Jump to content

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Effects Of Celiac On The Brain

masterjen

By masterjen
in Coping with Celiac Disease

Recommended Posts

masterjen Explorer
masterjen
Posted

Hi,

I've noticed that since the symptoms of celiac started and during this early phase of going gluten-free, my thinking and thought processes are slower, I have trouble concentrating and staying focused on a task I'm doing (even if it is something I really like to do), and I have also noticed some memory difficulties. My head frequently has a mild-to-moderate sense of pressure in the temples and across the forehead. Are these symptoms there because gluten can actually affect the brain in celiacs, or is it the celiac disease itself that is affecting the brain? Are these "brain issues" something I can expect to eventually get better, or do they persist?

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


Mtndog Collaborator
Mtndog
Posted

Hi- I think that you'll find that many people here had what we call "brain fog" like you mention. I put my keys in the refrigerator, forgot to turn my grades in (I'm a teacher at a college and gave them to the students but forgot to give them to the college- got in trouble!).

Gluten can have PROFOUND neuroligical effects on everything from mood to movement. After you have been gluten-free for awhile, it should get much, much better.

Jestgar Rising Star
Jestgar
Posted

. After you have been gluten-free for awhile, it should get much, much better.

much much!

Fozzie Newbie
Fozzie
Posted

I too have experienced the "fogg" for years but was unaware of what it was. It makes me very hesitant to drive or make important decisions. I can't wait for this to improve!

irish daveyboy Community Regular
irish daveyboy
Posted

Hi,

I've noticed that since the symptoms of celiac started and during this early phase of going gluten-free, my thinking and thought processes are slower, I have trouble concentrating and staying focused on a task I'm doing (even if it is something I really like to do), and I have also noticed some memory difficulties. My head frequently has a mild-to-moderate sense of pressure in the temples and across the forehead. Are these symptoms there because gluten can actually affect the brain in celiacs, or is it the celiac disease itself that is affecting the brain? Are these "brain issues" something I can expect to eventually get better, or do they persist?

These are a few things you could read through.

Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link

Best Regards,

David

sandsurfgirl Collaborator
sandsurfgirl
Posted

I got brain fog AFTER going gluten free but it went away after a couple of weeks. My worst neuro symptom was anxiety attacks for no reason. They went away after 2 days gluten free and I had been plagued by them for several months.

WheatChef Apprentice
WheatChef
Posted

When exactly did you start gluten free?

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


masterjen Explorer
masterjen
Posted
  • Author

When exactly did you start gluten free?

I went gluten-free about 5 weeks ago. And, like sandsurfgirl, this "brain fog" has been particularly noticeable since going gluten-free (and, now that I think about, probably it really has been ONLY since I've been gluten-free).

WheatChef Apprentice
WheatChef
Posted

What did you replace the gluten calories with? Going gluten free is normally a pretty big change in the beginning and it's easy to reintroduce foods that you were subconsciously avoiding before. I'd think that 5 weeks would be an awfully long time to experience strong withdrawal symptoms but my knowledge of this is still quite limited in scope. Are you sure that you're getting enough calories and proper levels/ratios of nutrients now that you've changed up your diet?

masterjen Explorer
masterjen
Posted
  • Author

What did you replace the gluten calories with? Going gluten free is normally a pretty big change in the beginning and it's easy to reintroduce foods that you were subconsciously avoiding before. I'd think that 5 weeks would be an awfully long time to experience strong withdrawal symptoms but my knowledge of this is still quite limited in scope. Are you sure that you're getting enough calories and proper levels/ratios of nutrients now that you've changed up your diet?

My calorie intake is a bit less than what it used to be, mainly because I used to work-out a lot (I currently cannot work-out as much yet because of muscle weakness and aggravation of headaches). I've reduced my calorie intake only to more-or-less match what I would have burned off had I been working out. My carb intake is a bit less than what it used to be, but my fruit and veggie intake is higher.

masterjen Explorer
masterjen
Posted
  • Author

These are a few things you could read through.

Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link

Best Regards,

David

Thanks for the interesting - and helpful - articles!

masterjen Explorer
masterjen
Posted
  • Author

I got brain fog AFTER going gluten free but it went away after a couple of weeks. My worst neuro symptom was anxiety attacks for no reason. They went away after 2 days gluten free and I had been plagued by them for several months.

Did you end up attributing your brain fog to withdrawal-type symptoms?

WheatChef Apprentice
WheatChef
Posted

If you increased your intake of many different vegetables you might be experiencing an allergy related to one of them that could contribute to those migraines you've mentioned. Try keeping a journal of your intake an symptoms and cycle out consumption of different genera of vegetables.

juppygirl Newbie
juppygirl
Posted

I have had a bad week for brain fog - today i just wanted to come home again and I was only in work 10 minutes!! I am also looking forward to being on holiday from tomorrow and going away so I hope it will calm down a bit :huh:

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      131,935
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Kristina Windom
    Newest Member
    Kristina Windom
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.5k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • Wheatwacked
      Help I’m cross contaminating myself,

      By Wheatwacked · Posted

      The discovery of the vitamin D receptor in multiple immune cell lineages, such as monocytes, dendritic cells, and activated T cells credits vitamin D with a novel role in modulating immunological functions and its subsequent role in the development or prevention of autoimmune diseases.  The Implication of Vitamin D and Autoimmunity: a Comprehensive Review
    • Wheatwacked
      Bitters for digestion?

      By Wheatwacked · Posted

      Definitely get vitamin D 25(OH)D.  Celiac Disease causes vitamin D deficiency and one of the functions of vitamin D is modulating the genes.  While we can survive with low vitamin D as an adaptation to living in a seasonal environment, the homeostasis is 200 nmol/L.  Vitamin D Receptors are found in nearly every cell with a nucleus,while the highest concentrations are in tissues like the intestine, kidney, parathyroid, and bone.  A cellular communication system, if you will. The vitamin D receptor: contemporary genomic approaches reveal new basic and translational insights  Possible Root Causes of Histamine Intolerance. "Low levels of certain nutrients like copper, Vitamins A, B6, and C can lead to histamine build up along with excess or deficient levels of iron. Iodine also plays a crucial role in histamine regulation."  
    • AnnaNZ
      Bitters for digestion?

      By AnnaNZ · Posted

      I forgot to mention my suspicion of the high amount of glyphosate allowed to be used on wheat in USA and NZ and Australia. My weight was 69kg mid-2023, I went down to 60kg in March 2024 and now hover around 63kg (just after winter here in NZ) - wheat-free and very low alcohol consumption.
    • AnnaNZ
      Bitters for digestion?

      By AnnaNZ · Posted

      Hi Jess Thanks so much for your response and apologies for the long delay in answering. I think I must have been waiting for something to happen before I replied and unfortunately it fell off the radar... I have had an upper endoscopy and colonoscopy in the meantime (which revealed 'minor' issues only). Yes I do think histamine intolerance is one of the problems. I have been lowering my histamine intake and feeling a lot better. And I do think it is the liver which is giving the pain. I am currently taking zinc (I have had three low zinc tests now), magnesium, B complex, vitamin E and a calcium/Vitamin C mix. I consciously think about getting vitamin D outside. (Maybe I should have my vitamin D re-tested now...) I am still 100% gluten-free. My current thoughts on the cause of the problems is some, if not all, of the following: Genetically low zinc uptake, lack of vitamin D, wine drinking (alcohol/sulphites), covid, immune depletion, gastroparesis, dysbiosis, leaky gut, inability to process certain foods I am so much better than late 2023 so feel very positive 🙂    
    • lehum
      4.5 years into diagnosis, eating gluten-free and still struggling: would love support, tips, & stories

      By lehum · Posted

      Hi and thank you very much for your detailed response! I am so glad that the protocol worked so well for you and helped you to get your health back on track. I've heard of it helping other people too. One question I have is how did you maintain your weight on this diet? I really rely on nuts and rice to keep me at a steady weight because I tend to lose weight quickly and am having a hard time envisioning how to make it work, especially when not being able to eat things like nuts and avocados. In case you have any input, woud be great to hear it! Friendly greetings.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.