Gluten sensitivity?
 

Hi folks. I've had problems with anxiety and random nerve pain throughout my body for 9-10 years. The pain is not constant, but is worse some days than others. I was tested for celiac by a gastroenterologist maybe 6-7 years ago but the result was negative. I was wondering how likely you think gluten sensitivity may be? Can it affect (only) the nervous system this way? Has anyone else had the same experience, or heard of someone who has?

There are some stickies at the top of this forum that are wonderful resources. Look at this one: http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread1872.html

And yes, I do know someone who has had random nerve pains and who has gluten sensitivity, but it may be a secondary effect. For example inflammation in general can lead to arthritic degeneration leading to nerve pain from impingement on spinal nerves. I know the person went to an orthopedist and now uses chiropractic and massage therapy and sees a rheumatologist, and an integrative MD, and is now on supplements to help with the inflammatory condition.

Then, there is also the possibility that there are vitamin/mineral insufficiencies, so those should be looked into as well.

There is at least some evidence--
 

--that in some cases of celiac, and even more of gluten sensitivity, the presenting symptoms may be neurological rather than gastrointestinal. Often, such people have an isolated abnormal level of IgG anti-gliadin antibodies without abnormal levels of anti-transglutaminase antibodies (the latter are more closely associated with the intestinal damage of frank celiac sprue). And, malabsorption of nutrients can lead to neurological symptoms as well.

The researcher who has done the most work in this area is Dr. Hadjivassiliou; much of his work and discussion can be found through links in The Gluten File, which can be accessed through the Useful Websites area at the top of this board.

Thanks everyone. I've been on gluten-free diet for 7 days, is it too late to have the IgG anti-gliadin antibody test?

It's not too late right now, but you would have to be tested quickly or go back on gluten until tested. Well, the Igg level will not change that quickly, sometimes it takes over a year for those levels to go down.

I have gluten intolerance, along with PN, leaky gut, fibromyalgia, candida issues....and yes, I do truly believe that going gluten free would help so many people. Gluten attacks our brains, our nerves, our muscles, everything and anything it wants.

One thing you can also do for leaky gut issues...

Try Kefir. The Lifeway Kefir has 12 probiotics and is wonderful...and gluten free right on the label.

I just have 4 ounces a day now and really it has helped my GI issues tremendously! I think many gluten intolerant people get inflammatory issues in the intestines which cause malabsorption of nutrients. The Kefir may help heal you up as you do the gluten free diet.

http://www.lifeway.net/

:(I can't have dairy and haven't found a dairy free kefir. I did find someone that grows the kefir on goats milk and I'm guessing you could use that on almond milk, then grow your own culture on almond milk leading it to be dairy free in time.