Celiac disease and mental health: The truth hurts

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease that affects the lives of approximately 1% of the world’s population. And the numbers are increasing.

As we reviewed in the first part, it is triggered by the ingestion of gluten. And its potentially devastating symptoms affect the anatomy and physiology of almost any part of the body.

That includes the brain, home of emotional and mental disorders.

The connections…

The gut-brain axis

At the center of our learning mission is the gut-brain axis, made up of the brain, endocrine system, immune system, autonomous exitand gut microbiome.

Gut microbiome

The star of the show is a community of microorganisms known as the gut microbiome. Perhaps you have heard of the gut microbiota. The words are practically synonymous. The microbiota refers only to microorganisms, the microbiome is the microorganisms and their genes.

Surprisingly, the human gut microbiome is made up of between 10 and 100 trillion microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses and fungi. Although it is established at birth, it can be modified by factors such as diet, infections, antibiotic use and age.

By the way, did you know that the enteric nervous system, which governs the function of the gastrointestinal tract, is often called the “second brain”?

Gut-brain connections

Well, for all of this to make sense, there has to be a communication conduit, a highway between the gut and the brain, so to speak.

The vagus nerve, our tenth cranial nerve, is the signaling highway between the gut and the brain. Other pathways include the work of neurotransmitters, hormones and immune molecules.

Those neurotransmitters: The list includes serotonin, dopamine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). All of them play a crucial role in brain function and participate in mood regulation.

Interesting: 95% of our serotonin supply is released in the intestine through specific intestinal cells.

There is a balance here. And any disturbance (chronic inflammation, stress, dietary choices) can cause emotional and mental health problems.

Celiac disease, the brain and mental health

We’ve given the gut what it deserves, so let’s talk about the impact of celiac disease on the brain and mental health.

Of course, the investigation continues; However, studies have shown that people with celiac disease are at increased risk for emotional and mental health conditions, such as anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and spectrum disorder. autistic.

Truly, the connection sticks out like a sore thumb. All of them (gut microbiome, immune responses, inflammation) play critical roles in shaping mental well-being.

Inflammation

Speaking of inflammation, celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder, triggers an immune response that can lead to chronic inflammation within the small intestine. Keep in mind that autoimmune diseases mistakenly target and attack innocent anatomy and physiology.

This inflammation has the potential to spread beyond the gut and affect other systems, including the brain. That means the inflammation associated with celiac disease could play a role in the development or exacerbation of emotional and mental health disorders.

For more information on inflammation and emotional and mental health, see Symptoms of inflammation and mental health about current psychology.

Can you feel the power and reach of the gut-brain axis?

Nutritional deficiencies

Finally, nutritional deficiencies in people with celiac disease, resulting from poor absorption of nutrients in the small intestine, can exacerbate anxiety symptoms. Deficiencies of B vitamins, particularly B12 and folate, have been linked to mood disorders and anxiety.

Discover and understand connections

When my journey into mood and anxiety began 50 years ago, I had no idea what I was going through. But just knowing that what I was struggling with had a name and legitimate causes (even if I didn’t know what they were) inspired me to keep searching for answers.

Discovering and understanding the connections between celiac disease and emotional and mental health is crucial for all of us who suffer.

Let the investigation continue.

Be sure to check out part one to learn the basics of celiac disease.

Again, Celiac disease and mental health: unraveling the gut-brain connection was a contributor to this article. Check it out.

If you have celiac disease, want to know more about it or want to donate, click on the links: celiac.com Celiac Disease Foundation Beyond celiacs

Gut-brain axis and its neuropsychiatric effects: a narrative reviewwhich appears in Cureus, is a worthy read.

Content image: Suganya, Kanmani and Byung-Soo Koo Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International No changes were made.

Hey, those inspirational articles and information about Chipur’s mood and anxiety – hit the titles.

Bill White is not a doctor and provides this information for educational purposes only. Always contact your doctor if he has questions, advice or recommendations.