It’s been proven time and time again that factors such as diet and exercise can have a marked impact on mental health, often helping to reduce anxiety and depression. There’s also a subsection of people, however, who continue to experience anxiety and depression, regardless of treatment attempts.
A group of Poland researchers, headed by Małgorzata Urban-Kowalczyk, recently conducted a study which attempted to identify hidden underlying causes of anxiety symptoms, and examined whether these symptoms could be cured by particular changes in diet. Specifically, the researchers studied the effects of a gluten-free diet on individuals suffering from anxiety, and the results were both surprising and promising.
Celiac Disease as a Possible Cause of Anxiety and Depression
Celiac disease (CD), known more widely as gluten intolerance, affects about one percent of the general population. The symptoms of gluten intolerance tend to be physical: diarrhea, dyspepsia, indigestion, and anemia. However, there are also what’s known as “nonclassic” sufferers of celiac disease, who experience symptoms such as brain atrophy, epilepsy, depression, and anxiety. The only known treatment for those suffering from celiac disease is a lifelong switch to a gluten-free diet. Malgorzata’s group of researchers tried to identify whether switching to a CD diet could alleviate anxiety and depression symptoms in patients for whom traditional treatments have no effect.
Untreatable Anxiety Symptoms in Patients
The team of researchers thoroughly examined the medical history of a 39-year-old woman who had been suffering from depression and anxiety for several years prior to the study. The woman reported no serious physical ailments other than microcytic anemia, and notably had not been diagnosed with celiac disease because she did not display any of the typical symptoms. The patient had been going through treatment for her anxiety and depression for years, undergoing a variety of medications and referrals to therapy which culminated in admission to a psychiatric ward. However, none of the treatments alleviated the patients’ anxiety and depression symptoms, and she reported declining mental health in the months leading up to the study.
Implementing a Gluten-Free Diet in Patients with Depression and Anxiety
Upon the initialization of the study, the patient was screened for and consequently diagnosed with celiac disease. Both a gluten-free diet and iron supplements were implemented, a typical course of action for CD patients. The blood counts, mental state, and mental activity of the patient were recorded at two points—directly after the CD diagnosis and three months after the diagnosis and subsequent CD treatment.
Researchers found that not only did the patient’s blood counts stabilize with treatment, but that her mental state and activity normalized after three months of a gluten-free diet. The previously untreatable anxiety and depression symptoms disappeared, and the patient reported normal day-to-day functioning and interpersonal relationships, indicative of a stable mental state she had not been able to achieve with prior anxiety and depression treatments.
What Can a Gluten-Free Diet do for Mental Health?
Though this study focused on the mental health and treatment of only one woman, the overwhelmingly positive results suggest that gluten intolerance is an often overlooked contributor to anxiety and depression symptoms. The head author of the study pointed out that gluten allergies can occur in patients of any age, and that the symptoms of CD are often widely varied, leading to underdiagnoses of the disease. Malgorzata wonders if undiagnosed CD may be a possible cause of otherwise untreatable anxiety and depression.
The Gut-Brain Connection and Mental Health
In the few years there has been a lot of focus on the connection between our gut and brain as researchers delve into the complex relationship between our digestive system and mental well being. Some experts believe that following a free diet might have benefits for our mental health because of its impact on our gut. Recent studies suggest that removing gluten, which is a protein found in wheat and similar grains could have an effect on our mood and cognitive abilities. Understanding this connection between our gut and brain could offer insights, into how we can manage mental health conditions through the food choices we make.
Gluten-free diet and cognitive function
The way our brain works, including memory, attention and overall performance is closely connected to our well being. Some recent studies have looked into how consuming gluten may affect our abilities. These findings raise questions about whether gluten could have an impact on issues like brain fog and declining cognitive function. Trying a free diet might be a way to explore potential improvements in how we think and experience mental clarity. Course more research is needed to establish solid connections but its worth considering dietary changes along, with other strategies in order to promote better cognitive health.
Isabella Clark, Ph.D., held the position of a professor within Emory University’s School of Medicine, working in the Department of Mental Health and Nutrition Science. Alongside this role, she served as a research associate affiliated with the National Research Center. Dr. Clark’s primary area of research centers on comprehending the mechanisms through which adverse social encounters, encompassing prolonged stress and traumatic exposure, contribute to a spectrum of detrimental mental health consequences and coexisting physical ailments like obesity. Her specific focus lies in unraveling the reasons behind the varying elevated susceptibility to stress-linked disorders between different genders.
Mark Willson, holding a Ph.D., functions as a psychotherapist in Washington, D.C. His specialized fields encompass addiction, anxiety, depression, as well as sexuality and interpersonal connections. Dr. Willson holds the distinction of being a diplomat for the American Board of Addiction and Anxiety, further serving as a certified counselor and addiction specialist.
Aside from his personal professional endeavors, Dr. Wilson has engaged in roles as an author, journalist, and creator within substantial medical documentary projects.
