Ugh, now I'm all paranoid about gluten

2

Replies

  • nomeejerome
    nomeejerome Posts: 2,616 Member
    A change in lifestyle (better nutrition and exercise) can improve symptoms of mild or situational depression. However, to make a blanket statement that the elimination of gluten was the only factor in symptom improvement is not correct. (if it is a true diagnosis) In addition, severe mental illness (such as schizophrenia) cannot be "cured" with a simple elimination of grains from his or her diet.
  • catpea33
    catpea33 Posts: 76 Member
    I know you didn't TempehForever. Please don't feel like I'm picking on you because I'm really not! Some of the comments (like the one by AlisonLynn for example) make it clear that they think everyone following a gluten-free diet is just following a fad. It doesn't matter that I just described all the symptoms I've been relieved of, the fact I don't have Celiac's disease (from a blood test I had *after* going grain-free so it may be a false negative - I haven't actually had the bowel biopsy they use for diagnosis) apparently means I shouldn't be following this way of life. Some of the comments here imply that people like me, who have no formal medical confirmation of a problem with gluten, should have to tolerate the negative health effects, like diarrhoea, bloating, fatigue, falling asleep after meals, insomnia, etc just so that they avoid being accused of following a fad!

    Non-Celiac's gluten intolerance is a medically recognised condition that involves the same antibodies as Celiac's disease (Dr Marsh's research and the work of others has found antibodies associated with Celiac's disease are present in the gut for up to 7 years before full-blown Celiac disease develops and that gluten intolerance sufferers are therefore more likely to go on to develop Celiac's disease). My goal was just to point out that not everyone following this is doing it as a fad, they're doing it because they've experienced real health benefits from removing grains from their diet. I'm sure we all know people in our lives who've cut things from their diet 'for no reason' and they make the rest of us look bad who do have a reason.
  • ndj1979
    ndj1979 Posts: 29,136 Member
    in...for the gluten paranoia...
  • ndj1979
    ndj1979 Posts: 29,136 Member
    I know you didn't TempehForever. Please don't feel like I'm picking on you because I'm really not! Some of the comments (like the one by AlisonLynn for example) make it clear that they think everyone following a gluten-free diet is just following a fad. It doesn't matter that I just described all the symptoms I've been relieved of, the fact I don't have Celiac's disease (from a blood test I had *after* going grain-free so it may be a false negative - I haven't actually had the bowel biopsy they use for diagnosis) apparently means I shouldn't be following this way of life. Some of the comments here imply that people like me, who have no formal medical confirmation of a problem with gluten, should have to tolerate the negative health effects, like diarrhoea, bloating, fatigue, falling asleep after meals, insomnia, etc just so that they avoid being accused of following a fad!

    Non-Celiac's gluten intolerance is a medically recognised condition that involves the same antibodies as Celiac's disease (Dr Marsh's research and the work of others has found antibodies associated with Celiac's disease are present in the gut for up to 7 years before full-blown Celiac disease develops and that gluten intolerance sufferers are therefore more likely to go on to develop Celiac's disease). My goal was just to point out that not everyone following this is doing it as a fad, they're doing it because they've experienced real health benefits from removing grains from their diet. I'm sure we all know people in our lives who've cut things from their diet 'for no reason' and they make the rest of us look bad who do have a reason.

    how do you know those side effects were not caused by something else? So gluten causes you to fall asleep AND have insomnia...?
  • husseycd
    husseycd Posts: 814 Member
    I cut gluten/grains just because I was hungry constantly and wanted to find a "diet" that might help. I did it on a whim and didn't think I'd gain anything from it.

    Well, I don't know that I am incredibly sensitive to it, but since I cut it from my diet (95% of the time. I'm not anal about it), I've lost 10 lbs (only wanted to lose 5), am leaner than ever, don't get so many sugar cravings, or cravings in general, rarely have gas :blushing:, and generally feel more full and satisfied with my food. I loved my bread and pasta, so it was a little tough at first, but mostly because I was groggy for a few weeks.

