We’ve previously discussed wine, the near-perfect alcoholic beverage for the Wheat Belly wheat- and grain-free lifestyle. Let’s now discuss another great choice, vodka.
First of all, the process of distillation (heating, evaporating, condensing the liquid) purportedly reduces the protein content of the end-product to very low levels. This is why vodka is so crystal clear, no murkiness from proteins. Even when vodkas are sourced from wheat, rye, or barley, the gluten content is reportedly very low, even low enough to qualify as “gluten-free,” meaning no more than 20 parts per million and low enough presumably for even someone with extreme gluten-sensitivity or celiac disease to tolerate. However, in real life, I find this not to be true. I personally have reacted to several of the grain-based vodkas, as have many others. Because there are terrific non-grain vodkas choices, I think the best policy here is to avoid grain-based vodkas like SKYY, Stolichnaya, Grey Goose, Ketel One, and Absolut. The exposure is small but, as you are likely gathering, the longer you are on this wheat- and grain-free lifestyle, the more sensitive you become to any re-exposure.
From a carbohydrate/sugar view, vodka is perfect: essentially zero carbs, even lower than dry white or red wines.
Among our choices in non-grain vodkas that are distributed nationally:
Ciroc–A bit pricey, but worth it for its exceptional smoothness. Because Ciroc is produced from grapes, it is as confidently grain-free as wine.
Trader Joes’ Versatile Spirit–The Trader Joes chain recently released this grape-sourced vodka. While not anywhere as smooth as Ciroc, at about 25% of the cost of Ciroc, it’s a bargain, especially if the mix you are drinking doesn’t demand such a costly vodka (e.g., making eggnog).
Chopin–In North America, the Chopin vodka sold is sourced from potatoes and is therefore safe. It’s also my second choice for smoothness and flavor after Ciroc. In Europe, however, be careful: Chopin outside North America can be sourced from potatoes, wheat, or rye, so you may have to specify Chopin from potatoes only. (I learned this when I was in Warsaw, Poland, the home of Chopin vodka, to speak at a gluten-free exposition and was entertained by some wonderful Polish natives over dinner. In Poland, pianist Frederic Chopin is a hero and they revere their Chopin vodka.)
Tito’s–Tito’s is a bit of a special situation. It is sourced from corn and thereby poses potential exposure to the zein protein of corn, a relative of the gliadin protein of wheat, rye, and barley. However, this brand is distilled 6-times, reducing protein content to negligible levels. Many of us, myself included, have had Tito’s without ill-effect. (However, in my tastings, I would rate Tito’s as 3rd after Ciroc and Chopin.) Tito’s is also more widely distributed in bars and restaurants than Ciroc and Chopin and can therefore be a safe choice when the other two are not available.
And look for only vodka only, not the mixers that invariably contain high-fructose corn syrup, sugar, fruit juices, not to mention artificial colorings and flavorings.
Not listed are the local or regional artisinal vodkas that may be distributed in small areas, but not available nationally or in most bars and restaurants. So keep your eyes and ears open for such locally produced vodkas as you may stumble on some pleasant surprises.
Of course, you still have the alcohol issues to contend with if you exceed more than the safe 2 servings. But, stay below this cutoff, and you can enjoy your vodka or vodka cocktails without the added risk of a wheat/grain mishap if you stick to this list. Those of you in the midst of your Wheat Belly 10-Day Grain Detox and/or anyone wishing to lose a lot of weight, bear in mind that any amount of alcohol will slow or turn off your ability to lose weight, not matter how low-carb, an effect due to the alcohol. You may therefore want to abstain or at least never exceed one drink when weight loss is among your goals.
A post about whisky would be to die for!! ;)
you like whiskey ? :) i had some occasion to try 15 yrs old… it is nothing like 3 yrs old, i would never drink young whiskey again after that… i dont drink anyway whiskey because it makes me puke just from small amount, but i understand now the AROMA meaning of an old whiskey
A review on blended scotch and single malt scotch whiskies would be appreciated.
Whiskey is a tough one. A very good friend of mine is part of the finest bourbon making facility in America. He has done a lot of research and study on gluten and whether it is present in whiskey and bourbon whiskey. Forward me your questions. I will tell you that I have no bad effect from drinking his – Garrison Brothers Bourbon, from Hye Texas. He tells me that there is debate as to whether distilling removes the proteins (gluten) or not. It’s mash contains wheat and corn and other stuff. But once cooked and distilled – others disagree on whether it still has any left or not. I am content to let them discuss whilst I drink my glass.
An analysis of that nature would be very tough, as scotch, bourbon, rye, etc., all have different requirements (bourbon can be almost 50% rye, I believe). Plus, the distillation process should take a lot out.
