Digestive Support L-Glutamine

7 Natural Ways to Support Your Digestive Health: Beyond the Basics

Digestive discomfort affects millions of Americans daily, with approximately 60-70 million people experiencing digestive diseases in the United States alone [1]. Even those without diagnosed conditions often deal with occasional bloating, irregularity, or general digestive discomfort. While seeking medical attention is crucial for persistent symptoms, there are many natural approaches that may complement conventional care and support overall digestive wellness.

Understanding Digestive Health

Your digestive system does more than just process food—it houses about 70% of your immune system and is intimately connected with your overall wellbeing [2]. When your digestive system functions optimally, nutrients are properly absorbed, waste is efficiently eliminated, and your immune system maintains proper function. However, factors like stress, poor diet, certain medications, and environmental elements can disrupt this delicate balance.

Summary: Your digestive system is central to your overall health, containing 70% of your immune system. Optimal digestion means better nutrient absorption and immune function, but many factors can disrupt this balance.

1. Focus on Plant Diversity in Your Diet

Research from the American Gut Project revealed something surprising: it's not just about following a specific diet type like vegan or paleo, but rather the diversity of plant foods you consume that matters most for gut health. People who ate more than 30 different plant foods weekly had significantly more diverse gut microbiomes than those who ate 10 or fewer plant varieties [3].

Why it works: Different plants contain various types of fibers and phytonutrients that feed different beneficial bacteria in your gut. This creates a more robust and resilient microbiome.

Try this: Challenge yourself to incorporate a new plant food into your meals each week. This could be a fruit, vegetable, nut, seed, legume, or whole grain you don't typically eat.

2. Include Gut-Supporting Nutrients

Certain nutrients play especially important roles in supporting digestive health and integrity:

L-glutamine: This amino acid serves as the preferred fuel for the cells lining your intestinal tract. Research shows that L-glutamine helps strengthen the intestinal barrier, potentially reducing permeability issues and supporting the gut's protective functions [4]. It's particularly beneficial during times of stress when your body's demands for glutamine increase.

Prebiotics: These are non-digestible food ingredients that beneficially affect the host by selectively stimulating the growth and/or activity of beneficial bacteria in the colon. Common prebiotics include inulin, fructooligosaccharides (FOS), and resistant starch [5].

Probiotics: Research indicates that certain probiotic strains can help alleviate digestive discomfort, support regular bowel movements, and even assist with bloating [6].

Summary: Support your gut with key nutrients like L-glutamine (which fuels intestinal cells and strengthens gut barrier function), prebiotics (which feed beneficial bacteria), and well-researched probiotic strains that can help with digestive discomfort.

3. Manage Stress Effectively

The gut-brain connection is well-established, with stress directly impacting digestive function. Studies have found that stress can alter gut motility, increase inflammation, and even change the composition of your gut microbiome [7].

Effective stress management techniques include:

• Regular mindfulness meditation
• Deep breathing exercises
• Gentle yoga that focuses on breath work
• Progressive muscle relaxation
• Spending time in nature

Even just 10 minutes of daily practice can make a significant difference in managing digestive symptoms related to stress.

Summary: Your gut and brain are closely connected—stress can alter gut motility, increase inflammation, and change your microbiome. Incorporating just 10 minutes of mindfulness, deep breathing, or gentle yoga daily can significantly improve stress-related digestive symptoms.

4. Stay Properly Hydrated

Water is essential for nearly every digestive function, from the transport of nutrients to the elimination of waste. Dehydration is a common cause of constipation and can exacerbate digestive discomfort [8].

Try this: Start your day with a full glass of room-temperature water before consuming anything else. Add a squeeze of lemon for flavor and additional digestive support.

5. Incorporate Gentle Movement

Regular physical activity supports healthy digestion in multiple ways. Exercise helps stimulate contractions in your digestive tract, maintaining regular bowel function. It can also reduce bloating and gas by helping move food through your system more efficiently [9].

