Going gluten-free may have more health benefits than you might think.
- A Gluten-Free Diet May Also Help With Mental Health | (310) 322–7357
Going Gluten-Free: Improved Cognitive Function?
In our last article, we covered the possibility that going gluten-free may have health benefits such as improved cognitive function. A recent study involving patients who were diagnosed with celiac disease but who had not switched to a gluten-free diet.
The patients in the study had not added items such as gluten-free bread crumbs or other similar products. They followed the diet for a full year and when the diet study had been concluded, the findings showed a significant improvement between the study participants in cognitive function. This study backs up the idea that there is a correlation between elevated biological brain fog and celiac disease.
The patients in the study had not added items such as gluten-free bread crumbs or other similar products. They followed the diet for a full year and when the diet study had been concluded, the findings showed a significant improvement between the study participants in cognitive function. This study backs up the idea that there is a correlation between elevated biological brain fog and celiac disease.
As to why celiac disease is a contributing factor towards decreased cognitive function is open to debate. One theory, however, is malnutrition and a lack of folate, iron, and other nutrients which reduce chronic inflammation in the intestinal wall. Another surprising benefit concerning foods such as gluten-free bread crumbs is the ability to combat depression.
Gluten-Free Bread Crumbs and Fighting Depression
In another study, study participants without any form of gluten sensitivity were studied to see the effects of a gluten-free diet. After a three day period, the study participants were put on another diet until three more days concluded. Each of the participants were studied for mental state, and to see if there were any signs of cortisol, which is a stress-related hormone.
The study participants who were assigned to have a gluten-free diet were found to have reduced levels of cortisol and much lower percentages of depression symptoms. Further study may be necessary, however, if these findings stay true, then there may be even more benefits to going gluten-free, namely better mental health.
Going gluten-free is not for everyone. Make sure that you schedule an appointment with a doctor to see if switching to a gluten-free diet is the right choice for you. If it is, make sure that you make the switch with the right support in place. Join a celiac support group, and make sure your friends and family know that you have to watch what you eat. Check your food labels carefully, because gluten turns up in a lot of places. And finally, buy the right foods for your new lifestyle, such as gluten-free bread crumbs.
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