Struggling to focus

[pbzgf]

Hello everyone,

I am a 17 year old right now living in the UK. Recently I came across this page and have been more aware of how much being Celiac has actually affected my life since I was diagnosed in 2010. 

Over more recent years with the coming of important exams I have found that I am struggling to focus more in class and my mind is constantly drifting whilst I study. 

Does celiac disease affect your focus? Does celiac disease affect your memory? What other mental symptoms can it cause?

[Wheatwacked]

This article may help. Gluten will definately cause brain fog. I got stupider year by year as I aged. Starting for sure at 10 years old until GFD at which point I am improving in spurts. By the way stimulants make me sleepy and antidepressants make me twitch. Something to do will ADD. Pediatrition said to give me coffee for breakfast and bedtime when I was 10.

[trents]

Gluten can also contribute to depression. It crosses the blood brain barrier like opiates do and has addictive qualities.

Are you following a strict gluten-free diet and if so, for how long now have you been doing that?

[Scott Adams]

If you eat at restaurants it is likely you're still getting regular trace amounts of gluten, and if so, this can definitely cause "brain fog" symptoms.

[Posterboy]

On 8/29/2022 at 2:00 PM, pbzgf said:

Hello everyone,

I am a 17 year old right now living in the UK. Recently I came across this page and have been more aware of how much being Celiac has actually affected my life since I was diagnosed in 2010. 

Over more recent years with the coming of important exams I have found that I am struggling to focus more in class and my mind is constantly drifting whilst I study. 

Does celiac disease affect your focus? Does celiac disease affect your memory? What other mental symptoms can it cause?

PB et Al,

You can take some Sunflower based Lecithin.  It is known to help mental focus.  It helps because it is down regulated in the body to 12 to 13 percent approx. Acteylcholine ( a neurotransmitter) the body needs for the brain to work properly.

It is best taken with foods.....when I am needing an "Edge" for an intense meeting it always seems to help me have "Clear Edge".

While I don't have trouble focusing these days.....I do find I have a "Clearer Focus" when I take some Lecithin.

It will be harder to find Sunflower (a gluten free form).....but the most common form is made from Soy and that is not always a good form to take for those with food allergies already.

Egg is another commonly found form of Lecithin. I have taken that form as well but the safest form would to be to find the Sunflower Lecithin form.

You might also buy some Zinc lozenges (found in the Cold and Flu isle)......Zinc is important for a strong mood and mind.  They will become metallic in your mouth when you have enough Zinc.

Zinc is imporant for learning and good IQ function. It is commonly low in Celiac's and people with OCD tendencies.

I know I used to have OCD issues and taking Zinc Lozenges helped me get over these tendencies.

I hope this is helpful but it is not medical advice.

2 Timothy 2:7 "Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things." this included.

Posterboy by the grace of God,

[knitty kitty]

Thought this article might be relevant...

Neurologic and Psychiatric Manifestations of Celiac Disease and Gluten Sensitivity

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3641836/

 

Do supplement your vitamins and minerals.  The gluten free diet can be lacking in certain vitamins, especially the B Vitamins.

[Wheatwacked]

4 hours ago, Posterboy said:

You can take some Sunflower based Lecithin.

"In the diet, lecithin is the main source of choline, a nutrient similar to the B vitamins. Lecithin is converted into acetylcholine, a substance that transmits nerve impulses."  Lecithin - Uses, Side Effects, And More