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Writer's pictureEdward Hawk
May 235 min read

11 Reasons Why Gluten Is Probably Not Your Friend

Updated: May 26

The topic of gluten and its potential effects on various health conditions is both complex and intriguing. Gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, has been the subject of much debate and research in the medical community. Let's delve into the addictiveness of gluten and its association with a range of health issues, as well as how a gluten-free diet might offer symptom relief.


Artist's depiction of a gluten molecule.

The Addictiveness of Gluten


Gluten contains peptides that can cross the blood-brain barrier and bind to opioid receptors in the brain. This binding can mimic the effects of opioid drugs, leading to a form of addiction or craving for gluten-containing foods³. Some individuals may experience withdrawal-like symptoms when cutting gluten from their diets, which can include fatigue, mental fog, and irritability¹.



Gluten and Obesity


Consumption of gluten has been linked to obesity in several ways. Gluten can be found in many high-carbohydrate foods that are often calorie-dense and can contribute to weight gain¹³. Additionally, gluten can cause inflammation in the body, which may disrupt normal metabolism and lead to increased fat storage¹².



Gluten and Chronic Pain


Chronic pain, particularly in the form of joint pain, has been associated with gluten consumption in some individuals. This is especially true for those with autoimmune forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, who are at higher risk for celiac disease—a condition where gluten triggers an immune response that causes inflammation and pain³⁰


Gluten and Autoimmune Diseases


Autoimmune diseases, including celiac disease, type 1 diabetes, and thyroid disorders, have been linked to gluten consumption. The inflammatory response triggered by gluten in susceptible individuals can lead to or exacerbate autoimmune reactions¹⁶.


Gluten and Inflammation


Gluten can cause inflammation in the body, particularly in those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. This inflammation can manifest in various ways, including digestive issues, skin rashes, and joint pain²¹.


Gluten and Gastrointestinal Diseases


Celiac disease is the most well-known gastrointestinal condition related to gluten consumption. It causes damage to the small intestine's lining, leading to malabsorption of nutrients and a host of digestive symptoms⁶.


Gluten and Diabetes


While there is no direct link between gluten and the development of diabetes, individuals with type 1 diabetes have a higher prevalence of celiac disease. A gluten-free diet is essential for those with celiac disease to prevent inflammation and potential damage to the pancreas, which can affect insulin production and regulation³¹.


Gluten and Arthritis


Arthritis symptoms, particularly in inflammatory forms like rheumatoid arthritis, can be exacerbated by gluten consumption due to its inflammatory properties²⁸.



Gluten and Depression


Depression and anxiety are common symptoms reported by individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. The exact mechanism is not fully understood, but it may be related to poor nutrient absorption affecting brain function or a direct impact of gluten on the brain³⁷.


Gluten and Anxiety


Anxiety has also been associated with gluten consumption, particularly in those with autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Gluten can trigger inflammation in the brain and autoimmune attacks against brain tissue, which can cause anxiety⁴⁴.


Gluten and Bipolar Disease & Schizophrenia


Research has suggested a potential link between gluten consumption and an increased risk of psychiatric disorders such as bipolar disease and schizophrenia. However, more research is needed to fully understand this connection³⁷.


Gluten and Cancer


Long-term consumption of gluten in individuals with undiagnosed celiac disease may increase the risk of certain types of cancer, including intestinal lymphoma and small bowel cancer⁴⁰.


Gluten-Free Diet and Symptom Improvement


A gluten-free diet can lead to significant improvements in symptoms for those with celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, and wheat allergy. For autoimmune conditions, reducing inflammation by eliminating gluten can help manage symptoms and prevent flare-ups³². Additionally, for those with chronic pain, gastrointestinal diseases, and mood disorders, a gluten-free diet may offer relief and improve quality of life²⁹.


In conclusion, while gluten is not harmful to everyone, it can have profound effects on individuals with specific health conditions. A gluten-free diet can be a therapeutic approach for managing symptoms and improving overall health in these cases. However, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional before making any significant dietary changes.