    So, while I don't buy into the gluten paranoia, I'm really glad I quit eating it. Occasionally I'll have pizza or something and then usually feel like sh$t afterward. Try it if you want. It can't hurt anything.
  • catpea33
    catpea33 Posts: 76 Member
    A change in lifestyle (better nutrition and exercise) can improve symptoms of mild or situational depression. However, to make a blanket statement that the elimination of gluten was the only factor in symptom improvement is not correct. (if it is a true diagnosis) In addition, severe mental illness (such as schizophrenia) cannot be "cured" with a simple elimination of grains from his or her diet.
    Well, for me the removal of gluten was the *only* thing that changed before and after. I put up with my symptoms for more than 6 months and they vanished within 3 days of eliminating gluten. If I eat gluten now, they come back. In fact, if I eat gluten now I get an upset stomach and a rash within half an hour. That's not a coincidence.

    The research begs to differ. Some schizophrenic patients have improved upon grain or gluten elimination from the diet. Some of the studies report *zero* occurences of a schizophrenic attack over the trial period, which is effectively a cure, only for the patient to suffer from the problem again once grains are re-introduced. Here's just a few for you to read:
    http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/article.aspx?articleID=156964
    http://www.sciencemag.org/content/191/4225/401.short
    http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/18/1/7.long
  • catpea33
    catpea33 Posts: 76 Member
    how do you know those side effects were not caused by something else? So gluten causes you to fall asleep AND have insomnia...?
    I've already been through this. Removing grains was the *only* thing I changed. If I eat anything with gluten in, e.g. wheat, rye, then the problems come back within half an hour. The gluten doesn't cause me to fall asleep - the ridiculously high GI index that grains have does. I used to struggle to stay awake after eating. And then once it was time for bed, my head would be buzzing, which is also a symptom of gluten intolerance.

    And why are you even questioning me about this? I know my body significantly better than you do so if I say it's true, it is. And how does it even affect you???
  • nomeejerome
    nomeejerome Posts: 2,616 Member
    A change in lifestyle (better nutrition and exercise) can improve symptoms of mild or situational depression. However, to make a blanket statement that the elimination of gluten was the only factor in symptom improvement is not correct. (if it is a true diagnosis) In addition, severe mental illness (such as schizophrenia) cannot be "cured" with a simple elimination of grains from his or her diet.
    Well, for me the removal of gluten was the *only* thing that changed before and after. I put up with my symptoms for more than 6 months and they vanished within 3 days of eliminating gluten. If I eat gluten now, they come back. In fact, if I eat gluten now I get an upset stomach and a rash within half an hour. That's not a coincidence.

    The research begs to differ. Some schizophrenic patients have improved upon grain or gluten elimination from the diet. Some of the studies report *zero* occurences of a schizophrenic attack over the trial period, which is effectively a cure, only for the patient to suffer from the problem again once grains are re-introduced. Here's just a few for you to read:
    http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/article.aspx?articleID=156964
    http://www.sciencemag.org/content/191/4225/401.short
    http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/18/1/7.long

    The first article is from 1978.
    The second article is from 1976.
    The third article is from 1966.

    If you are using the words "schizophrenic attack", you clearly have no knowledge of mental health or severe mental illness. I stand by my original statement.
  • catpea33
    catpea33 Posts: 76 Member
    A change in lifestyle (better nutrition and exercise) can improve symptoms of mild or situational depression. However, to make a blanket statement that the elimination of gluten was the only factor in symptom improvement is not correct. (if it is a true diagnosis) In addition, severe mental illness (such as schizophrenia) cannot be "cured" with a simple elimination of grains from his or her diet.
    Well, for me the removal of gluten was the *only* thing that changed before and after. I put up with my symptoms for more than 6 months and they vanished within 3 days of eliminating gluten. If I eat gluten now, they come back. In fact, if I eat gluten now I get an upset stomach and a rash within half an hour. That's not a coincidence.

