Glutamine - A Gluten Sensitive's Ally

1 in 7 people live with gluten sensitivities or are gluten intolerant while as many as 1 in 22 suffer with celiac disease if they have a close relative with the disease. This results in a great number of Americans with the inability to comfortably and safely ingest gluten products.

In recent years, maintaining a gluten free diet has become easier-grocery stores are stocking shelves with gluten free varieties of bread, pasta, and baking mixes and individuals with these digestive challenges are bringing their cause to the forefront of convenience foods production, resulting in modified restaurant menus and heightened product labeling.

What can one to do to maximize their digestive health if they live with gluten intolerance? Aside from avoiding grains that contain gluten, like wheat, barley, and rye, sufferers can turn to glutamine rich foods to help support intestinal metabolism and function. Glutamine is an amino acid found in beans, many raw leafy green vegetables, such as cabbage, spinach, and parsley. The richest sources of glutamine are found in high protein dairy products, particularly milk, yogurt, and ricotta cheese which leads me to one of my favorite snacks-a yogurt parfait. They're easy to make, great for the digestive system (a glutamine and probiotic powerhouse) and very kid friendly.

Layer the following:
3/4 cup of your favorite yogurt, I favor Honey Greek Yogurt
¼ cup of your favorite fresh or frozen fruit
1 tablespoon of gluten free granola or crush your favorite cereal for added texture and crunch
Yours in good health,
Eric Rodriguez MH, CCI
The Culpeper House