Nutritionist for Gluten Sensitivity in Fresno, CA
As a certified gluten-free practitioner, Dr. Parsons helps patients identify gluten sensitivity, navigate a successful gluten-free transition, and restore gut and whole-body health naturally.
Understanding Gluten Sensitivity & Celiac Disease
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. For a significant and growing portion of the population, gluten triggers an immune response that damages the gut lining, drives systemic inflammation, and produces a wide range of symptoms — many of which are not obviously digestive in nature.
Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition in which gluten consumption causes progressive damage to the small intestine. Non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) produces similar symptoms without the autoimmune component but is no less disruptive to health and quality of life.
Common Symptoms of Gluten Sensitivity
If any of these sound familiar, you're not alone.
- Bloating, gas, and abdominal pain
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Brain fog and difficulty concentrating
- Chronic fatigue
- Joint pain and inflammation
- Skin issues — eczema, rashes, psoriasis
- Headaches and migraines
- Mood disturbances — anxiety, depression
- Nutritional deficiencies despite adequate diet
- Unexplained weight changes
What Causes Gluten Sensitivity?
Autoimmune Response (Celiac)
In celiac disease, the immune system mistakes gluten for a pathogen and attacks the small intestinal lining — causing progressive damage to the villi responsible for nutrient absorption.
Intestinal Permeability
Gluten can increase intestinal permeability (leaky gut) even in non-celiac individuals — allowing partially digested food particles and toxins to enter the bloodstream and trigger systemic inflammation.
Microbiome Disruption
Gluten consumption in sensitive individuals disrupts the gut microbiome, impairing digestion, immune regulation, and neurotransmitter production — contributing to symptoms far beyond the digestive tract.
Genetic Predisposition
Certain genetic variants (HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8) significantly increase susceptibility to celiac disease. However, gluten sensitivity can occur without these variants.
Modern Wheat Changes
Modern wheat has been significantly modified from ancient varieties and contains higher levels of gluten and other proteins that may be more reactive in sensitive individuals.
Delayed Recognition
Gluten sensitivity is frequently misdiagnosed or missed entirely because symptoms are often non-digestive and standard testing has limitations. Many patients suffer for years before receiving accurate guidance.
How The Natural Path Health Center Addresses Gluten Sensitivity
As a certified gluten-free practitioner, Dr. Parsons brings specialized expertise that goes well beyond standard nutritional advice — providing accurate identification, structured transition support, and comprehensive gut repair.
Clinical nutrition assessment, structured gluten-free transition support, and gut repair protocols tailored to your specific needs and sensitivities.
Learn MoreNutrition & Functional Wellness
Support detoxification, reduce inflammation, and promote gut healing with gentle infrared heat and red light therapy.
Learn MoreInfrared Sauna & Red Light
Spinal alignment supports optimal nervous system and digestive function — both critical for gut healing and overall wellness during gluten recovery.
Learn MoreChiropractic Care
Fresno's Certified Gluten-Free Practitioner — Dr. Mikell Suzanne Parsons, DC, CCN, DACBN, DACNB
Dr. Parsons is one of the few certified gluten-free practitioners in the Fresno area. She has helped numerous patients — including those who had struggled with undiagnosed gluten sensitivity for years — successfully transition to a gluten-free lifestyle and reclaim their health. Her structured program makes the transition sustainable, not overwhelming.
- Certified Gluten-Free Practitioner
- Certified Clinical Nutritionist
- Functional Wellness Expert
- 34+ Years Clinical Experience
- Fresno, CA
Healthcare Made Extraordinary
Frequently Asked Questions About Gluten Sensitivity
Gluten Sensitivity Video Resources
Learn more about gluten sensitivity, celiac disease, and living gluten-free through our educational video series. These short videos provide additional insights to help you better understand your symptoms and the personalized treatment approach at NaturalPath Health Center.
Explore more educational content on our videos page.
View All Videos →Could Gluten Be Affecting Your Health?
Book a nutrition consultation with Dr. Parsons — Fresno's certified gluten-free practitioner — and find out.
Your wellness. Our passion.