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

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Join eNewsletter
    Donate
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):



    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):



  • Recent Activity

    1. trents
      - trents replied to catnapt's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      9

      how much gluten do I need to eat before blood tests?

      I might suggest you consider buckwheat groats. https://www.amazon.com/Anthonys-Organic-Hulled-Buckwheat-Groats/dp/B0D15QDVW7/ref=sr_1_4_pp?crid=GOFG11A8ZUMU&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.bk-hCrXgLpHqKS8QJnfKJLKbKzm2BS9tIFv3P9HjJ5swL1-02C3V819UZ845_kAwnxTUM8Qa69hKl0DfHAucO827k_rh7ZclIOPtAA9KjvEEYtaeUV06FJQyCoi5dwcfXRt8dx3cJ6ctEn2VIPaaFd0nOye2TkASgSRtdtKgvXEEXknFVYURBjXen...
    2. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to SilkieFairy's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      2

      IBS-D vs Celiac

      What you’re describing really does not read like typical IBS-D. The dramatic, rapid normalization of stool frequency and form after removing wheat, along with improved tolerance of legumes and plant foods, is a classic pattern seen in gluten-driven disease rather than functional IBS. IBS usually worsens with fiber and beans, not improves. The fact that y...
    3. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to Amy Barnett's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      1

      Question

      Here are some results from a search: Top Liquid Multivitamin Picks for Celiac Needs MaryRuth's Liquid Morning Multivitamin Essentials+ – Excellent daily choice with a broad vitamin/mineral profile, easy to absorb, gluten-free, vegan, and great overall value. MaryRuth's Liquid Morning Multivitamin – Classic, well-reviewed gluten-free liquid mul...
    4. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams commented on Scott Adams's article in Multiple Sclerosis and Celiac Disease
      2

      Gluten-Free Diet Linked to Reduced Inflammation and Improved Outcomes in Multiple Sclerosis (+Video)

      Better to know late than never, and it is too bad they did not test you for it earlier!
    5. Scott Adams
      0

      Koikoi Trading Inc., Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Wheat and Sesame in FU ZHOU FISH BALL

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):

  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      133,323
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Moooey
    Newest Member
    Moooey
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.6k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):

  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • trents
      how much gluten do I need to eat before blood tests?

      By trents · Posted

      I might suggest you consider buckwheat groats. https://www.amazon.com/Anthonys-Organic-Hulled-Buckwheat-Groats/dp/B0D15QDVW7/ref=sr_1_4_pp?crid=GOFG11A8ZUMU&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.bk-hCrXgLpHqKS8QJnfKJLKbKzm2BS9tIFv3P9HjJ5swL1-02C3V819UZ845_kAwnxTUM8Qa69hKl0DfHAucO827k_rh7ZclIOPtAA9KjvEEYtaeUV06FJQyCoi5dwcfXRt8dx3cJ6ctEn2VIPaaFd0nOye2TkASgSRtdtKgvXEEXknFVYURBjXen1Nc7EtAlJyJbU8EhB89ElCGFPRavEQkTFHv9V2Zh1EMAPRno7UajBpLCQ-1JfC5jKUyzfgsf7jN5L6yfZSgjhnwEbg6KKwWrKeghga8W_CAhEEw9N0.eDBrhYWsjgEFud6ZE03iun0-AEaGfNS1q4ILLjZz7Fs&dib_tag=se&keywords=buckwheat%2Bgroats&qid=1769980587&s=grocery&sprefix=buchwheat%2Bgroats%2Cgrocery%2C249&sr=1-4&th=1 Takes about 10 minutes to cook. Incidentally, I don't like quinoa either. Reminds me and smells to me like wet grass seed. When its not washed before cooking it makes me ill because of saponins in the seed coat. Yes, it can be difficult to get much dietary calcium without dairy. But in many cases, it's not the amount of calcium in the diet that is the problem but the poor uptake of it. And too much calcium supplementation can interfere with the absorption of vitamins and minerals in general because it raises gut pH.
    • Scott Adams
      IBS-D vs Celiac

