Let's Talk About Depression And Celiac...

[JerryK]

So the way I understand it, from what little research there is to be found, it works like this:

Undigested gluten peptides can "leak" thru the gut. These peptides attach to the opiate receptors of your brain which can lead to the drugged/depressed feelings.

In addition, it's likely your opiate receptors are now blocked by these undigested proteins attached and

your natural endorphins are unable to reach receptors....

[Ursa Major]

Jerry, have you read the excellent article in Scott's blog? Here is the link Open Original Shared Link

Scroll down to the entry titled "Gluten causes brain disease!" It answers a lot of questions.

[JerryK]

It's likely safe to assume this study was not sponsored by the Wheat Farmers of America.

OMG. j

[tarnalberry]

I think that there's something to the fact that simply feeling like crap for lengthy periods of time will make you feel depressed - in the case of getting 'reglutened', I would think it would be much like a trigger - reminding you of feeling crappy for a long time, which can be *very* depressing.

[Nancym]

Well, yeah there is that whole peptide thing but then there's also direct damage to the brain. Who knows what else is going on! I think medical science is really in its infancy about this issue.

[Corkdarrr]

Logically speaking, I'm depressed because I've been in poor health for 10+ years, still don't feel THAT much better after being gluten-free for six months and CF for 1+ months....and I CAN'T EAT ANYTHING. My thyroid is out of whack. My adrenals are out of whack. My neurotransmitters are severely deficient. It's very frustrating. Add to that the majority of the general public thinks you're absolutely insane....seems to me that if you're NOT depressed, something might be wrong!

Courtney

[plantime]

I know that chronic physical pain causes depression, so it would not surprise me at all if constantly feeling crappy causes depression. I think it is a vicious cycle: first you are always sick, then you get depressed about it, the depression makes the sickness worse, which makes the depression worse....

Breaking the cycle is hard to do. That is where a couple of good doctors would come in.