I usually select vodkas not made from wheat, and also drink gin and the like to avoid wheat and rye. However, I do have scotch, bourbon, and rye. I do not notice much when drinking these, but I only drink one drink at a time. I’m also not that wheat intolerant, although I do notice if I have wheat (eg, on vacation) and have pizza and/or bread, I get quite a few effects that go away after a few days.
Loved the review on Vodka. Have been trying to find out the content of Kirkland’s Vodka (COSTCO own brand , also distilled 6 times, but have bee unable to get an answer). Perhaps you guys could request the info. The vodka is quite good for mixing and very reasonably priced.
Myra Chateau wrote: «The vodka is quite good for mixing…»
That raises a point related to the image above, which is of a martini, and not just a glass of vodka. A vodka martini is a mixed drink containing vodka, vermouth and flavorings. The vodka and flavorings typically present zero carbohydrate.
Vermouth has sugar. Dry vermouth is usually less than 4% sugar. Sweet vermouth is 10 to 15% sugar.
A modern high ratio (vodka:vermouth) dry martini is not going to contain enough sugar to worry about, well under 1 gram.
A martini using a more traditional 2:1 ratio, and sweet vermouth, might be as high as 4 grams net carb. Two of those would be half the meal’s carb budget.
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“Let’s now discuss another great choice, vodka.” LOL ^^
Another vodka that is made with potatoes and more affordable than those listed above is Luksusowa. Great mixed or for martinis.
Thanks Dr Davis
I see potato vodkas noticeably absent. There are lots of these, very good and not expensive (I like Luksusowa – about $20 for 1.75L). Best gluten -free vodka for the money, by far, IMO.
I’m curious you opinion on 100% agave tequila and mezcal. Also gluten-free, would you agree? For those who like smoky, peaty single-malt scotch, you gotta try a good Mezcal, tastes similar, and gluten free
Luksusowa is polish vodka, i am from Poland :) how do U know this ?
Because Luksosowa is sold at local grocery store.
I dont think we have big bottles like 1.75 , only 500ml and 750ml , maybe one liter
Wheat causes gut leakage, alcohol apparently too http://mikemutzel.com/binge-drinking-causes-leaky-gut-raising-levels-of-bacteria-and-endotoxin-in-the-blood/
Should we really drink it ?
wrotek wrote: «Wheat causes gut leakage, alcohol apparently too…»
That article is about binge drinking, which the author defines as four or more standard drinks. Wheat Belly does not endorse binge drinking.
«Should we really drink it?»
Don’t forget that the base article here clearly says: “Of course, you still have the alcohol issues to contend with if you exceed more than the safe 2 servings.”
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not according to this documentary :) https://youtu.be/dbSwadlmshY at the end there are charts and results of 3 units every day drinke rvs one time a weak binge drinker
wrotek wrote: «not according to this documentary :) »
Sorry wrotek, but one hour of the van Tulleken twins is more than I can stand, particularly when the video appears to be a telecine scrape off a TV screen with ambient light washing out the image to near illegibility. If you can find a transcript, I’ll be happy to read it. The twins also have a talent for needlessly confounding their simple field trials.
«…results of 3 units every day…»
Still above WB guidance.
«…do U think Dr Davis has some alcohol from time to time?»
The only information I would have on that is what’s available on the web, the same posts that you can see. They don’t lead me to any obvious conclusion one way or the other.
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do U think Dr Davis has some alcohol from time to time ?
Ok so at the end of this documentary there are charts with increased endotoxins in the blood and inflammatory markers like tnf-alpha . I dont know how they measure endotoxins, it has something to do with pattern recognition receptor TLR-4 . But, one guy was binging every week and at the b eginning of new week he already had high endotoxins in the blood, so recovering from one binge takes a long time. Also the guy who had 3 drinks a day for a month, had similar results but little lower.
wrotek wrote: «Also the guy who had 3 drinks a day for a month, had similar results but little lower.»
Ah yes, the vTff (van Tulleken frustration factor ☺). If only they had also tested 2-a-day and 1-a-day drinkers.
The 2-a-day max that Dr. Davis suggests is very likely not arbitrary. As with the 50-gram-a-day net carb budget, there may be a material metabolic threshold effect present at and below 2-a-day.
Other than wheat avoidance, net carb avoidance and a rough 2-a-day limit, Wheat Belly has so far not focused on alcohol metabolism (which is complex). One thing I suspect can be added to the guidance is that if one’s intention is to be full time ketotic (say, 20 grams or less net carbs per day), the drink limit probably needs to be zero-per-day, because it will kick you out of ketosis.
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and the vodka and wine dont have much sugar, dont they
Luksosowa is not (readily) available in most parts of the US. I live in Seattle, having moved here from California a year ago. Luksosowa is very difficult (but not impossible) to obtain in California, whereas it is very easy to find in Washington State.
