I’m just back from a great few days at THE best nutrition conference – the annual conference of the National Association of Nutrition Professionals http://www.nanp.org/conference/speakers-sessions/
Dr. Tom O’ Bryan, DC, an expert on gluten, presented the following in his very interesting talk:
- “One particularly detrimental consequence of increased intestinal permeability” (or leaky gut) caused by gluten sensitivity or celiac disease “is the translocation of bacteria (e.g., E. Coli) and bacterial products (lipopolysaccharides or LPS) also known as endotoxin which creates a proinflammatory environment and increases the oxidative stress burden in the enteric nervous system”
- “Even minute doses of microbes within the gastrointestinal tract, levels that do not trigger an immune response, are capable of influencing neurotransmission in the paraventricular hypothalamus, the central nucleus of the amygdala and the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis. All three of these regions are involved in the processing of emotions related to anxiety and mood.”
- “It is suggested that patients with” depression “should be checked for leaky gut by means of the IgM and IgA panel used in the present study and accordingly should be treated for leaky gut”.
In summary, gluten sensitivity or celiac disease can lead to leaky gut which can in turn allow endotoxins called lipopolysaccharides/LPS to relocate into the blood stream. This causes inflammation, oxidative damage, neurotransmitter deficiencies and depression and anxiety.
The study above, refers to depression, however, research also shows that LPS plays a role in stress and anxiety too.
Dr. O’Bryan also discussed the role that LPS plays in rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune and musculoskeletal disorders.
Dr. O’Bryan recommends IgG food intolerance testing to identify leaky gut (if you show up with food intolerances to many foods then leaky gut may be an issue) and then to first heal the gut.
These foods will need to be eliminated for at least 3 months and then added back slowly and one at a time. Many people are surprised to find out that they have issues with seemingly healthy foods like salmon, green beans, peas, strawberries, almonds etc. Of course, eliminating gluten goes without saying. This is the approach that I use with my clients and is part of the holistic approach that must be used when someone has any mood or physical health problem.
He also talked about LPS antibody testing from Cyrex labs and I look forward to learning more about this.
It was a really great conference, with locally sourced gluten-free meals included in registration! I am gluten-sensitive and it was such a pleasant change to be able to attend a conference and know that what I’m eating won’t affect me!
All the presentations were recorded and will be available for purchase from NANP next month.
Very interesting to see that LPS may play a role in rheumatoid arthritis. I follow an anti-inflammatory diet so I don’t eat gluten. I think food plays such an enormous role in our health and well-being. Thank you for sharing, Trudy.
Tiffany
Many of my clients are doing so much better on a gluten-free diet and see reduced inflammation. But do keep in mind that foods other than gluten may cause inflammation if leaky gut is the issue. Because of gaps in the gut lining, proteins from the foods get into the blood and antibodies are created
Trudy
What we know for sure about medicine is so small compared to what is yet unknown. For that reason, I love reading your posts – I always learn more. 🙂
Yes Sue, so much to learn! This is why I love attending these conferences – so I can keep up to date with the latest food, clinical, research and testing information
I agree with what Sue said… so interesting to learn more and more about how our bodies work! Thanks! Love, Katherine.
This was a great seminar and really highlighted how it’s not just those with celiac who can be affected by gluten. It’s so pervasive really and yet so misunderstood in how it affects our health. Great summary, thanks for sharing!
If I’m completely gluten free and eat in a restaurant that may serve me some cross contaminated food, and DON’T feel any symptoms, can a small amount like that cause a leak? And you’ve also spoken about enzymes you can take if you know you’re going to eat gluten. Have you ever written an article on those? (I swear I’m not slipping back into cupcakes, but I’m dying for a piece of my friend’s pizza 🙂 )
Hi Jessica
We are all affected differently and yes even a small amount may have subtle effects you may not notice right away. Also remember that gluten can also affect us mood-wise so any anxiety/panic or depression may be related to gluten consumption or other food intolerances or LPS if you do have a leaky gut.
If you have an autoimmune condition I would stay off gluten entirely. There are many restaurants that are now aware of gluten and have gluten-free sections in their kitchens. I encourage you to seek them out and call ahead.
The enzyme DPP-IV (dipeptidyl peptidase IV) helps to break proline-containing peptides (casomorphin, gluteomorphin and gliadomorphin) from dairy products and cereal grains. I recommend it to protect against accidental exposure, especially when eating out.
Trudy
Jessica – Only one piece of pizza?
Trudy – Your articles are always so informative and helpful!
Trudy – you continue to amaze me with information on the correlation between food and our mental/physical health. These lessons you share highlight how important it is to understand how our body reacts to certain foods and ingredients. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Dr. O’Bryan, I am glad I came across your website. I recently had some blood work done, I had an elevated IgA at 686 and IgM at 278. I have had constant bouts of constipation, gas, bloating for years now. I have stopped eating gluten for a week now and still have some gas but not as much as before. I have read things like IgA and IgM also being high due to Multiple Mylenoma,etc and wanted to get your insight. My primary doctor referred me to hematologist. As you can imagine I am a bit stressed. Thank you for your response.
Hi Rosie
This is not Dr O’Bryan’s site but mine – he was a guest on my Anxiety Summit, hence this blog. I would suggest contacting him via his site http://thedr.com/ as I don’t know much about Multiple Myeloma. I do see there is some research showing a gluten connection http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19480718
Trudy