During the past two decades, gluten sensitivity and Coeliac Disease (CD) have been recognised as multi-system autoimmune disorders with researchers and clinicians noting extra-intestinal manifestations linked to CD.
So what does this mean?
Psychiatric symptoms can be common complications manifesting for patients with undiagnosed CD. Interestingly, as many as 57% of the people with neurological dysfunction of unknown origin test positive for antibodies to gluten’s wheat fraction gliadin.
It is well known that many inflammatory and autoimmune disorders may trigger clinical depression. The aetiologies of inflammation, dysbiosis and malabsorption are the key contributing factors to the pathogenesis of extra-intestinal problems.
Research also highlights that up to 22% of patients with CD develop neurological or psychiatric dysfunction including anxiety disorders, depression, ADHD, Autism spectrum disorders, schizophrenia and dementia.
Ninety-six percent of CD patients presenting with neurological and behavioural problems present with glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) antibodies. GAD is involved in neurotransmitter production and therefore contributes to anxiety and behavioural disorders.
These anti-GAD antibodies have also been identified in autoimmune thyroiditis, type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.
In summary
Overall health is rooted in your digestive system. If the gut is not functioning properly – whether it be a gluten intolerance, inflammation, dysbiosis or other imbalance – the health of your whole body may be compromised.
For an individualised assessment of your digestive health, contact True Medicine on 07 5530 1863.