With Celiac disease on the rise “gluten” has quickly become a hot topic in the health and nutrition world. However, for those without Celiac disease, “gluten free products” may just sound like an unnecessary tactic used by large companies to get more money out of the average consumer. Though, that may be true, there have been many studies over the last decade that point to gluten as a source of chronic inflammation, leading to a huge array of potential health concerns outside of just gastrointestinal issues.

“Gluten - Which is Latin for “glue” - is a protein composite that acts as an adhesive material, holding flour together to make bread products...” Dr. David Perlumutter, Grain Brain

For my family we have linked gluten specifically migraines, brain fog, eczema, severe gastrointestinal problems and potentially even a contributor to my husband’s seizure that occurred in 2014.

Let me start with the story of my husband (Kurtis) and my first date. This was prior to us knowing that gluten was at the root of many of our problems. On our very first date, instead of trying to win him over with pure charm I thought I would take capture his heart the fastest way possible - through his stomach. He told me he loved pasta and I had gotten quite good at making lasagna over the past few months. So I invited him over for dinner.

The evening was progressing nicely, he was charming from the beginning. We had dinner consisting of the lasagna I made and a large loaf of homemade garlic bread. Things to know about Kurtis, one, he is not a very big person and two, he never really stops talking. So I was surprised to see he easily polished off a couple of plates within the hour we had been talking.

We moved the date to the living room to watch the movie, I couldn’t even tell you what it was but I do remember there was a lot more talking about the movie than actual movie watching. Things seemed to be going great, then about an hour into the movie Kurtis started to look uncomfortable… more than uncomfortable, he started to look sickly. He asked to use my bathroom where he proceeded to throw up multiple times. He apologized profusely but was in no condition to drive home. He then confided in me that he was getting an intense headache and stomach pains.

Our first date, and I unintentionally poisoned him. I set him up with a cool rag and a pillow on my couch before heading off to bed. When I woke up the next day his condition had not improved much. His symptoms lasted for about 24 - 36 hours. Then, almost like a switch, he was fine again. Luckily, he still wanted to date me after that. Unfortunately, it would take over four years, the occasional missed riding trip or soccer game, unproductive days and one seizure for us to finally make the connection to gluten. (It should be noted that I was also training for a marathon at this time, so like most runners, my diet consisted of an even larger amount gluten loaded carbs than what he was typically used. We believe this contributed to his increased symptoms.)

Once we began suspecting gluten and/or dairy as a source of his issues, he went on a 30 day elimination diet and his symptoms ceased almost overnight. Surprisingly, mine did too. I have been a long time sufferer of migraines and eczema. Though I still get the occasional migraine and eczema, it seems to be during those times when I have allowed too much gluten in.

The journey of discovery that took place to try to help Kurtis, myself and now my two year old son who has a gluten sensitivity as well - is what put me on my path to find my passion.

Part of my success and fitness journey has been a deep dive on gluten and the impact it can have on the body. In my studies I came across the book “Grain Brain” by Dr. David Perlmutter. This book is full of facts backed by research and I recommend it to anyone looking to better understand gluten, sugar, cholesterol and the effects on the brain. It is from this book and my personal experience that I will kick off this quarter’s Gluten and Sugar blogs by sharing some interesting facts to get us introduced to the topics.

Fact One: Individuals that have Gluten Sensitivity may have issues with brain functionality and have no other symptoms!

The research that Dr. David Perlmutter points to in his book is showing shocking numbers on the relationship between the consumption of gluten and a high-carb diet with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and other neurological disorders.

Fact two: 99% of individuals whose immune systems react negatively to Gluten, may not even know it.

Gluten can cause inflammation in the immune system which isn’t always detectable by symptoms that we commonly associate with inflammation. For example, there are no pain receptors in the brain, so when our brain becomes inflamed we cannot feel it like we feel gastrointestinal pain when our gut becomes inflamed.

Fact three: Gliadin, a protein found in Gluten, triggers production of the protein zonulin. Zonulin can break down the gut lining and increase permeability (Also known as “Leaky Gut”).

A study done in 2015 by Dr. Alessio Fasano found that it did not matter if an individual has Celiac disease or not, Gliadin exposure led to an increase in intestinal permeability in all individuals. This means that all of us have some level of Gluten Sensitivity, even if we are not yet aware of what it is doing within our bodies. When the gut becomes permeable substances that are supposed to stay in the gut can make their way into the bloodstream which can lead to inflammation in the body. This has been linked to a number of autoimmune diseases.

Source: Alessio Fasano, et al., “Effect of Gliadin on Permeability of Intestinal Biopsy Explants from Celiac Disease Patients and Patients with Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity” Nutrients 7, no. 3 (2015) : 1567-76
Also see: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25734566

Fact four: Migraine Headaches can be a symptom of Gluten Sensitivity

As earlier mentioned, gluten sensitivity symptoms are not just confined to the Gut. Dr. Marios Hadjivassiliou did studies on the brain, headaches and a gluten-free diet and had extraordinary results with the complete resolution of headaches in patients that had a gluten sensitivity and maintained a gluten-free diet.

Sources:
Marios Hadjivassiliou, et al., “Does Cryptic Gluten Sensitivity Play a Part in Neurological Illness?” Lancet 347, no. 8998 (February 10, 1996): 369-71.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8598704
Marios Hadjivassiliou, et al., “Gluten Sensitivity As a Neurological Illness,” Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry 72 no.5 (May 2002): 560-63 https://jnnp.bmj.com/content/72/5/560#

Fact five: Certified Gluten Free does not mean “Healthy”

It is both fortunate and unfortunate that many companies have jumped on the gluten free train. When I have failed to prepare properly and we need a quick snack for our toddler on the go I am happy to be able to go to the store and find that Gluten Free label. Companies however have taken advantage of the average consumer. Though gluten free products don’t contain gluten, they are typically packed with preservatives, trans fats and other substances that can lead to an unhealthy gut and inflammation. If you are looking to quickly reduce your symptoms, it may be best to avoid these gluten alternatives as an every day item and enjoy them only on occasion.

Next week on the Blog: Exactly what is “Gluten Sensitivity” and what causes it?

Check back with us next week as we continue with a deeper into the science of Gluten Sensitivity. We will discuss theories on why it has become more prevalent and tips on avoid it.
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by Anna Morris

About the Author
Anna Morris is a CTNC, Personal Trainer, has a BBA in Sales and Marketing and is the founder and owner of Morris Success and Fitness, LLC. Her life revolves around God, her Husband Kurtis and her two Boys, Waylon and Rowan. In addition to God, family and friends, her passions include: nutrition, cooking, developing routines, mobility training, soccer, running, and camping, Her mission is to spread the knowledge that God has given her to help 2,000 individuals define and achieve their personal vision for success and fitness in the next decade.

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