Focus on gentler forms of movement if you're experiencing digestive issues:

• Walking after meals
• Gentle yoga poses that target digestion
• Swimming
• Cycling at a moderate pace

6. Consider Digestive-Friendly Herbs

Several herbs have long histories of traditional use for supporting digestive health:

Peppermint: Contains menthol that may help relax digestive tract muscles, potentially easing discomfort [10].

Ginger: Traditionally used to ease nausea and digestive discomfort, ginger has been studied for its carminative (gas-reducing) properties [11].

Fennel: The seeds contain compounds that may help relax digestive muscles and reduce bloating [12].

Always consult with a healthcare provider before adding herbs to your routine, especially if you take medications.

7. Practice Mindful Eating

How you eat can be just as important as what you eat when it comes to digestive comfort. Eating hurriedly, while stressed, or while distracted can contribute to poor digestion, gas, and bloating [13].

Mindful eating practices to try:

• Take 5 deep breaths before beginning a meal
• Chew each bite thoroughly (aim for 20-30 chews)
• Put your utensils down between bites
• Eliminate distractions during meals (no screens)
• Express gratitude for your food

Summary: The way you eat impacts digestion just as much as what you eat. Rushing through meals, eating while stressed, or being distracted can lead to poor digestion and bloating. Simple mindful eating practices—like thorough chewing and eliminating distractions—can dramatically improve digestive comfort.

When to Seek Professional Help

While these natural approaches can be beneficial for many people, persistent digestive symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Consult with a healthcare provider if you experience:

• Persistent changes in bowel habits
• Unexplained weight loss
• Blood in stool
• Severe abdominal pain
• Ongoing heartburn or reflux symptoms
• Chronic fatigue alongside digestive issues

Supporting Your Digestive Journey

Remember that digestive health is highly individual. What works well for one person may not work for another. Pay attention to how your body responds to different foods and practices, and be patient as you implement changes. Sometimes it takes weeks or even months to notice significant improvements in digestive function.

For those seeking additional support, quality supplements formulated specifically for digestive health, like Bethany's Pantry products, can complement these natural approaches. Look for clean, plant-based options free from common irritants like gluten, dairy, and artificial ingredients.

By combining thoughtful dietary choices with stress management, proper hydration, gentle movement, and mindful eating practices, you can create a foundation for lifelong digestive wellness.

Summary: Digestive health is a personal journey—be patient and attentive to your body's unique responses. Quality digestive supplements, particularly those with L-glutamine and free from common irritants, can complement these natural approaches as you build a foundation for optimal digestive health.

Living with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) means navigating a complex relationship with food. What you eat can significantly impact your digestive comfort and overall well-being. At Bethany's Pantry, we understand this journey intimately – in fact, it's the very reason our brand exists.

My Personal Digestive Health Journey

Hi there! I'm Bethany Cameron, creator of @lilsipper on Instagram and host of the Digest This podcast. After years of focusing on my gut health, I partnered with Nuzest to create a range of products specifically formulated to support healthy digestion.

My experience has taught me that what we exclude from our diet can be just as important as what we include. Today, I want to share insights about the most common foods that may trigger IBS symptoms and healthier alternatives that could help you feel your best.

12 Common IBS Trigger Foods to Consider Avoiding

Many people with IBS find relief by identifying and avoiding specific trigger foods. While everyone's body responds differently, these 12 foods are commonly associated with IBS flare-ups. Consider eliminating these foods temporarily to see if your symptoms improve.

1. Insoluble Fiber

While fiber is essential for gut health, insoluble fiber (found in whole grain products and some vegetables) can worsen IBS symptoms in some people. Soluble fiber, on the other hand, may improve symptoms for many IBS sufferers. Consider focusing on soluble fiber sources or supplements like psyllium if insoluble fiber triggers your symptoms.

2. Gluten

Found in rye, wheat, and barley, gluten can trigger IBS symptoms even in people who don't have celiac disease. Many with IBS find relief by following a gluten-free diet. Try alternatives like millet, quinoa, or certified gluten-free oats.

3. Dairy Products

Dairy may cause problems for several reasons, including lactose intolerance and the high fat content in some dairy foods. If dairy triggers symptoms, consider lactose-free options or plant-based alternatives that provide similar nutrients.