Monopolowa is another potato-based vodka that appears to be more prevalent in the Pacific North West.
Interestingly, I cannot obtain Blue Ice, which previously was my go-to vodka in California.
so what to drink vodka with ? what type of juice ?
wrotek wrote: «so what to drink vodka with?»
Sorry wrotek, there are no counseling bartenders on staff.
«what type of juice?»
Anything that’s low sugar would work. If not sweet enough, add a few drops of stevia glycerite, or other favored safe alternative sweetener that dissolves easily.
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I just came back with a dog walk from the shop, to look for Luksusowa vodka :) to do some stevia whole leaf tincture for mine Lyme disease (Eva Sapi released a scientific paper on that ). They did not have Luksusowa i am guessing it is going on export intensively or people just really love it, which LOL is less possible.
Regarding drinks, i guess tomato juice is fine… I like tomato.. bloody mary ?
wrotek wrote: «…for mine Lyme disease…»
What has been the treatment for that? The usual approach is antibiotics, which are thought to be effective if the infection is diagnosed and treated promptly (which often it is not).
Any course of ABs, of course, is going to nuke the gut biome, with lingering consequences if not countered by a course of probiotics, and the permanent addition of prebiotic fiber to the diet.
I lately stumbled onto Dr. Daniel Amen, who has some pretty provocative insights on Lyme:
http://www.amenclinics.com/blog/the-cdc-reveals-the-truth-about-lyme-disease/
«Regarding drinks, i guess tomato juice is fine… I like tomato.. bloody mary?»
Watch out for blends and additives. Bias toward tomato juice in a glass jar, not plastic or can (which is basically plastic), due to BPA and BPS.
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“What has been the treatment for that? The usual approach is antibiotics, which are thought to be effective if the infection is diagnosed and treated promptly (which often it is not).”
You have no idea :) ,after finally being diagnosed after 3 yrs by dr google, i got to the hospital and felt like i will be cured….I am now 15 yrs since diagnosis, and still in chronic pain but less. Mine worst symptoms were not knowing where am i in the center of mine city , hot to get back homem where is mine car parked. Not Having the will to turn the steering wheel of mine car, after which i stopped driving for some years. i just could not make mine arms move …
So, i can tell U many stories.
In a hospita( mine first stay)on a cigarette time i talked to a guy who told me that lyme disease is curable. I asked him really ?” that is awesome, why did You come to the hospital ? ” i was paralyzed on mine entire right side” he replied… OK, then, how many times were You in a hospital ? He replied it is mine 3rd time…
W
Do you avril lavinge the singer ? She spent 6 months in bed. Hopefully she got diagnosed and found doctor who did not refuse to help. Generally they send you to psychiatrist and you deteriorate from disease progressing
and psycho drugs side effects
Bob. do You know this paper ? http://www.arhiv.tvereza.info/science/papers/mosk68a.pdf
wrotek wrote: «do You know this paper?»
A lot of units conversion is required to translate the mg/ml of that paper to BAC, much less “standard drinks”, but it appears that the effects they studied were nil at and below 2 std.drinks.
Those volunteers had to be seriously intoxicated for the adverse results reported.
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wrotek wrote: «So, i can tell U many stories.»
Entirely coincidentally, I was today listening to a fascinating 3 hour an interview of Dominic D’Agostino by Tim Ferriss, which you can find at:
http://fourhourworkweek.com/2015/11/03/dominic-dagostino/
They discuss Lyme disease starting at about 2:48:30. Anecdotally, a ketogenic diet appears to provide substantial benefit in symptom relief and recovery from the antibiotics. The page a has a download link so you can play the MP3 off-line. There are hints on the page of a transcript, but I wasn’t able to find one.
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How about mixing with olives and olive juice (dirty martini), or club soda and lime, or bloody mary mix?
i mean martini is sooo sweet…Yuck :) but it was the first alcohol i ever got drunk on, and i still dont like it, regardless those were beautiful times
I just ask out of curiosity ;) cant drink anyway. Makes me very ill
ALcohol and face appearance
we talk how wheat avoidance can change skin, i found this article on the same subject and ethanol
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2424117/Look-giving-drink-month-face-Mother-enjoyed-glasses-wine-week-transformed-going-cold-turkey.html
wrotek wrote: «ALcohol and face appearance we talk how wheat avoidance can change skin, i found this article on the same subject and ethanol»
But what really caused the modest changes we see; the wine, or this major confounder admitted in the article?
“I’ve also noticed that in the evenings I’m not snacking as much. Normally I’d crave crisps with my usual glass of wine, but sipping a glass of lime and soda means I don’t feel like junk food. The urge just isn’t there.”
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