    The research begs to differ. Some schizophrenic patients have improved upon grain or gluten elimination from the diet. Some of the studies report *zero* occurences of a schizophrenic attack over the trial period, which is effectively a cure, only for the patient to suffer from the problem again once grains are re-introduced. Here's just a few for you to read:
    http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/article.aspx?articleID=156964
    http://www.sciencemag.org/content/191/4225/401.short
    http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/18/1/7.long

    The first article is from 1978.
    The second article is from 1976.
    The third article is from 1966.

    If you are using the words "schizophrenic attack", you clearly have no knowledge of mental health or severe mental illness. I stand by my original statement.

    I posted those because they're full links so you can read the entire article. There's plenty of newer ones but you have to pay to read them in their entirety. I bet you didn't even bother reading the ones I posted!

    OMG I used the word 'attack.' A poor choice of my words doesn't diminish the research. That's like, 'Hey, you got your spelling and grammar wrong so you know nothing' sort of argument. So don't believe me, I'm not bothered. I'll stick to my lovely gluten-free diet!
  • zyxst
    zyxst Posts: 9,149 Member
    I know you didn't TempehForever. Please don't feel like I'm picking on you because I'm really not! Some of the comments (like the one by AlisonLynn for example) make it clear that they think everyone following a gluten-free diet is just following a fad. It doesn't matter that I just described all the symptoms I've been relieved of, the fact I don't have Celiac's disease (from a blood test I had *after* going grain-free so it may be a false negative - I haven't actually had the bowel biopsy they use for diagnosis) apparently means I shouldn't be following this way of life. Some of the comments here imply that people like me, who have no formal medical confirmation of a problem with gluten, should have to tolerate the negative health effects, like diarrhoea, bloating, fatigue, falling asleep after meals, insomnia, etc just so that they avoid being accused of following a fad!

    Non-Celiac's gluten intolerance is a medically recognised condition that involves the same antibodies as Celiac's disease (Dr Marsh's research and the work of others has found antibodies associated with Celiac's disease are present in the gut for up to 7 years before full-blown Celiac disease develops and that gluten intolerance sufferers are therefore more likely to go on to develop Celiac's disease). My goal was just to point out that not everyone following this is doing it as a fad, they're doing it because they've experienced real health benefits from removing grains from their diet. I'm sure we all know people in our lives who've cut things from their diet 'for no reason' and they make the rest of us look bad who do have a reason.

    If you have medical issues with gluten, then by all means stop eating it. You have that problem as do many others. If I decided to cut out gluten - I have no medical/physical problems and symptoms associated with Celiac's, gluten intolerance, etc., then me going gluten free is considered following a fad.

    Before joining MFP, I heard of Celiac's/gluten on TLC as part of a OMG Super Rare Disease shows. After being on here, it's as though people who don't have it are the OMG Super Rare Disease folks.
  • nomeejerome
    nomeejerome Posts: 2,616 Member
    A change in lifestyle (better nutrition and exercise) can improve symptoms of mild or situational depression. However, to make a blanket statement that the elimination of gluten was the only factor in symptom improvement is not correct. (if it is a true diagnosis) In addition, severe mental illness (such as schizophrenia) cannot be "cured" with a simple elimination of grains from his or her diet.
    Well, for me the removal of gluten was the *only* thing that changed before and after. I put up with my symptoms for more than 6 months and they vanished within 3 days of eliminating gluten. If I eat gluten now, they come back. In fact, if I eat gluten now I get an upset stomach and a rash within half an hour. That's not a coincidence.

    The research begs to differ. Some schizophrenic patients have improved upon grain or gluten elimination from the diet. Some of the studies report *zero* occurences of a schizophrenic attack over the trial period, which is effectively a cure, only for the patient to suffer from the problem again once grains are re-introduced. Here's just a few for you to read:
    http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/article.aspx?articleID=156964
    http://www.sciencemag.org/content/191/4225/401.short
    http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/18/1/7.long

    The first article is from 1978.
    The second article is from 1976.
    The third article is from 1966.

