5 Rules for Gluten-Safe Kissing

Gluten-safe kissing is important to talk about. If you’re sensitive to gluten, what happens when a kissable partner has eaten pizza or beer lately?  How careful do we have to be?  Can we get “glutened” from kissing?

There’s a variety of opinions and studies on this, but several studies show the proteins from food can hang out in the mouth for several hours after consumption.  Some people’s mouths clear them faster than others.

Some rules for gluten-safe kissing

Rule #1: The general consensus is that your partner should avoid gluten foods such as bread, pizza, beer, etc. on date night.  This is totally awkward on a first date, but, hey if they can’t take you like you are, this is a fast way to find out, right?  It’s also a bit awkward when spontaneity strikes too….

Rule #2:  Waiting at least an hour after food or beverage is a good idea, and thorough brushing, flossing and rinsing need to be involved also. Don’t forget to check toothpaste for sneaky gluten such as wheat protein, although the majority of toothpastes are OK.

Rule #3:  Got crumbs in those beards and mustaches?  Yep – that’s an issue too.  “Sorry honey, but I’ve got to brush you down…..”

If you are a diagnosed Celiac these steps may not be enough.  Just as getting flour and crumbly cookies out of the house is essential for many of us, having our partners willing to go Gluten-Free for OUR health is a good option, and they get the benefit too.

As I repeatedly state in my Primal Diet – Modern Health podcasts, everyone I’ve ever tested for antibodies to wheat proteins using the Cyrex Lab wheat proteome test (including glutenin, gliadin, gluteo-morphins, etc.) shows some level of antibodies!  The degree of severity will vary, but any levels of antibody are, to me, unacceptable.  Get both of you tested and see what your tests show. Test #3 from Cyrex Labs can literally save your life, as gluten antibodies contribute to ALL inflammatory diseases and concerns in the body. You can make virtual appointments with me to look into this.

Rule #4:  Fact-check make-up, lipstick, chapstick, lotions, soaps and shampoos.  Even if you’ve become a gluten detective and already tossed 25 bottles of “good” stuff, you may have to police your partner’s bathroom as well.  Ladies, make sure your lipstick is gluten-free… that’s a no-brainer for your partner!

Rule #5:  Kisses on the cheek are fine, as long as no saliva or obvious crumbs travel along. BUT, be aware that kissing kids on the mouth or on gooey little fingers can get you “glutened” if they just ate a granola bar, PB&J, or cookie.  So, not just date awareness, but kid awareness too, OK?  (And vice versa for those kids – don’t give them gluten remnants from your lunch if they are avoiding it).

Is gluten-safe kissing worth it?

Healthy intimacy can be difficult, no??  But it’s worth it when your honey respects you enough to do what’s needed.  It’s another way to express LOVE, don’t you think?  Has this issue come up in your relationship?  How are you handling it?

For more info, listen to this podcast on gluten-free living.