Can Gluten Cause Anxiety?

This is an automatically translated article.


The term gluten refers to a group of proteins found in many grains, including wheat, rye, and barley. While most people are gluten-tolerant, this group of proteins can cause some negative side effects in people with Celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. In addition to causing digestive upsets, headaches, and skin problems, some reports suggest that gluten can contribute to psychological symptoms such as anxiety.

1. Celiac Disease


For people with Celiac disease, eating gluten-containing products can cause intestinal inflammation, causing symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea and fatigue.
Some research suggests that Celiac disease may also be associated with an increased risk of certain mental disorders, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
So following a gluten-free diet can not only help alleviate symptoms of Celiac disease, but it can also reduce anxiety. In fact, a 2001 study found that following a gluten-free diet for 1 year reduced anxiety and depression in 35 people with Celiac disease. Another small study in 20 people with celiac disease found that participants had higher anxiety levels before starting a gluten-free diet than after sticking to the diet for 1 year.

Caliac khiến người bệnh cảm thấy bị khó chịu khi dung nạp thực phẩm chứa gluten
Caliac khiến người bệnh cảm thấy bị khó chịu khi dung nạp thực phẩm chứa gluten

However, some other studies have shown completely opposite results. For example, one study found that women with celiac disease were more likely to experience anxiety than the general population, even after following a gluten-free diet.
Furthermore, a 2020 study in 283 people with celiac disease with high anxiety propensity found that following a gluten-free diet did not produce any significant improvement in the condition.
These studies show that although following a gluten-free diet may reduce anxiety in some people with Celiac disease, there is no significant effect on improving depression in others. other. On the contrary, having to follow this strict diet can cause panic as well as anxiety for some people.

Phụ nữ mắc Caliac có nguy cơ bị lo âu cao hơn bình thường
Phụ nữ mắc Caliac có nguy cơ bị lo âu cao hơn bình thường

2. Gluten Intolerance


Gluten-sensitive people, even without celiac disease, may also experience side effects from consuming gluten-containing products, including symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, and muscle aches.
In some cases, these people may also experience psychological symptoms, such as depression or anxiety. Although more quality research is still needed medically, some studies suggest that a gluten-free diet may be beneficial for people with this condition.
According to a study in 23 people, 13% of participants reported that following a gluten-free diet saw them improve their mood, reduce anxiety, and reduce depression. However, another study in 22 people with gluten sensitivity, but without Celiac disease showed an increase in feelings of depression after 3 days of eating a gluten-free diet.
Although the cause of these symptoms is still unclear, some studies suggest that the effect may be due to changes in the gut microbiome, a group of beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract that are related aspects of general health.

Những người nhạy cảm có thể gặp tác dụng phụ khi sử dụng thực phẩm có chứa gluten
Những người nhạy cảm có thể gặp tác dụng phụ khi sử dụng thực phẩm có chứa gluten

Unlike celiac disease or wheat allergy, there is currently no specific test used to diagnose the human body's sensitivity to gluten in foods.
Even so, if you find yourself experiencing anxiety, depression or any other negative symptoms after consuming gluten, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional to determine if Whether or not a gluten-free diet is right for each person is essential to maintaining a balanced diet and stable health.
Customers can directly go to Vinmec Health system nationwide to visit or contact the hotline here for support.
Reference article: Healthline.com
Share
Patients Stories