    If you are using the words "schizophrenic attack", you clearly have no knowledge of mental health or severe mental illness. I stand by my original statement.

    I posted those because they're full links so you can read the entire article. There's plenty of newer ones but you have to pay to read them in their entirety. I bet you didn't even bother reading the ones I posted!

    OMG I used the word 'attack.' A poor choice of my words doesn't diminish the research. That's like, 'Hey, you got your spelling and grammar wrong so you know nothing' sort of argument. So don't believe me, I'm not bothered. I'll stick to my lovely gluten-free diet!

    I prefer current research versus out-dated material that is no longer applicable to mental health treatment. In this case, your specific use of words is extremely important because you are making pretty bold statements about the treatment of severe mental illness, specifically schizophrenia. This is not a spelling and grammar issue. Again, it speaks volumes on your knowledge in the mental health arena. I still stand by my original statement.
  • WalkingAlong
    WalkingAlong Posts: 4,926 Member
    If you read books about food allergies, they say the foods we eat the most of are the ones we gain intolerances to. It makes sense, considering that's why we have to keep switching our dog kibble to newer grain and protein combos -- because they get intolerant to the old ones they eat day in and day out.

    But the actual Atlantic article linked in the OP makes great sense about why the book is typical bestseller pseudo-science and hype. Though there may still be a grain (lol) of truth in the claims, and that's why it resonates with people. Kinda like Atkins and Taubes.
  • UpEarly
    UpEarly Posts: 2,555 Member
    Your father has celiacs, not gluten intolerance. So it's not a good comparison. I don't know of any link between depression and gluten intolerance, except that one HAS to feel better mentally when they aren't sick all the time.

    Actually, that's one of the biggest misconceptions. It's a very fair comparison because gluten intolerance and clinically-diagnosed celiac disease have MANY of the same symptoms.

    There is a lot of ongoing, medical research, but this interview with Dr. Alession Fasano (one of the most respected experts/researchers on gluten issues) is a good overview/starting point: http://www.livingwithout.com/issues/4_15/qa_augsep11-2554-1.html

    I would point you to this part of the Q&A specifically...

    Yet many of the symptoms of gluten sensitivity and celiac disease are the same?

    That’s right. While there’s a clear distinction on the immunological side, there’s tremendous overlap on the clinical side. If you came to my clinic complaining of tingling in your fingers or depression or headaches from eating gluten, these symptoms (and many others) are associated with celiac disease. If your celiac tests are negative, these same symptoms could point to gluten sensitivity. There’s no question about that.
  • Phaedra2014
    Phaedra2014 Posts: 1,254 Member
    I don't eat gluten. It's not difficult to avoid it.

    If you want to see if you feel any differently without it, then cut it out completely for 30 days. If you see no difference and it's too much trouble, then eat it.

    We're all going to die from something. I wouldn't worry too much about it.
  • ILiftHeavyAcrylics
    ILiftHeavyAcrylics Posts: 27,732 Member
    All I know is that When I switched to atkins and cut out all gluten, sugar and all carbs that arent fruits and veggies, I started to feel better and I don't need as high of a dose for my depression meds. For someone like me who is chronically depressed, it has made a big difference. After two weeks I barely crave carbs. When I do crave carbs I eat some sort of nuts or seeds and feel better.

    Edit: I have a gluten intolerance

    10 signs you are gluten intolerant.

    It is also estimated that as much as 15% of the US population is gluten intolerant. Could you be one of them?

    If you have any of the following symptoms it could be a sign that you have gluten intolerance:

    1. Digestive issues such as gas, bloating, diarrhea and even constipation. I see the constipation particularly in children after eating gluten.

