Psycho-Babble Alternative Thread 1104303

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Celiac,gluten,depression,weight loss correlation?

Posted by mtom on May 6, 2019, at 18:36:48

Long, sorry: I've read celiac can be associated with depression and weight loss. In recent years, non-celiac gluten intolerance is much talked about and some also associate this with depression & other psychological disorders.

I've had depression to varying degrees for many years. I also have Lupus, an autoimmune disease which has been correlated to depression. Also diagnosed with osteoporosis in my 40's, which also associated with Celiac and Lupus.

I've tested negative 3 times for Celiac.

About 4 years ago I decided to try Gluten Free for a couple of months anyway. I was feeling only moderate depression at the time, can't say it improved, but my digestive system felt better. And I started losing weight - OK because I was a few pounds overweight. But I went back on gluten and my depression got worse and I kept losing weight, a lot of weight.

Have had lots of tests - Thyroid, Glucose Challenge, lots other Blood Tests, CT Scan, Rheumatology panel - found nothing to account for weight loss and depression (my last Lupus tests actually looked fairly good, although they go up and down over time & don't always correlate to symptoms). But my Rheumatologist doesn't think Lupus is the culprit behind weight loss & depression. My GP can only come up with Depression and she thinks maybe the Lupus is contributing. Depression did start concurrent with Lupus, but was mild to moderate initially and no weight loss for many years, only happened when I did gluten-free, and then my depression worsened after I went back on Gluten (and again weight loss continued). Have tried gluten free since - no change in weight or mood.

I recently spoke to someone who tested negative for Celiac 4 times, then got a Celiac rash - did a gluten challenge (i.e. 6 weeks lots of Gluten) and after that her Celiac test came back positive! Also was confirmed by Biopsy. Don't know if depression was one of her symptoms (we chatted only briefly).

Interested in experiences with either celiac or gluten sensitivity and symptoms including unexplained weight loss and depression.

 

Re: Celiac,gluten,depression,weight loss correlation?

Posted by Hugh on May 9, 2019, at 15:38:39

In reply to Celiac,gluten,depression,weight loss correlation?, posted by mtom on May 6, 2019, at 18:36:48

I've tried a gluten-free diet, and didn't notice any benefit. I have a friend who tested negative for celiac, but she says that going gluten-free has changed her life.

I had an ALCAT food sensitivities test done.

https://cellsciencesystems.com/patients/alcat-test/

It tests for gluten sensitivity, and numerous other foods. Many of the foods I tested sensitive for I already knew about, and many of the foods I tested sensitive for I didn't know about.

I just ordered Restore, a mineral supplement for gut health. It's supposed to help leaky gut and food sensitivities, including gluten.

https://www.amazon.com/RESTORE-Terrahydrite-Substances-Complexes-Environmental/dp/B01DVACBIO?th=1

 

My Dr agrees celiac tests can be false negatives..

Posted by mtom on May 9, 2019, at 18:57:19

In reply to Re: Celiac,gluten,depression,weight loss correlation?, posted by Hugh on May 9, 2019, at 15:38:39

Thanks Hugh. My GP and Rheumatology specialist, do not believe that there are gluten "sensitivity" tests that work, a sentiment that I've also read from other doctors online, although some disagree (especially those who promote themselves as Functional Medicine specialists - and they often recommend thousands of dollars of tests and treatment protocols). Leaky Gut is big with such practitioners also, I've seen Naturopaths who push elimination diets such as FODMAPS and Paleo. But real evidence that these are helpful seems to be anecdotal at best.

However, my GP did confirm that someone can test negative for Celiac, repeatedly, and still have it - just like my acquaintance. There is a genetic test that tests for the 2 genes most often associated with Celiac - HLA DQ2 and DQ8 - and she believes this is a better test than the blood test.

My friend did not do these tests. However after testing negative 4 times over many years (despite symptoms), she developed a Celiac rash. She then did a Gluten challenge - eating "lots" of bread and gluten containing foods for 6 weeks then retesting with the standard blood tests - and this time was positive! It was subsequently confirmed by biopsy.

I have noticed that when I've tried gluten-free for a few weeks, my moderate but often uncomfortable gastrointestinal symptoms improve. However I have not noticed other improvements, but a few weeks may not be long enough. It's difficult to avoid gluten especially on social occasions or eating in restaurants.

I know a couple of people with confirmed Celiac who bring their own food when invited to someone's home for dinner. This is understandable with confirmed Celiac, but seems a bit wacky to others when someone is just self-experimenting. As well as being a huge hassle.


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