Your Brain On Your Brain On... Gluten
May 1, 2025
Dr. Alessio Fasano, a leading pediatric gastroenterologist, and Dr. Frank Cusimano, a respected gut-brain health communicator, unravel the mysteries of gluten in this insightful discussion. They explain the differences between celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, and wheat allergies. The duo delves into how gluten impacts gut health and neurological issues like brain fog. They caution against unnecessary gluten elimination diets and emphasize the significance of fiber for a healthy microbiome. A fascinating look at the connections between gluten and overall brain function!
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Gluten Ataxia Case
- A woman in her 40s experienced severe balance issues and was diagnosed with gluten ataxia caused by celiac disease without gastrointestinal symptoms.
- After cutting out gluten, her neurological symptoms improved significantly within a few months with therapy support.
Gluten and Celiac Disease Explained
- Gluten is a composite of proteins, mainly gliadin and glutenin, that form an elastic network in dough, essential for bread structure.
- In celiac disease, gluten triggers an autoimmune response damaging small intestine villi, causing gastrointestinal and systemic symptoms.
Caution on Unnecessary Gluten Avoidance
- Avoid cutting out gluten unnecessarily as gluten itself is nutritionally neutral but removing gluten-containing grains reduces essential fiber and nutrients.
- Gluten-free diets should be supervised by knowledgeable dietitians to prevent nutritional deficiencies and maintain a healthy microbiome.