    2. Keratosis Pilaris, (also known as ‘chicken skin’ on the back of your arms). This tends be as a result of a fatty acid deficiency and vitamin A deficiency secondary to fat-malabsorption caused by gluten damaging the gut.

    3. Fatigue, brain fog or feeling tired after eating a meal that contains gluten.

    4. Diagnosis of an autoimmune disease such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Ulcerative colitis, Lupus, Psoriasis, Scleroderma or Multiple sclerosis.

    5. Neurologic symptoms such as dizziness or feeling of being off balance.

    6. Hormone imbalances such as PMS, PCOS or unexplained infertility.

    7. Migraine headaches.

    8. Diagnosis of chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia. These diagnoses simply indicate your conventional doctor cannot pin point the cause of your fatigue or pain.

    9. Inflammation, swelling or pain in your joints such as fingers, knees or hips.

    10. Mood issues such as anxiety, depression, mood swings and ADD.

    I have a lot of issues with this, but mostly the part I bolded. There are diagnostic criteria for CFS and fibro. I have both, and it isn't something I (or my doctors) have come to lightly.

    What's the source of this information?
  • QuietBloom
    QuietBloom Posts: 5,413 Member
    Your father has celiacs, not gluten intolerance. So it's not a good comparison. I don't know of any link between depression and gluten intolerance, except that one HAS to feel better mentally when they aren't sick all the time.

    Actually, that's one of the biggest misconceptions. It's a very fair comparison because gluten intolerance and clinically-diagnosed celiac disease have MANY of the same symptoms.

    There is a lot of ongoing, medical research, but this interview with Dr. Alession Fasano (one of the most respected experts/researchers on gluten issues) is a good overview/starting point: http://www.livingwithout.com/issues/4_15/qa_augsep11-2554-1.html

    I would point you to this part of the Q&A specifically...

    Yet many of the symptoms of gluten sensitivity and celiac disease are the same?

    That’s right. While there’s a clear distinction on the immunological side, there’s tremendous overlap on the clinical side. If you came to my clinic complaining of tingling in your fingers or depression or headaches from eating gluten, these symptoms (and many others) are associated with celiac disease. If your celiac tests are negative, these same symptoms could point to gluten sensitivity. There’s no question about that.

    I would expect that they have similar symptoms. However, as the doctor said, there is a clear distinction between the two. One is an intolerance, and one is a disease state - completely different animals. At any rate, no link has been found between Celiac's and depression, except (as I suspected) that chronic illness makes people feel bad mentally as well as physically.

    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22128768
  • UpEarly
    UpEarly Posts: 2,555 Member
    Your father has celiacs, not gluten intolerance. So it's not a good comparison. I don't know of any link between depression and gluten intolerance, except that one HAS to feel better mentally when they aren't sick all the time.

    Actually, that's one of the biggest misconceptions. It's a very fair comparison because gluten intolerance and clinically-diagnosed celiac disease have MANY of the same symptoms.

    There is a lot of ongoing, medical research, but this interview with Dr. Alession Fasano (one of the most respected experts/researchers on gluten issues) is a good overview/starting point: http://www.livingwithout.com/issues/4_15/qa_augsep11-2554-1.html

    I would point you to this part of the Q&A specifically...

    Yet many of the symptoms of gluten sensitivity and celiac disease are the same?

    That’s right. While there’s a clear distinction on the immunological side, there’s tremendous overlap on the clinical side. If you came to my clinic complaining of tingling in your fingers or depression or headaches from eating gluten, these symptoms (and many others) are associated with celiac disease. If your celiac tests are negative, these same symptoms could point to gluten sensitivity. There’s no question about that.

    I would expect that they have similar symptoms. However, as the doctor said, there is a clear distinction between the two. One is an intolerance, and one is a disease state - completely different animals. At any rate, no link has been found between Celiac's and depression, except (as I suspected) that chronic illness makes people feel bad mentally as well as physically.

