Did you know that gluten can adversely affect a person’s brain? By causing inflammation in the brain, gluten can lead to mood disorders such as depression or anxiety. This can happen in people with or without celiac disease.

Celiac disease is a serious autoimmune condition that can cause significant destruction to the small intestine, with potentially devastating consequences. Celiac disease is becoming increasingly prevalent, and better diagnosed; therefore a lot more people are following a gluten free diet and reaping the benefits. A study published in the journal Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics titled “Gluten May Cause Depression in Subjects with Non-Coeliac Gluten Sensitivity” was led by Dr. Simone Peters. 22 people participated in the study and the researchers observed a marked rise in depression in the individuals consuming gluten.

These are the reasons why gluten can adversely affect mood in some people:

Gluten can reduce the amount of serotonin in the brain. This has been shown to occur in animal studies. Lower levels of serotonin are correlated with lower mood.

The breakdown components of gluten can act as “exorphins” in the brain. Similar to endorphins (produced inside the body). Exorphins can temporarily raise mood and then later promote feelings of depression.

Gluten can irritate the lining of the small intestine, inhibiting absorption of magnesium. Magnesium deficiency increases the risk of anxiety, restlessness, poor stress coping abilities and poor quality sleep.

Some people who consume gluten develop a leaky gut. When the gut is leaky, it also makes the blood-brain barrier leaky. This allows toxins to enter the brain and compromise neurotransmitter production.

Gluten may modify the composition of bacteria that lives in the gastrointestinal tract in a way that promotes dysbiosis. That is, it can skew the balance between good and bad gut bugs. A great deal of research has shown there is a strong relationship between the intestinal microbiome and mental health. For some people, removing gluten from the diet alters the microbiome in a way that promotes better mood and emotional health.

There is a plethora of gluten free food in stores, but I recommend you avoid highly processed foods with a long ingredients list. If you wish to exclude gluten from your diet, please base your diet on inherently gluten free foods, such as unprocessed, natural foods including vegetables, fruit, poultry, eggs, seafood, meat, nuts, legumes and gluten free grains such as rice. The majority of gluten free packaged foods are high in sugar, vegetable oil and artificial additives, which can negate the benefits of a gluten free diet and promote weight gain. There are plenty of delicious and healthy foods to eat that are naturally gluten free.

For more help with natural ways to improve your mood, see the book Help for Depression and Anxiety.

References: https://celiac.org/about-the-foundation/featured-news/2014/07/gluten-may-cause-depression-people-non-celiac-gluten-sensitivity/

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00365520119754

The above statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease.