Gluten and anxiety

[alioubba]

I recently went gluten-free and oat-free (45 days ago), I tested negative last year but thought I would try gluten free for my anxiety which has been getting quite bad. I have been keeping a diary and I haven't noticed much of a difference being off the gluten. Well I tried to eat gluten free oats today and my anxiety is crazy. I am so disappointed as mentally I'm not any better and now I have to limit my foods with no improvement in symptoms. I think my anxiety will actually be worse because now I'll be worrying about where to eat when travelling or out with friends. I should mention on top of the gluten free, I also have reactions to dairy, corn, potatoes, almonds, quinoa and avocado (not all anxiety symptoms, some are eczema or asthma) and the only meat I eat is chicken or turkey.  Super limiting diet!  Anyone else go through something similar? I wish I never went gluten free. 

[Ennis-TX]

My anxiety used to be super bad, celiacs tend to have combo issues with it. One part from malabsorption of B-vitamins, vitamin D, and other components for serotonin, melotonin, fats, etc. The other can stem from either a actual immune system attacking the nervous system like gluten ataxia, or from a flight or fight response generated from the stress the body goes under. Anything could really be triggering the anxiety.

I take Energy & Stress and Neurological Support from Liquid Health 1 tbsp each 3 times a day, vitamin D3 2000iu twice a day, and eat plenty of healthy fats, cocoa nibs, pumpkin seeds etc.

[frieze]

• remember you eat to live, not live to eat.

[cyclinglady]

Did you get the complete celiac panel last year?  If my GI had not ordered it, my diagnosis would have been missed.  Consider retesting if you go back on a gluten diet for 6 to 12 weeks.  

Consider working with a dietitian who is knowledgeable about the gluten free diet.  How do you know you react to all those foods?  Are you keeping a food journal or was it a blood test (those are not always accurate). 

How is your daughter?  Have her symptoms resolved?  Just dealing with a sick child can cause a lot of anxiety.  

Finally, do some positive things.  Even reading one of those “Chicken Soup for the Soul” books can be uplifting.  Let’s face it, we see and hear a lot of negativity on a daily basis.  Focus on yourself and your family.  For example, I cut back on volunteering so much.  There is only so much I can do in a day, especially since I must do a lot of food preparation.  But that has been beneficial.  The whole family is much healthier for it!  Consider a support group of some kind or therapy.  

Hang in there.