    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22128768

    <shrug> My family is loaded with celiac and gluten intolerance diagnoses. We've all been part of multiple research studies and worked with numerous specialists. We've been told that celiac and gluten intolerance have a DIRECT tie to depression/anxiety (and not just because chronic ailments cause you to be sad). The correlation mainly stems from the fact that 90% of the body's serotonin is in the gut. Serotonin levels directly impact lots of components of your health - including depression. If you have a condition that causes absorption issues in the gut, it seems reasonable to believe that there may be a connection.
  • hookilau
    hookilau Posts: 3,134 Member
    I feel ya.

    I'm also paranoid about Alzheimer's, because Diabetes runs in my family & at 45, I'm now a card carrying member of the club :grumble:

    Every time I become absent minded about something, or forget things, the paranoia sinks in deeper. I don't remember names as easily as I once did & I have more 'on the tip of my tongue' moments than ever:embarassed:

    All you can do is decrease starches & carbs (if you believe this contributes to loss of plasticity) and keep as active as possible.
    I wish you all the best & try not to think of such things too much.

    If it's inevitable, there's no point in worrying about it...enjoy life on your own terms while you can :drinker:

    ETA: I'm not gluten free, just grain free =)
  • alisonlynn1976
    alisonlynn1976 Posts: 929 Member
    By all means, eat whatever you think makes you feel better, but if a doctor found nothing wrong with you and you "just know" that you have issues with gluten anyway...that's the placebo effect.
  • catpea33
    catpea33 Posts: 76 Member
    By all means, eat whatever you think makes you feel better, but if a doctor found nothing wrong with you and you "just know" that you have issues with gluten anyway...that's the placebo effect.

    It's NOT a placebo effect. If I eat gluten, I get an upset stomach and a rash within half an hour. The thing is, sometimes I accidentally ingest gluten and only realise I had it when these symptoms appear and I check the label. The more recent example? I had a hot chocolate, checked the label first and all was good so I drank it. About half an hour later, I'm going crazy scratching at my chest with a warning rumble in my intestines thinking, 'How is this happening? I checked the label!' so I check it again and realise that I missed *wheat flour* in the ingredients. That's not a placebo effect or psychosomatic.

    Secondly, the doctor found nothing wrong with me because I'd already eliminated wheat and other gluten ingredients from my diet. The blood tests are known to be inaccurate under those conditions. For an accurate test, you're supposed to be consuming wheat regularly beforehand. Since the blood test was sprung on me, I wasn't able to do this. Perhaps you should read up on it. Even the blood tests show up false negatives. The *only* reliable test is an intestinal biopsy. Since my dietary changes have removed the symptoms, I don't need to put myself through an unnecessary procedure.

    And honestly, I don't see why my dietary choices affect you so much that you feel the need to effectively say my issues are all psychosomatic.
  • Mangopickle
    Mangopickle Posts: 1,509 Member
    We have one case of Alzheimer's in the family. Like you we have done lots of research. We keep coming back to Lifelong learning as the best prevention along with diet and exercise. The only person that got it retired young and settled into a rather stultifying weekly routine. Basically for the next 30 years she didn't do or learn anything new. At this point everyone in the family is still working well into their 70's and 80's. Classes and lecture trips are encouraged all around. Since turning 40 I have learned to play chess, clog dance, crochet baby layettes and sing. I think I might try to learn how to paint illuminated manuscripts next. If wheat bothers you just remove it from your diet. I love bananas but they don't love me. So I just don't eat them. Good luck.
  • ILiftHeavyAcrylics
    ILiftHeavyAcrylics Posts: 27,732 Member
    We have one case of Alzheimer's in the family. Like you we have done lots of research. We keep coming back to Lifelong learning as the best prevention along with diet and exercise. The only person that got it retired young and settled into a rather stultifying weekly routine. Basically for the next 30 years she didn't do or learn anything new. At this point everyone in the family is still working well into their 70's and 80's. Classes and lecture trips are encouraged all around. Since turning 40 I have learned to play chess, clog dance, crochet baby layettes and sing. I think I might try to learn how to paint illuminated manuscripts next. If wheat bothers you just remove it from your diet. I love bananas but they don't love me. So I just don't eat them. Good luck.

