Emerging research suggests that gluten sensitivity, even without celiac disease, may impact brain health and cognitive function. The studies behind this is that the gut and brain function in a bidirectional pathway. Explore the gut-brain connection and how a gluten-free diet can support neurological wellbeing and decrease your risk for neurodegenerative diseases, brain fog, lethargy, and more.
What is Gluten Sensitivity?
The Gut-Brain Connection
1. Gut Health
The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in immune function and inflammation. The gut lining may be at risk in peoples digestive tracts. The gut lining is the protection from bacteria entering into the bloodstream or liver. Gluten has ability to cause damage to the small intestine, causing a increase in the lack of nutrients received. Villi that are little cells on the small intestine are needed to break down and absorb the nutrients from the food we consume. Villous atrophy → Inflammation of the villi. When these cells are at risk we are at larger risk for nutritional deficiency.
2. Inflammation
Inflammation in the gut can lead to systemic inflammation that impacts the brain through the bidirectional communication between the gut and central nervous system. Ultimately this can lead to loss in the blood brain barriers (BBB) integrity. ⤵3. Brain Health
Chronic inflammation is linked to cognitive decline and neurological disorders. Naming a few → Cerebellar Ataxia , Peripheral Neuropathy, and cognitive impairments associated (Brain Fog). Research suggests that gluten-mediated inflammation can cause BBB to be breached. The BBB having a loss in its integrity can lead to neurodegeneration and even lead to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.Cognitive Impacts of Celiac Disease and NCGS Non Celiac Gluten Sensitivity
Brain Fog
Gluten sensitivity can cause confusion, memory problems, and difficulty concentrating. It may cause a “spaced out” feeling within the brain and cause difficulty in remembering and formulating thoughts into speech. Leaving a you feeling confused, groggy and irritated.
Mood Disturbances
Neurological Symptoms
Inflammation and Brain Function
Inflammation Impact
Systemic inflammation can impair communication between neurons and disrupt cognitive processes.
Peripheral immune cells and inflammatory molecules may travel over the Blood brain barrier and cause neuronal cytotoxicity.
Oxidative Stress
Gluten sensitivity is linked to increased oxidative stress, harming brain cells. Increased by gluten peptides and enterocytes
Neuroprotection
Anti-inflammatory diets may help protect the brain and support healthy neurological function. Eliminating gluten and other grains from your diet will also help to decrease these biomarkers for inflammation. If you have a sensitivity eliminate for at least 3 months, if its an allergy cut it out all together.
Gut Dysbiosis
Our gut microbiota is made up of compilation of microorganisms within the intestinal tract, working in a symbiotic relationship. Any disruption to the equipoise of this may lead to a imbalance and cause pathological conditions. Clostridium difficile or better known as C DIFF is a bacteria that causes infection in the colon, the longest part of our large intestine. The microbiota or microflora contains more than 1000 different forms of bacterium species and is known to be the largest amount found in this region of the body.
The communication between us as the host and the bacteria in our gut is that it forms a conservation of the mucosal immune function and the epithelial barriers lining integrity. Basically these layers of the mucosal lining and Clostridium Butyricum protect the intestinal barrier as well as help aid in the absorption of nutrients.
Microbiome and Neurological Health
1. Gut Dysbiosis
Gluten sensitivity can lead to an imbalance in gut bacteria, contributing to inflammation. Also known as intestinal or gastrointestinal dysbiosis. Good bacteria of the gut is referred to as flora which is essentially bacteria, protozoa, or fungi.
2. Gut-Brain Axis
The gut-brain axis allows the gut microbiome to influence neurotransmitter production and brain function.
3. Microbiome Restoration
A gluten-free diet and probiotic-rich foods may help restore gut health and support the brain.
Sleep
Quality sleep is vital for cognitive function and brain health. If consuming foods that you are sensitive or allergic to the inflammation from this can cause trouble falling asleep and staying asleep through the night.
Exercise
Stress Management
Techniques like meditation and mindfulness can reduce inflammation. When we consume things our bodies are sensitive to or have an allergy to we can have trouble in digesting and receiving the nutrients needed for the brain. This can lead to anxiety and other symptomatology.
Social Connection
Dietary Approaches for Brain Health
Gluten-Free Diet
Eliminating gluten may reduce inflammation and support cognitive function.
Nutrient-Dense Foods
Eating antioxidant-rich fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats can nourish the brain.
Probiotic-Rich Foods
Fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut support gut health.
Hydration
Staying hydrated is crucial for optimal brain function and cognition.
Improving Brain Health with a Gluten-Free Diet
1. Reduced Inflammation
Eliminating gluten can lower systemic inflammation biomarkers and oxidative stress