4. Fried Foods

The high fat content and chemical changes that occur during frying can make these foods difficult to digest, leading to uncomfortable symptoms. Try healthier cooking methods like grilling, baking, or air-frying instead.

5. Beans and Legumes

Though excellent sources of protein and fiber, beans and legumes contain oligosaccharides that resist digestion by intestinal enzymes. This can lead to gas, bloating, and discomfort. Research has shown that these compounds, specifically galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), are problematic because "humans don't have the enzymes necessary to break down these molecules" (antonelladewell.com)¹.

If you want to include them:

• Rinse canned beans thoroughly (FODMAPs are water-soluble and some leach into the canning liquid)²
• Soak dried beans overnight and change the water before cooking
• Start with small portions to test tolerance, such as 1/4 cup of canned, rinsed chickpeas³
• Consider green beans, which are lower in FODMAPs than other legumes⁴

6. Caffeinated Drinks

Coffee, soda, and energy drinks containing caffeine can stimulate the intestines and trigger diarrhea. Consider herbal teas or taking a quick walk for an energy boost instead.

7. Highly Processed Foods

These often contain additives, preservatives, excess salt, sugar, and fat that can trigger IBS symptoms. Whenever possible, choose whole foods and prepare meals at home to avoid these triggers.

8. Sugar-Free Sweeteners

Sugar alcohols (sorbitol, mannitol) and artificial sweeteners can be difficult for the body to absorb, especially for people with IBS. These can cause gas, digestive discomfort, and laxative effects. Check ingredient labels carefully.

9. Chocolate

The combination of fat, sugar, lactose, and caffeine in chocolate can trigger IBS symptoms. Some vegan or low-FODMAP chocolate options might be better tolerated in small amounts.

10. Alcohol

Alcohol can lead to dehydration and digestive issues. Additionally, beer often contains gluten, while wines and mixed drinks can be high in sugar – all potential triggers for IBS symptoms.

11. Garlic and Onions

These flavor enhancers contain fructans (a type of oligosaccharide) that can be difficult for your intestines to break down, potentially causing painful gas and cramping.

12. Cruciferous Vegetables

Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts can be difficult to digest and may cause gas and constipation. Cooking these vegetables thoroughly can make them easier to digest if you don't want to eliminate them completely.

IBS-Friendly Alternatives: What to Eat Instead

Avoiding trigger foods doesn't mean your diet has to be restrictive or boring. There are plenty of delicious, nutritious foods that are typically well-tolerated by people with IBS. The key is to focus on low FODMAP options, proper food preparation, and personalized solutions that work for your unique digestive system.

Low FODMAP Options

The low FODMAP diet can be beneficial for many with IBS. FODMAP stands for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols – short-chain carbohydrates that can be difficult to absorb. Research from Monash University, which pioneered this approach, shows that "IBS symptoms improve in 3 out of 4 people who follow a low FODMAP diet" (monashfodmap.com)⁵. A comprehensive meta-analysis found that a low FODMAP diet created "a statistically significant reduction in abdominal pain, bloating, and stool frequency" compared to traditional IBS diets (PMC5622700)⁶.

Low FODMAP foods that are generally well-tolerated include:

• Proteins: Fish, poultry, eggs, firm tofu
• Fruits: Bananas, blueberries, grapes, kiwis, oranges, pineapple
• Vegetables: Carrots, celery, eggplant, green beans, kale, pumpkin, spinach, potato
• Grains: Quinoa, rice, millet, and cornmeal
• Seeds: Pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, and sunflower seeds
• Dairy alternatives: Lactose-free products or plant-based options

Clean, Plant-Based Proteins

Finding digestible protein sources is crucial when living with IBS. Our Digestive Support Protein range provides plant-based protein that's gentle on sensitive systems – available in Cocoa, Vanilla, and Strawberry flavors. Unlike many protein products, ours are:

• Free from artificial sweeteners and flavors
• Colored and flavored only with whole food ingredients
• Vegan and free from common allergens
• Non-GMO verified
• Enhanced with digestive-supporting probiotics

L-Glutamine for Gut Support

L-Glutamine is an amino acid that plays a crucial role in supporting intestinal integrity. Recognized by the FDA for its role in digestive support, immune support, and general gut function⁷, our Digestive Support L-Glutamine supplement helps maintain digestive health and immune function – providing clean, plant-based nutritional support without fillers or additives. This supplement is particularly valuable for those with IBS who may experience increased intestinal permeability or "leaky gut."