    What an awesome hobby!
  • hilliardjoe
    hilliardjoe Posts: 111 Member
    And honestly, I don't see why my dietary choices affect you so much that you feel the need to effectively say my issues are all psychosomatic.

    I agree. There is no one magic solution for everybody. If you drop gluten and feel better I don't know why it makes so many people upset.

    I dropped gluten last January and felt much better and lost plenty of weight without really exercising. I no longer suffered from my spring or fall allergies and just had more energy in general.

    As a result of me dropping gluten I started eating what turned out to be the 'Primal' way. But I also know the Primal/Paleo way of eating also sets people off. I rarely venture into the non-Primal/Paleo forums for just that reason.
  • catpea33
    catpea33 Posts: 76 Member
    We have one case of Alzheimer's in the family. Like you we have done lots of research. We keep coming back to Lifelong learning as the best prevention along with diet and exercise. The only person that got it retired young and settled into a rather stultifying weekly routine. Basically for the next 30 years she didn't do or learn anything new. At this point everyone in the family is still working well into their 70's and 80's. Classes and lecture trips are encouraged all around. Since turning 40 I have learned to play chess, clog dance, crochet baby layettes and sing. I think I might try to learn how to paint illuminated manuscripts next. If wheat bothers you just remove it from your diet. I love bananas but they don't love me. So I just don't eat them. Good luck.

    What an awesome hobby!

    I was thinking the same! Sounds like you've got loads of interesting hobbies already but painting illuminated manuscripts is really intriguing. Go for it!
  • hookilau
    hookilau Posts: 3,134 Member
    We have one case of Alzheimer's in the family. Like you we have done lots of research. We keep coming back to Lifelong learning as the best prevention along with diet and exercise. The only person that got it retired young and settled into a rather stultifying weekly routine. Basically for the next 30 years she didn't do or learn anything new. At this point everyone in the family is still working well into their 70's and 80's. Classes and lecture trips are encouraged all around. Since turning 40 I have learned to play chess, clog dance, crochet baby layettes and sing. I think I might try to learn how to paint illuminated manuscripts next. If wheat bothers you just remove it from your diet. I love bananas but they don't love me. So I just don't eat them. Good luck.

    I :heart: pickled mango :blushing:
    and mango pickle sounds pretty smart too :wink:
  • QuietBloom
    QuietBloom Posts: 5,413 Member
    Your father has celiacs, not gluten intolerance. So it's not a good comparison. I don't know of any link between depression and gluten intolerance, except that one HAS to feel better mentally when they aren't sick all the time.

    Actually, that's one of the biggest misconceptions. It's a very fair comparison because gluten intolerance and clinically-diagnosed celiac disease have MANY of the same symptoms.

    There is a lot of ongoing, medical research, but this interview with Dr. Alession Fasano (one of the most respected experts/researchers on gluten issues) is a good overview/starting point: http://www.livingwithout.com/issues/4_15/qa_augsep11-2554-1.html

    I would point you to this part of the Q&A specifically...

    Yet many of the symptoms of gluten sensitivity and celiac disease are the same?

    That’s right. While there’s a clear distinction on the immunological side, there’s tremendous overlap on the clinical side. If you came to my clinic complaining of tingling in your fingers or depression or headaches from eating gluten, these symptoms (and many others) are associated with celiac disease. If your celiac tests are negative, these same symptoms could point to gluten sensitivity. There’s no question about that.

    I would expect that they have similar symptoms. However, as the doctor said, there is a clear distinction between the two. One is an intolerance, and one is a disease state - completely different animals. At any rate, no link has been found between Celiac's and depression, except (as I suspected) that chronic illness makes people feel bad mentally as well as physically.

