Leaky Barriers Most people have heard of Leaky Gut, but what about Leaky Brain Syndrome. Depression. Unfortunately, many are unaware of the connection between gluten and depression. Part of this connection has to do with the role gluten plays in causing intestinal permeability (Leaky Gut). Gluten can impact on the microbiome (good bacteria in the gut). Studies have shown that gluten can alter the normal bacterial flora, and in doing so set the stage for decreased levels of regulatory gut bacteria, and increased levels of bacteria that contribute to inflammation. When you combine leaky gut with altered bacteria, you get an increased presence of bacteria and their by products in the blood. One type of bacterial byproduct is LPS (lipopolysaccharide). Studies have shown that when this happens, the immune system will produce inflammation trying to combat the presence of these translocated bacteria. This increase inflammation has been shown to alter the function of the brain, and a side effect of this is DEPRESSION. New research has shown that patients with gluten and dairy reactions have the antibodies showing up in their cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This is an indicator that a disruption in the blood brain barrier is present (i.e. Leaky Brain). Why is this so abnormal? The blood brain barrier (BBB) is supposed to protect the brain from elements in the blood stream that could create potential harm. This includes antibodies, inflammatory compounds, infections… If this barrier becomes leaky, it opens up the potential for a number of health problems. Some of the most common include autoimmune diseases that impact the central nervous system, examples include: Migraine headaches Multiple Sclerosis Schizophrenia Bipolar disease Seizure disorders Facial Palsies (i.e Bell’s) Neuropathy Nerve pain syndromes Depression ADD/ADHD Autism and other developmental disease Ref: Written by Dr. Osborne, Gluten free society. glutenfreesociety.org/gluten-free-society-blog/gluten-leaky-brain-the-connection-to-depression/ Sharons comment: There are no tests that are accurate for gluten sensitivity. The best way to determine if you have a problem is to stop eating gluten products for one month then reintroduce gluten. If you have a reaction you have a problem. As gluten sensitivity is an autoimmune reaction not one breadcrumb can be eaten on the trial. Many people who are gluten free find they also have reactions to dairy.
Posted on: Thu, 15 Jan 2015 02:23:29 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015