A gluten-free diet has become an established nutritional trend. But not everyone suffers from the genetic autoimmune disease celiac disease. It is estimated that About 1 percent of Americans suffer from celiac diseasewhich is commonly known for its gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea and constipation.
Recent studies have also shown that in addition to stomach problems, There is a connection between psychological problems and celiac disease and gluten intolerance.
Before diagnosis, celiac patients often report numerous psychological problemsLikewise, people with gluten intolerance – also known as non-celiac gluten sensitivity – suffer from similar symptoms.
Gluten and celiac disease
Gluten is a naturally occurring protein which is found in several foods, especially wheat, barley and rye. It is often assumed that gluten is unhealthy and should be avoided, this is not necessarily the case for most people and depends greatly on the individual.
Debra Silberg, a gastroenterologist and scientific director of Beyond Celiac, explains that about a quarter of celiac patients may already be suffering from mental health problems before diagnosis.
“We’re talking about anxiety, depression and even eating disorders,” she says. It’s also associated with mood swings and illnesses such as Schizophrenia and hyperactivity disorder.
Read more: The dark origins of “gluten-free”
Celiac disease and mental health
Why celiac disease affects mental health is not yet fully understood, although there are leading hypotheses, Silberg continues. One is that by triggering an autoimmune response, celiac disease may set off a cascade effect in the body that ultimately affects the brain. Damage to the intestinal tractit can also lead to nutritional deficiencies by inhibiting the absorption of important vitamins and minerals, which in turn are linked to mental health problems.
A common symptom in people with celiac disease and gluten intolerance is “brain fog” – also called Gluten-induced neurocognitive impairment – which is accompanied by fatigue, problems with short-term memory, lack of concentration and more.
A study conducted by Beyond Celiac found that many people with celiac disease and gluten intolerance They suffer from symptoms that are often associated with “brain fog”.
“Brain fog and fatigue are two of the things people complain about most after being exposed to gluten,” says Silberg. The very reason why these not currently occurring.
Read more: Magnesium deficiency can be caused by celiac disease and other medical problems
The effects of a gluten-free diet on mental health
Conversely, however, avoiding gluten and following a restrictive diet can also be a trigger for one’s own psychological problems, due to the stress of having to deal with a chronic health condition or adapting to a new lifestyle after diagnosis.
“A gluten-free diet can also lead to some of these psychiatric or psychological problems,” Silberg says. “Because you have to be a little overcautious and also afraid of going out and being exposed to gluten.”
A Review article For example, a study published in 2023 reports anxiety due to nutritional problems, beliefs about illness, and lack of control over the disease in people with celiac disease.
On the positive side, however, switching to a gluten-free diet after diagnosis can help with some mental health problems. Studies show that celiac patients who live gluten-free often experience an improvement in their anxiety, hyperactivity, irritability and, to a certain extent, depression. Brain fog, for example It can be expected that the gluten is eliminated from the diet.
“Brain and psychiatric or psychological problems probably take longer to resolve than some of the gastrointestinal symptoms,” says Silberg. “These tend to improve on a gluten-free diet. However, for some people, anxiety seems to improve more than depression.”
Read more: Therapy on your plate: How your diet can benefit your mental health
Should you avoid gluten?
In people without celiac disease and without gluten intolerance, it is not expected that avoiding gluten will help with psychological problems.
“We don’t advise anyone to follow a gluten-free diet to cure other problems,” Silberg says. “You should really get yourself checked to see if gluten is the problem and go to a doctor who is knowledgeable about gluten and celiac disease or gluten intolerance.”
That’s because it’s an incredibly difficult diet, can be more expensive, can increase feelings of social isolation and can contribute to further stress, she adds. A gluten-free diet can also lead to health problems, such as Nutrient deficiencyif it is not necessary for medical reasons.
“You don’t want to add to your depressive feelings by starting a gluten-free diet when it’s not really necessary,” Silberg explains.
Research is still needed to find a clinical solution for celiac disease, but Silberg also stresses that, in addition to a gluten-free diet, it is advisable to seek alternative support in the form of therapy or treatment for mental health problems.
“I think it’s really important for people to talk to a therapist, a nutritionist or a dietician to improve their quality of life and to be able to talk about some of these issues without suffering in silence,” she says.
Read more: How to improve your mental health
Article Sources
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Sean Mowbray is a freelance writer based in Scotland. He writes about the environment, archaeology and general science topics. His work has also appeared in publications such as Mongabay, New Scientist, Hakai Magazine, Ancient History Magazine and others.