    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22128768

    <shrug> My family is loaded with celiac and gluten intolerance diagnoses. We've all been part of multiple research studies and worked with numerous specialists. We've been told that celiac and gluten intolerance have a DIRECT tie to depression/anxiety (and not just because chronic ailments cause you to be sad). The correlation mainly stems from the fact that 90% of the body's serotonin is in the gut. Serotonin levels directly impact lots of components of your health - including depression. If you have a condition that causes absorption issues in the gut, it seems reasonable to believe that there may be a connection.

    It's not the chronic illnesses make you feel 'sad'. As you said, there is a direct correlation between the health of the body and the health of psyche. But correlation does not equal causation, and based on the meta-analysis I linked you to earlier, there is no evidence that celiacs do not have more depression than any other disease state.

    At any rate, I am certainly glad that you have found a way to eat that makes you feel good. I have no issues with people who choose to try and go gluten free to see if it eases any ailments they may have.:smile:
  • QuietBloom
    QuietBloom Posts: 5,413 Member
    By all means, eat whatever you think makes you feel better, but if a doctor found nothing wrong with you and you "just know" that you have issues with gluten anyway...that's the placebo effect.

    It's NOT a placebo effect. If I eat gluten, I get an upset stomach and a rash within half an hour. The thing is, sometimes I accidentally ingest gluten and only realise I had it when these symptoms appear and I check the label. The more recent example? I had a hot chocolate, checked the label first and all was good so I drank it. About half an hour later, I'm going crazy scratching at my chest with a warning rumble in my intestines thinking, 'How is this happening? I checked the label!' so I check it again and realise that I missed *wheat flour* in the ingredients. That's not a placebo effect or psychosomatic.

    Secondly, the doctor found nothing wrong with me because I'd already eliminated wheat and other gluten ingredients from my diet. The blood tests are known to be inaccurate under those conditions. For an accurate test, you're supposed to be consuming wheat regularly beforehand. Since the blood test was sprung on me, I wasn't able to do this. Perhaps you should read up on it. Even the blood tests show up false negatives. The *only* reliable test is an intestinal biopsy. Since my dietary changes have removed the symptoms, I don't need to put myself through an unnecessary procedure.

    And honestly, I don't see why my dietary choices affect you so much that you feel the need to effectively say my issues are all psychosomatic.

    I believe you - it sounds as if you do have a sensitivity to gluten. I am glad that you have found a way to eat that relieves your symptoms. :smile:
  • toddis
    toddis Posts: 941 Member
    At this point, it doesn't matter if it's true or not. It's in your brain. Gluten was no biggie a decade or so ago, but magically all these stories show up and now EVERYONE is gluten intolerant. It's the nocebo effect plain and simple.

    There are people that have legit issues with gluten, unfortunately due to media hype and the whole gluten is bad for you subculture many people are just having effects due to the nocebo effect.

    ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2hO4_UEe-4 )
  • QuietBloom
    QuietBloom Posts: 5,413 Member
    At this point, it doesn't matter if it's true or not. It's in your brain. Gluten was no biggie a decade or so ago, but magically all these stories show up and now EVERYONE is gluten intolerant. It's the nocebo effect plain and simple.

    There are people that have legit issues with gluten, unfortunately due to media hype and the whole gluten is bad for you subculture many people are just having effects due to the nocebo effect.

    ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2hO4_UEe-4 )

    All things considered, I think gluten fears are pretty benign.

    Now, fears of microwave ovens (aka 'death boxes') are a whole 'nother story. :bigsmile:
  • meshashesha2012
    meshashesha2012 Posts: 8,329 Member
    well speaking as someone who is allergic to wheat, i for one am glad that GF has become a fad. that means that more companies like betty crocker and general mills have jumped on he band wagon and offer GF versions of their things made in GF facilities.