday deal:
Save up to $100 on Qi35 This Holiday Season
The holiday season is here and TaylorMade is making it ridiculously easy to score something everyone on your list will actually love.
The Qi35 lineup is built for players who want more speed, more forgiveness, and a whole lot more fun on the course. Right now you can save $100 on Qi35 drivers and $50 on Qi35 fairway woods and rescue clubs.
Whether you’re upgrading your own bag or surprising the golfer in your life, this is the kind of gift that pays off round after round.
Until next time,
Gabi & Bea