Gluten and Your Brain

Did you know that gluten can determine the long-term health of your brain? Me either!

Gluten may be partially at blame for Alzheimer’s, ADHD, depression, and a host of other brain illnesses. The brain effects can range from haziness, to anxiety, to disease more difficult to treat.

Dr. David Perlmutter, renowned neurologist and Fellow of the American College of Nutrition, devotes much of his research to studying the effects gluten has on brain development, has a theory that gluten products are slowly deteriorating our minds. His book, Grain Brain: The surprising truth about wheat, carbs, and sugar; your brain's silent killers, was a New York Times bestseller in December 2013, and has changed the way science thinks about gluten. His book discusses that the reasons for going gluten-free extend far beyond stomach benefits. 

The Cause

The chemical culprit in gluten is the protein Zonulin. Zonulin is found in gluten products and is the intestinal and blood brain barrier doorkeeper. Whenever we eat gluten, Zinolin opens this barrier, allowing bacteria and toxins to enter the brain.
 

The Blood Brain Barrier

In an article by James Hamblin published on The Atlantic website on December 20, 2013, Dr. Perlmutter states “Most grain foods, whether we’re talking about quinoa, amaranth, the very popular grains of the day, the reality is they still are associated with a carbohydrate surge. They have a fairly high glycemic index, meaning that after 90 to 120 minutes, your blood sugar is going to go up, and that is detrimental to the brain.” After experience repeated spikes in your glycemic index and blood sugar, your brain will experience chronic inflammation, vitamin deficiencies, and it will even inhibit neurogenesis, or brain cell growth. Inflammation is the cornerstone of degenerative brain diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

 Can you believe it? I can.

As a personal anecdote, since going gluten-free, I have not only felt less bloated and experienced less abdominal pain, but I have also rid myself of brain fogginess. Often times, after a big meal full of carbs, I my mind felt hazy and forgetful. Since cutting out gluten, I have experienced none of this, and I am much more attentive. 

 

Current Research

Are You Addicted To Wheat?

The link between gluten and brain degeneration is not yet fully formed due to the infancy of this research. Scientists at the Celiac Center of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston are performing the very first studies on gluten’s impact on the brain. In fact, this study is so new, that they are still in the data-collection process and recruiting subjects for their research. Participant requirements include being on a gluten-free diet, have the ability to visit BIDMC three times, eat a small amount of gluten, and experience symptoms of gluten-induced “brain fog.” If it were not for my current Pittsburgh residence, I would consider taking part!

The Solution

Avoid gluten! Seems simple, right? WRONG! In addition to the long-term health difficulties gluten can cause in the brain, it is has addictive qualities similar to opium. Those who choose to turn to a gluten-free diet should prepare for withdrawal symptoms . Some of these symptoms include:

1. Cravings
2. Headaches
3. Irritability
4. Fatigue

But do not give up! The benefits of going gluten-free will far outweigh the temporary withdrawal. You WILL get through it.