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      What you’re describing really does not read like typical IBS-D. The dramatic, rapid normalization of stool frequency and form after removing wheat, along with improved tolerance of legumes and plant foods, is a classic pattern seen in gluten-driven disease rather than functional IBS. IBS usually worsens with fiber and beans, not improves. The fact that you carry HLA-DQ2.2 means celiac disease is absolutely possible, even if it’s less common than DQ2.5, and many people with DQ2.2 present later and are under-diagnosed. Your hesitation to reintroduce gluten is completely understandable — quality of life matters — and many people in your position choose to remain strictly gluten-free and treat it as medically necessary even without formal biopsy confirmation. If and when you’re ready, a physician can help you weigh options like limited gluten challenge, serology history, or documentation as “probable celiac.” What’s clear is that this wasn’t just random IBS — you identified the trigger, and your body has been very consistent in its response.
    • Scott Adams
      Question

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Here are some results from a search: Top Liquid Multivitamin Picks for Celiac Needs MaryRuth's Liquid Morning Multivitamin Essentials+ – Excellent daily choice with a broad vitamin/mineral profile, easy to absorb, gluten-free, vegan, and great overall value. MaryRuth's Liquid Morning Multivitamin – Classic, well-reviewed gluten-free liquid multivitamin with essential nutrients in a readily absorbable form. MaryRuth's Morning Multivitamin w/ Hair Growth – Adds beauty-supporting ingredients (biotin, B vitamins), also gluten-free and easy to take. New Chapter Liquid Multivitamin and New Chapter Liquid Multivitamin Orange Mango – Fermented liquid form with extra nutrients and good tolerability if you prefer a whole-food-based formula. Nature's Plus Source Of Life Gold Liquid – Premium option with a broad spectrum of vitamins and plant-based nutrients. Floradix Epresat Adult Liquid Multivitamin – Highly rated gluten-free German-made liquid, good choice if taste and natural ingredients matter. NOW Foods Liquid Multi Tropical Orange – Budget-friendly liquid multivitamin with solid nutrient coverage.
    • catnapt
      how much gluten do I need to eat before blood tests?

      By catnapt · Posted

      oh that's interesting... it's hard to say for sure but it has *seemed* like oats might be causing me some vague issues in the past few months. It's odd that I never really connect specific symptoms to foods, it's more of an all over feeling of unwellness after  eating them.  If it happens a few times after eating the same foods- I cut back or avoid them. for this reason I avoid dairy and eggs.  So far this has worked well for me.  oh, I have some of Bob's Red Mill Mighty Tasty Hot cereal and I love it! it's hard to find but I will be looking for more.  for the next few weeks I'm going to be concentrating on whole fresh fruits and veggies and beans and nuts and seeds. I'll have to find out if grains are truly necessary in our diet. I buy brown rice pasta but only eat that maybe once a month at most. Never liked quinoa. And all the other exotic sounding grains seem to be time consuming to prepare. Something to look at later. I love beans and to me they provide the heft and calories that make me feel full for a lot longer than a big bowl of broccoli or other veggies. I can't even tolerate the plant milks right now.  I have reached out to the endo for guidance regarding calcium intake - she wants me to consume 1000mgs from food daily and I'm not able to get to more than 600mgs right now.  not supposed to use a supplement until after my next round of testing for hyperparathyroidism.   thanks again- you seem to know quite a bit about celiac.  
    • trents
      IBS-D vs Celiac

      By trents · Posted

      Welcome to the celiac.com community, @SilkieFairy! You could also have NCGS (Non Celiac Gluten Sensitivity) as opposed to celiac disease. They share many of the same symptoms, especially the GI ones. There is no test for NCGS. Celiac disease must first be ruled out.
×
×
  • 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.