Having a gluten-free diet has become a well-established dietary trend. But not everyone suffers from the genetic autoimmune disease called celiac disease. It’s estimated that around 1 percent of Americans suffer from celiac disease, which is commonly known for its gastrointestinal symptoms, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation.
Recent studies have also shown that beyond stomach issues, there is a connection between mental health issues and celiac disease and gluten intolerance.
Prior to diagnosis, those with celiac disease often report numerous mental health concerns. Similarly, those with gluten intolerance – also referred to as non-celiac gluten sensitivity – can suffer similar symptoms.
Gluten and Celiac Disease
Gluten is a naturally occurring protein that’s found in several foods, particularly wheat, barley, and rye. Though it is often assumed that gluten is unhealthy and should be avoided, that’s not entirely the case for most individuals and depends highly on the person in question.
