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Effects Of Celiac On The Brain

masterjen

By masterjen
in Coping with Celiac Disease

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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?

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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?

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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:

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