Sources:

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(2) How I Overcame My Gluten Addiction and Quit Gluten For Good.https://www.goodforyouglutenfree.com/how-i-overcame-my-gluten-addiction/.

(5) How Gluten Can Cause Joint Pain | Arthritis-health. https://www.arthritis-health.com/types/general/how-gluten-can-cause-joint-pain

(7) Does Gluten Cause Inflammation? What the Science Says - Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/does-gluten-cause-inflammation-8405056.l

(9) Diabetes and Gluten: What You Need to Know - Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/diabetes-and-gluten

(10) Can Gluten Affect Arthritis Symptoms? - Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/rheumatoid-arthritis/gluten-and-arthritis

(11) Is Gluten Intolerance Why You're Depressed and Anxious? - Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/is-gluten-why-youre-depressed-563121

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(14) Gluten and Diabetes: Should People With Diabetes Avoid Gluten?. https://diabetesstrong.com/gluten-and-diabetes/

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(16) Ditch the Gluten, Improve Your Health? - Harvard Health

(17) Gluten Addiction Is Real and It's Not Good.https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/gluten-addiction/

(18) Gluten and Compulsive Overeating - Nutritional Weight and Wellness. https://www.weightandwellness.com/resources/articles-and-videos/gluten-connection-compulsive-overeating

(19) 21 Common Signs of Gluten Intolerance - Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/signs-you-are-gluten-intolerant

(21) 5 Ways Gluten Causes Pain - INTEGRATIVE PAIN SCIENCE INSTITUTE. https://integrativepainscienceinstitute.com/gluten-causes-pain/

(22) Gluten and Your Muscles, Joints, and Skin. https://gluten.org/2021/09/21/gluten-and-your-muscles-joints-and-skin/

(23) Gluten and Pain: The Relationship Between Gluten and Chronic Pain. https://chronicpain.newlifeoutlook.com/gluten-pain/

(27) Gluten-related disorders - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gluten-related_disorders

(28) Link Between Gluten and Autoimmune Disease Getting Stronger. https://rootcausemedicalclinics.com/gluten-autoimmune-disease/.l

(29) The Benefits of Going Gluten-free With Autoimmune Disease. https://www.amymyersmd.com/article/go-gluten-free-autoimmune-disease

(30) Food and Inflammation Series: Is Gluten Inflammatory?.https://foodinsight.org/is-gluten-inflammatory/.

(31) Gluten and rheumatoid arthritis: Foods to eat and avoid.https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325522.

(32) Gluten and brain health: Could gluten drive inflammation?. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/gluten-brain-inflammation-mouse-study

(34) Gluten-Free Diet and Arthritis: Does It Help Improve Symptoms?. https://creakyjoints.org/diet-exercise/gluten-and-arthritis/

(35) Can Gluten Affect Arthritis Symptoms? - Healthline. https://bing.com/search?q=gluten+and+arthritis

(36) Diabetes and gluten free diets: What you need to know - Medical News Today. https://bing.com/search?q=gluten+and+diabetes

(37) Diabetes and gluten free diets: What you need to know - Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326199

(38) Should People with Diabetes Avoid Gluten? - Diabetes Food Hub. https://www.diabetesfoodhub.org/articles/should-people-with-diabetes-avoid-gluten.html

(39) Gluten and Diabetes: Understanding the Connection and ... - Sugarfit. https://www.sugarfit.com/blog/diabetes-and-gluten-free-diets/

(40) Can Gluten Intolerance Cause Depression and Anxiety? - Psych Central. https://psychcentral.com/depression/can-gluten-intolerance-cause-depression-and-anxiety

(41) Can Gluten Cause Depression? - Body Ecology. https://bodyecology.com/articles/can-gluten-cause-depression/

(42) Celiac Disease: Symptoms & How It's Treated - Cleveland Clinic https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14240-celiac-disease

(43) What Is Gluten and What Does It Do? | Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/what-is-gluten-and-what-does-it-do

(44) Gluten and Anxiety: Is There a Connection? - Healthline.https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/gluten-and-anxiety

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