Peripheral Neuropathy

[Mwutke]

I started to get peripheral neuropathy about three years ago. I am not at all diabetic and a healthy athletic 65 years old otherwise. I was also having a lot of knee pain after playing tennis. After researching and experimenting by omitting several things from my diet, I concluded that gluten seems to exacerbate both of those problems. Is peripheral neuropathy possibly a result of Celiac disease or gluten sensitivity? Anyone else have similar symptoms?

[Scott Adams]

Peripheral neuropathy is a fairly common side effect in those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, and when this is the case it's called "gluten ataxia" or "gluten neuropathy." It probably would make sense for you to get a celiac disease blood screening before going gluten-free (you can't be tested for it after going gluten-free).

The good news is that research shows that it can be reversed by a gluten-free diet. This category has many articles on this topic:

https://www.celiac.com/celiac-disease/celiac-disease-amp-related-diseases-and-disorders/ataxia-nerve-disease-neuropathy-brain-damage-and-celiac-disease/ 

[Mwutke]

Thanks Scott,

I started a gluten-free diet about two years ago. While the neuropathy does not seem to be progressing much, it does continue to progress somewhat. Symptoms seem to get worse if I accidentally ingest gluten or drink any alcohol, gluten-free or not.

[knitty kitty]

Mwutke, 

A gluten free diet may result in vitamin deficiencies.  

Being low in Thiamine (Vitamin B1), Niacin (Vitamin B3), and Cobalamine (Vitamin B12) can manifest as peripheral neuropathy.  

Alcohol, gluten free or not, can interfere with absorption of thiamine and niacin resulting in neuropathy.  

Healthy fats, omega 3's like olive oil, sunflower seed oil, and flaxseed oil, are needed for healthy joints.  

You may want to consult a physician about checking for vitamin and mineral deficiencies,  and adding a B-Complex vitamin with a multi mineral supplement to your diet.  A consultation with a nutritionist or a dietician may be helpful as well.  

Hope this helps!

[Awol cast iron stomach]

Yes. I experience peripheral neuropathy and nerve issues. Autonomic  nervous issues too. 

As kitty says vitamin deficiency too.  The first time I went gluten-free I got my "moons" on my thumb finger nails , over the 3 years gluten-free I started to get them on my pointer fingers ( right more than left) 

I got terribly glutened in March 2016 and went to Dr. I underwent an official gluten challenge in 2016. I lost my moons after. I am only now in 2020 getting them back again on my thumb nails. I am still waiting on my pointer finger moons return. 

Good luck

Edited October 27, 2020 by Awol cast iron stomach
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