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Hope Island, QLD, Australia


Gluten sensitivity and how it affects the brain


Gluten sensitivity is a term that is being heard more and more. But what exactly does it mean? And what are the implications of being sensitive to gluten?

Coeliac disease is the most commonly recognized condition associated with gluten. It is an autoimmune condition whereby gluten provokes an abnormal immune response, resulting in the body attacking and damaging the lining of the small intestine. This leads to the common digestive symptoms experienced. In addition to this, nutritional deficiencies, poor growth, weight loss and some neurological signs may also be seen.

Gluten sensitivity may involve different mechanisms to those involved in coeliac disease and may often present with more psychological or neurological symptoms. In fact, gluten sensitivity has been shown to be a common factor, in both children and adults, with conditions such as ADHD1, ASD1, seizures2depression3anxiety disorders4 and schizophrenia5. Gluten ataxia, an issue involving problems with co-ordination, speech and balance, is a neurological condition involving a reaction to gluten and is becoming more recognized6.

Gluten sensitivity, sometimes referred to as Non-coeliac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS), has been shown to be 6 times more prevalent than coeliac disease 7. Some may ask why the incidence of gluten sensitivity seems to be on the rise? This apparent rise in cases may be down to several factors including an increased awareness of the impact of gluten, grains containing higher gluten content or an increase in the consumption of gluten containing grains or products. Whatever the reason for the rise in cases, evidence is mounting on the impact of gluten on the brain.

How does gluten cause a problem?

Gluten containing grains such as wheat, rye, barley and spelt contain toxic protein fractions in the form of gliadins, glutenins and other proalmins. These toxic protein fractions have been shown to have wide ranging effects on the body and may disrupt normal gut balance8 and involve the immune system in susceptible people9. Although it is commonly the protein fractions that cause a reaction in sensitive individuals, it is possible to react to other components within gluten.

During digestion of gluten compounds such as gluteomorphins, also called gliadorphins, are released. These have an opioid like effect on the brain and have been linked to condition such as ASD10.

Immune involvement

The immune reaction to gluten may be complex and may, or may not, involve specific antibodies.In coeliac disease there may be several antibodies present including anti-endomysial antibodies (EMA), anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies (tTG),) or IgE mediated antibodies. In gluten sensitivity these antibodies may be absent and there is evidence to show an increase in anti-gliadin antibodies11. Antibodies to deamidated gliadin peptides can also be raised and testing for their presence may be particularly useful in young children12. It is thought that anti-gliadin antibodies could negatively affect a protein involved in neurotransmitter release, thereby directly interfering with neurotransmitters and potentially affecting psychological function13. Gliadin itself may activate the production of chemical messengers called cytokines, which are involved in the inflammatory response, setting the stage for an increased inflammatory response14. Links have been made to increased cytokine levels and the development of conditions like ADHD and ASD15.

Gut lining

One interesting finding by researchers is that the gut lining of those with gluten sensitivity may be distinctly different to those with coeliac disease. There does not always seem to be flattening of the villi on the gut lining and it is possible to have normal intestinal permeability16 and a healthy gut lining17 in cases of gluten sensitivity. Having said that, there is a high incidence of leaky gut in association with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, ASD and ADHD18.

An intact and healthy gut lining is essential to proper digestive health as well as in the prevention of immune problems.

Microbiome disruption

The microbiome are known to contribute to overall gut health and play a role in immune system functioning. Their link to good health is undisputed and a direct link between the gut and brain has been established. The microbiota can send signals to the brain via several mechanisms including activation of the vagal nerve and through hormones19.  An imbalance in the microbiome has been linked to several psychological issues including depression and anxiety20.

Both gluten and gliadin have been shown to disrupt the microbiome in susceptible individuals21. There is evidence to show that the use of probiotics, to restore balance in cases of dysbiosis, in ADHD and ASD gives improvements in symptoms22.

Risk factors – why are some people more susceptible?

Genetics – The link between coeliac disease and inherited DNA variations is well known and almost all celiacs have HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 haplotypes (A haplotype is a group of genes inherited together from a single parent). The incidence of these haplotypes in association with gluten sensitivity does exist but varies from 50%23-25 to 90%26

Microbiome transfer – Children are born with a sterile gut and are reliant upon maternal transfer of microbiota, through vaginal delivery and breast-feeding, to enable them to develop a healthy microbiome. Microbiota play a vital role in brain development and function and microbiome disruption at an early age may have long term consequences including increasing susceptibility to gluten sensitivity.

Toxic load – The accumulation of toxins within the body has been linked to hypersensitivity and an impaired tolerance of the immune system. One or more triggers, such as gluten, seem to provoke a reaction in those with a high toxic load27.  Inherited toxic load whilst in the womb may also be a factor in children who have developed gluten sensitivity.

Key points:

  • Gluten sensitivity is complex and can present with different signs to coeliac disease
  • Gluten sensitivity has been shown to be a common factor in ADHD, ASD, depression, anxiety and ataxia
  • Protein fractions in gluten may disrupt normal gut balance and involve the immune system
  • Morphine like compounds released during digestion of gluten have opioid like effects on the brain
  • Gut lining health and microbiota balance may play a key role in sensitivity to gluten
  • There is a genetic link to gluten sensitivity
  • High toxic load may impact on immune tolerance to gluten


Gluten free

Gluten poses risks for some children and adults and can have a large impact on brain functioning. It is clear that many people with gluten sensitivity get relief from many of their symptoms on a gluten free diet. For some the benefits are within a few days or weeks, for others it takes longer. It is also worth considering a probiotic supplement in order to restore any imbalances. If you are considering a gluten free diet or a probiotic it is always best to work with a well-trained and experienced practitioner. It may not always be necessary to eliminate all gluten from your diet, but rather simply wheat.

At True Medicine, we offer functional pathology testing to assess whether it is gluten that may be causing digestive problems or if there are other factors contributing to ill-health.  

Call 07 5530 1863 to arrange an appointment.  


Gluten can be a hazard and have a large impact on brain functioning. Avoiding gluten containing foods can dramatically reduce both psychological and neurological symptoms.



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