The Personalized Approach to IBS Management

There's no one-size-fits-all solution for managing IBS. What triggers symptoms in one person may be perfectly fine for another. The most successful approach to managing IBS combines general guidelines with personalized strategies tailored to your unique body. Here's how to develop your own IBS management plan:

Keep a Food and Symptom Diary

Track what you eat and any symptoms that follow to identify your personal trigger foods. This approach is widely recommended by healthcare professionals; as noted by Johns Hopkins Medicine, "Because the diet can be challenging during the first, most restrictive phase, it's important to work with a doctor or dietitian" who can help you interpret your results (hopkinsmedicine.org)⁸.

Work With Healthcare Professionals

A registered dietitian or gastroenterologist can help guide an elimination diet while ensuring you still receive necessary nutrients.

Consider Portion Size

Sometimes it's not the food itself but the amount that triggers symptoms. Small portions of moderate-FODMAP foods may be better tolerated than larger servings.

Pay Attention to Preparation Methods

Cooking vegetables makes them easier to digest, while soaking beans can reduce their FODMAP content.

The Bethany's Pantry Philosophy

When I created Bethany's Pantry, I had one mission in mind: to develop products that I wish had existed during my own gut health journey. Every product in our range has been carefully formulated based on foods and ingredients that helped me personally.

Our commitment to clean nutrition means:

• No artificial sweeteners or flavors
• Only whole food ingredients for flavoring
• Vegan formulations free from gluten, dairy, and soy
• Non-GMO verified ingredients
• Probiotics included for digestive support

The Bottom Line

Living with IBS doesn't mean you can't enjoy food. It's about finding the right foods that nourish your body without triggering symptoms. With careful attention to your diet and high-quality, gut-friendly products like those we've developed at Bethany's Pantry, you can support your digestive health and overall wellness.

Summary: managing IBS through diet involves three key strategies: identifying and avoiding trigger foods, incorporating gut-friendly alternatives, and taking a personalized approach. Studies have consistently shown that dietary interventions, particularly the low FODMAP approach, can provide significant relief for up to 86% of people with IBS (PMC4918736)⁹. By combining these strategies with high-quality, clean nutrition products specifically formulated for digestive support, you can minimize symptoms and maximize your quality of life.

Remember, your gut health journey is unique to you. I created Bethany's Pantry to provide clean, gut-friendly options that support your individual path to better digestive health.

Understanding Digestive Health: Signs Your Gut Needs Extra Support

Digestive health is the foundation of overall wellness. When your digestive system functions optimally, your body can properly absorb nutrients, eliminate waste, and maintain immune function. However, approximately 60-70 million Americans suffer from digestive diseases, according to the National Institutes of Health[1]. Let's explore the signs that your gut might need extra support and what you can do about it.

Common Signs of Digestive Distress

Occasional Bloating and Gas

Feeling bloated after meals or experiencing excessive gas can be signs that your digestive system is struggling to break down certain foods. Research shows that up to 30% of people experience bloating regularly[2]. This common issue affects many people and can make everyday activities uncomfortable.

Irregular Bowel Movements

Whether you're experiencing occasional constipation or frequent loose stools, irregular bowel movements often indicate that your digestive system needs attention. A healthy digestive system typically produces regular, comfortable bowel movements between three times a day and three times a week[3].

Food Sensitivities

Finding that certain foods trigger digestive discomfort more than others? This could indicate that your gut needs additional support to process these particular foods. Studies show that food sensitivities have been increasing in prevalence over the past decade[4].

Low Energy Levels

Since proper nutrient absorption happens in your digestive tract, persistent digestive issues can sometimes lead to reduced energy levels. Your body may not be getting all the nutrients it needs from your food, which can impact overall vitality and wellness[5].

