If your body has an intolerance to gluten, it may indicate physical and mental health symptoms such as anxiety and depression.
The causes of mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression have yet to be established. Experts theorize that it may be a combination of factors such as genetics, early experiences, and environment. But it’s also possible that chemical reactions in your body could act as contributing factors.
For example, when your body has difficulty processing nutrients like gluten, some cognitive functions like emotional regulation and stress management can become more challenging. This, in turn, could affect your mood and behavior.
Yes. It is possible that gluten intolerance may increase the chance of experiencing symptoms of depression in some people, although research results on this topic remain mixed.
An older longitudinal from 2009 to study found that people living with Celiac Disease, a digestive disorder related to gluten intolerance, had a higher chance of suffering from depression. However, the study also found that following a gluten-free diet did not improve symptoms.
The study authors theorized that depression was probably more related to quality of life associated with celiac disease than gluten itself. More research is needed to establish the correlation link between gluten and depression.
In 2014, a small to study found that reintroducing gluten to people on a gluten-free diet who had controlled gluten sensitivity symptoms resulted in an immediate increase in depression symptoms. However, going back to eating gluten did not worsen their gastrointestinal symptoms or any other signs of emotional distress.
The authors hinted that consuming gluten may have a direct impact on mood symptoms.
in a 2020 literature review Exploring 20 years of research, the authors concluded that the immune response to gluten in a gluten-intolerant body can lead to psychiatric and neurological responses.
While the research is inconclusive and still ongoing, some evidence suggests that gluten may play a role in symptoms of depression when your body is intolerant or sensitive it.
Yes. Regular consumption of gluten can facilitate anxiety symptoms in some people, but research is limited.
the same 2009 to study who did not find a direct link between gluten consumption and depression did note that anxiety symptoms decreased significantly once a person followed a gluten-free diet.
A 2021 revision found that limiting gluten and FODMAP (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols) intake may be beneficial for symptoms of depression, anxiety, and cognitive problems. Some of the studies reviewed also suggested that this diet would help with symptoms of schizophrenia and challenges seen on the autism spectrum.
If you have gluten intolerance, following a gluten-free diet under the supervision of a health team can help you feel better both physically and mentally.
However, going gluten-free is not for everyone.
There are currently no large-scale studies to support the benefits of a gluten-free diet for people without gluten intolerance.
Research of 2018 indicates that there are a number of potential adverse effects of following a medically unnecessary gluten-free diet. These include:
- nutrient deficiency
- rising food costs
- Social isolation
- compulsive eating behaviors
In an attempt to avoid gluten, you can compensate by eating too much of other foods that could inadvertently increase your chance of experiencing other types of health symptoms.
White rice, for example, does not contain gluten, but consuming too much of it can lead to health problems. For example, in 2012, a meta-analysis which included more than 350,000 participants found that people who ate the most white rice had the highest chances of developing type 2 diabetes.
If you’re thinking of trying a gluten-free diet, consider discussing these changes with a health professional first.
Gluten intolerance can cause some people to experience a higher chance of developing symptoms of depression and anxiety. The exact cause or link is still up for debate.
If you are concerned about changes in your mood or notice patterns associated with your eating habits, it may help to talk to your health team.
While there are no laboratory tests for gluten sensitivity, dietary changes are often the first step in identifying gluten intolerance.
A health professional can help you make sure a gluten-free diet works for you. If you continue to experience mental health symptoms, consider contacting a therapist who can explore other possible causes.
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