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I've read many articles on gluten intolerance and its symptoms that make passing reference to anxiety and depression. I've been surprised to find that symptoms as paralyzing as these are given such short shrift.
I am gluten intolerant. I stumbled upon the valuable information that eating gluten could be causing some of my many health problems eight years ago.
When I went gluten-free I wasn't surprised to find that my IBS symptoms disappeared. But I was astonished to find that the sense of anxiety which often bloomed into full-flowered panic with which I'd wrestled most of my life ... melted away.
Why was nobody talking about this? Why was this not being trumpeted from the rooftops? Surely I wasn't the only person who'd experienced diet-induced mental chaos.
So for those of you pressed beyond measure by a need to explode, burst into tears, or curl up in a shaking ball ... check out the food you're eating.
Gluten intolerance is an umbrella for celiac disease, gluten allergy and gluten sensitivity. It will sometimes sojourn arm-in-arm with lactose intolerance or dairy sensitivity.
It's not easy giving up foods with gluten. They may be your favorite foods.
In fact if you're gluten intolerant, odds are good these ARE your favorite foods, and the cravings for them may be intense. But the longer you avoid them, the meeker those cravings can become.
And, you may awake one morning to find that the sense of impending doom, the tendency to burst into tears or temper, the inability to think clearly, may have left you at the door marked "No Gluten Allowed" and you are now free in a way you never were before.
Do you have mood swings, anxiety or panic attacks? Do you find it hard to think clearly, especially after a gluten-laden meal?
Do you struggle with depression and the blues? Do you feel afraid for no reason?
Then consider cutting out gluten, at least for a few weeks. If you have an intolerance, you'll find that your gut calms down markedly within a very short time.
The feeling of overwhelming hunger that arose after polishing off a plate of pasta or a sandwich will become a thing of the past. And the beast in your brain and your gut will be tamed.
And all you have to do, is stay away from gluten. Really, it's a small price to pay for such freedom.
Resources:
Gluten and the Brain
http://www.nutramed.com/celiac/celiacbrain.htm
Non Celiac Gluten Sensitivity
http://gluten.lovetoknow.com/Non_Celiac_Gluten_Sensitivity
How Gluten Affects Behavior
http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/how-gluten-affects-behavior.html
Discover the Hidden Connection Between Gluten Intolerance and Your Mental Health
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5569438/discover_the_hidden_connection_between.html?cat=5
20+ Reasons to Get Tested For Gluten Issues
http://glutenfreeeasily.com/tag/sinus-infections/
Visit Jody's website and blog at http://www.ncubator.ca and http://ncubator.ca/blogger
Add a Comment6 Comments
If you have a reason to suspect that gluten may be cause your body stress, there is generally no harm in eliminating gluten from diet.
April 20, 2013 - 2:45amThis Comment
I have recently started on a gluten free diet due to finding out I am intolerant of it. I have suffered with various forms of anxiety and panics attacks ranging from severe to mild. I have spoken with others who explained how it helped them with their anxiety. I am looking forward to feeling better and having a better hold on my emotions.
I also have a child who may have this problem also. We are waiting on test results to find out. I think so many look at the general GI symptoms and when you present with neurological they want to treat it that way. I believe in looking outside the box, but also feel that these types of symptoms need to be put in the main listing symptoms so that others can find a more correct diagnosis.
Thanks for posting this information. Bev
October 4, 2011 - 11:06amThis Comment
Thanks so much for linking to my listing of the numerous symptoms and illnesses that can be related to gluten intolerance/gluten sensitivity/celiac! I think that everyone who goes gluten free can offer some of their surprises on issues that disappeared after getting rid of gluten. My own renewed health and the disappearance of those issues, including occasional anxiety, surprised me greatly. As a support group leader, folks are always telling me what issues disappeared that they had no idea were related to gluten. I love hearing these stories; thanks so much for sharing yours, and again, I appreciate you sharing my listing.
Best,
November 16, 2010 - 9:41amShirley
This Comment
Those with Celiac disease can and often do experience anxiety. When left untreated, symptoms are usually experienced as a lack of control with a lot of uncertainty. These underlying fears parallel symptoms of anxiety. So, it is a vicious cycle. Sometimes, those with Celiac disease need anxiety treatment in addition to direct treatment for their condition.
Dr. Craig April
November 2, 2010 - 9:59am(Link to commercial website removed by EmpowHER moderator.)
This Comment
Thank you again EmpowerHER for featuring an article about gluten-free awareness.
A majority of people suffering from celiac disease or gluten-intolerance are unaware of the root cause, and articles like this will help others to learn more and potential discover gluten as the cause of their many symptoms. Thank you again for helping to raise awareness!
Glutenista, making gluten-free fabulous
October 25, 2010 - 12:07pmThis Comment
Glutenista, you're welcome. I'd like to suggest that you become a member of our site and join our Celiac Diet and Lifestyle Group where you can learn more about celiac disease and share information with others too. Pat
October 25, 2010 - 7:25pmThis Comment