Supporting Your Digestive Health Naturally

Focus on Whole Foods

A diet rich in fiber from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains provides the necessary building blocks for a healthy digestive system. The American Gut Project research indicates that people who eat more than 30 different plant species weekly have more diverse gut microbiomes[6], which is linked to better digestive health.

Hydration Matters

Proper hydration is essential for healthy digestion. Water helps break down food so your body can absorb nutrients while also helping waste move through your digestive tract. Medical experts recommend drinking approximately 2-3 liters of water daily to support optimal digestive function[7].

Consider Digestive Support Supplements

Plant-based protein supplements specially formulated for digestive health can provide additional support. Research published in the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism shows that plant proteins can be gentler on the digestive system than animal-based proteins[8]. Look for products that are free from common irritants like gluten, dairy, soy, artificial flavors, and sweeteners.

L-glutamine, an amino acid, can also provide additional nutritional support for digestive and immune health. This supplement supports healthy digestion and general gut function. Studies have shown that L-glutamine plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the intestinal barrier[9].

Incorporate Probiotics

Probiotics help maintain the balance of beneficial bacteria in your gut, which is essential for healthy digestion. A review published in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology found that certain probiotic strains can effectively help with digestive discomfort and support gut barrier function[10]. These beneficial microorganisms can be found in fermented foods or in specialized supplement formulations.

Clean, Gut-Friendly Options

When looking for digestive support supplements, prioritize products that are:

• Hypoallergenic and non-GMO
• Free from gluten, dairy, and soy
• Without artificial sweeteners or flavor enhancers
• Formulated specifically for digestive support
• Vegan and plant-based

Research from the International Food Information Council shows that 64% of consumers consider "clean label" important when making food purchases[11], with digestive health supplements following the same trend.

A Personal Approach to Digestive Wellness

Everyone's digestive system is unique, so finding the right approach for your individual needs may take some experimentation. What works wonderfully for one person might not be suitable for another.

Bethany Cameron, host of the Digest This podcast and creator of @lilsipper on Instagram, developed her own approach to digestive wellness after years of focusing on her gut health. Her experience led her to create a line of products specifically formulated to support healthy digestion, including plant-protein and digestive supplements that are vegan and free from common irritants.

Final Thoughts

Your digestive system works hard every day to nourish your body. When you notice signs that it needs extra support, listening to those signals and taking action can help you feel your best. With the right nutrition, hydration, and potential supplementation, you can support your digestive health naturally.

Remember that while supplements can provide additional support, they're most effective as part of an overall approach to digestive wellness that includes a balanced diet, proper hydration, regular physical activity, and stress management.

This blog post provides general information about digestive health and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have a medical condition.

At Bethany's Pantry, we believe in complete transparency about our products and processes. You may have noticed Proposition 65 warnings on our website or products, and we want to take this opportunity to explain what these warnings mean and, more importantly, what they don't mean about our products' safety.

Summary: Proposition 65 warnings are required by California law and appear on many products regardless of actual risk level. These warnings don't necessarily indicate that a product is unsafe.

What is Proposition 65?

Proposition 65, officially known as the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, is a California law that requires businesses to provide warnings when their products might expose California consumers to certain chemicals. The list currently includes more than 900 chemicals that the state has determined may cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm¹.

While the intent behind Proposition 65 is commendable—informing consumers about potential chemical exposures—it's important to understand that these warnings don't necessarily mean a product is unsafe or in violation of any safety standards.

Why Proposition 65 Warnings Can Be Confusing

There are several reasons why Proposition 65 warnings can sometimes cause unnecessary concern:

1. Extremely Low Thresholds: Proposition 65 requires warnings at exposure levels that are often significantly lower than levels deemed safe by federal regulatory agencies, including the FDA and EPA. For businesses without conclusive testing data, providing a warning is often the safest approach legally².
2. No Distinction Between Risk Levels: The same warning is required whether a product contains trace amounts of a listed chemical or significant amounts that pose a genuine health risk. This can create confusion for consumers who may not understand the actual risk level³.
3. Naturally Occurring Elements: Many Proposition 65-listed chemicals occur naturally in the environment, including in soil where plants grow. The FDA acknowledges that heavy metals like lead, cadmium, and arsenic can be present in foods because they exist naturally in the soil, water, or air where foods are grown⁴.
4. Ubiquitous Warnings: Because the penalties for not providing a warning can be severe (up to $2,500 per day per violation), many companies include warnings even when the actual risk is negligible or non-existent⁵.

Summary: Proposition 65 warnings use extremely conservative thresholds that are often far stricter than federal safety standards. The same warning is required for both minimal and significant exposures, and many naturally occurring substances in soil require warnings despite being present in everyday foods.

Our Products and Quality Assurance Program

At Bethany's Pantry, we take product safety extremely seriously. Our products undergo rigorous testing to ensure they meet the highest quality and safety standards:

Comprehensive Testing Protocol

All our products undergo extensive testing for potential contaminants, including heavy metals. Recent test results demonstrate our commitment to safety:

• Lead: Our products contain minimal trace amounts, well below safety thresholds. Recent tests show levels between 0.013-0.062 ppm (mg/kg), which is significantly below concerning levels. The FDA actively monitors lead levels in foods and is continuously working to reduce exposure limits⁶.
• Cadmium: Similarly, our tests show minimal levels between 0.01-0.034 ppm (mg/kg), which falls well below the FDA's toxicological reference value range of 0.21-0.36 micrograms per kilogram body weight per day⁷.
• Mercury: All our products test at extremely low levels of 0.001-0.005 ppm (mg/kg).
• Arsenic: Our products show minimal detectable levels, all well within safety guidelines.

Summary: Our products are regularly tested for heavy metals like lead, cadmium, mercury, and arsenic. The results consistently show levels far below regulatory safety thresholds, confirming our commitment to providing safe, high-quality products.

These results demonstrate that while trace amounts may be detected using highly sensitive testing equipment, the levels are far below what would be considered a health concern by regulatory bodies.

Our Quality Commitments

Beyond testing for heavy metals, our products are:

• Non-GMO Project Verified: All our Digestive Support Protein products have received official Non-GMO Project verification, valid through November 2025.
• Vegan and Free From Artificial Ingredients: We follow stringent processes to ensure our products contain no animal ingredients or by-products and are free from artificial colors, flavors, and fillers.
• Allergen-Free: Our products are manufactured to be free from common allergens including gluten, dairy, and soy, with test results confirming levels below detection thresholds.

Why We Include Proposition 65 Warnings

We include Proposition 65 warnings out of an abundance of caution and to comply with California's regulations. This doesn't mean our products contain harmful levels of listed chemicals—rather, it reflects the extremely conservative nature of Proposition 65's thresholds and our commitment to regulatory compliance.

It's worth noting that many foods you consume daily would require Proposition 65 warnings if tested, including:

• Many fruits and vegetables grown in natural soil
• Coffee
• Fish and seafood
• Nuts and seeds

The FDA acknowledges that metals "occur naturally and as environmental pollutants in air, water and soil and they enter the food supply when plants take them up as they grow"⁸. Research has shown that lead and arsenic are commonly detected in various food samples, with arsenic even appearing in 39% of fruit samples in certain studies⁹.

Our Commitment to Transparency

At Bethany's Pantry, we believe our customers deserve to know exactly what they're consuming. That's why:

1. We make our Certificates of Analysis available.
2. We're transparent about our ingredients and manufacturing processes.
3. We work with leading manufacturing facilities that maintain stringent quality control standards.

Our products are specifically formulated to support healthy digestion, and every ingredient is carefully selected with your wellbeing in mind.

In Conclusion

We understand that seeing a Proposition 65 warning might raise questions, and we hope this explanation helps clarify why these warnings appear on our products. The presence of a Proposition 65 warning doesn't mean our products are unsafe—we stand behind the quality and safety of everything we create.

Summary: Proposition 65 warnings are about compliance with California law, not product safety. Our products undergo rigorous testing to ensure they meet the highest quality standards, and we stand firmly behind their safety.

If you have any questions about our products or testing procedures, please don't hesitate to reach out. Your health and confidence in our products are our top priorities.

This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or healthcare provider.