by Jaime Heidel

Created on: January 28, 2011

If you have hidden gluten intolerance, it may affect more than just your physical health. If you or someone you know is suffering from a mental illness, hidden gluten intolerance may be to blame. Learn what common mental illnesses can be traced back to gluten intolerance.

Behavioral Problems in Children

If your child exhibits behavioral problems such as aggression, inattentiveness, confusion, anxiety, fearfulness and/or learning disabilities, he or she may have gluten intolerance. If your son or daughter has been diagnosed with ADHD, autism or Aspergers syndrome, his or her symptoms may improve dramatically if gluten, dairy and casein are removed from the diet.

Depression

The cause of depression is often thought to be a chemical imbalance. While this is possible, those suffering from depression could greatly benefit from looking into their diet for the possible cause. The symptoms of depression could actually be caused by hidden gluten intolerance. In a person intolerant to gluten, the body attacks its own tissues causing inflammation. This inflammation can cause a host of mental health problems, including depression.

Anxiety

Panic attacks, anxiety disorders and phobias are mental health problems that can have a hidden connection to gluten intolerance. It has been reported that those with hidden gluten intolerance have abnormalities in blood circulation in the brain. Untreated gluten intolerance can lead to difficulties with protein absorption. Tryptophan is a protein responsible for feelings of relaxation and well being and those with untreated gluten intolerance may have a deficiency that contributes to anxiety.

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a mental health condition characterized by auditory hallucinations, disorganized thinking and paranoia. It has been reported that those diagnosed with schizophrenia have a very high rate of gluten intolerance. In the 1960’s, Dr. F. Curtis Dohan did a study on a locked ward of schizophrenic patients. One group received a gluten free/milk free diet and the other did not. 62% of those in the gluten free/milk free group were released to the ‘full privileges’ ward.

Elimination Diet

The best way to determine if hidden gluten intolerance is affecting your mental health is to do an elimination diet. Remove all sources of wheat, gluten and dairy from your diet for two weeks. Then, reintroduce wheat products and note any reaction. Two days later, reintroduce dairy and note any reaction. It’s important to note that you may have other food intolerances as well.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Omega 3 is an essential fatty acid responsible for supplying oxygen to the brain and protecting brain cells. Adding Omega 3 fatty acids to your diet may help reduce mental health symptoms. Omega 3 can be added to the diet through supplements or by eating oily, coldwater fish such as salmon and mackerel.

If you’ve been diagnosed with a mental health condition, hidden gluten intolerance may be the cause. Removing gluten, dairy and other foods you’re intolerant to may be the first step on your road to improved mental health.

Sources:

http://www.drkaslow.com/html/gluten-brain_connection _.html

http://www.celiac.com/articles/21758/1/Gluten-Sensit ivity-and-Depression/Page1.html

http://www.alternativementalhealth.com/articles/caus esofschizophrenia.htm#Wheat-

http://itoldyouiwassick.info/?p=419

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