Jump to content

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Energy rush/happiness as a 'symptom'...

DandelionH

Recommended Posts

DandelionH Apprentice
DandelionH
Posted

Hi... so... this is going to sound weird... and admittedly it's probably not 'gluten' per se but ... I was miserable for decades and have had a better year  (or rather, the year has been the same as many but my baseline emotions are just happier and less moody. Nutrition is such a good thing!)  following diagnosis so I wouldn't say gluten was making me happy back then. But. Now.
Whenever I get glutened... it does?
Does that mean my diagnosis could be wrong and I'm 'meant' to eat it? Or something?
The diagnosis is under fire because the doctor who did my blood tests a year ago (because of symptoms and malnutrition and a mother and grandmother with it)  'might' have mixed them up so I started a gluten challenge (again!) 2 days ago and expected to feel wiped out. But I didn't. A few weird body things happened but mentally I had this rush of energy and happiness. I know that sounds like it could be a 'yay maybe I'm NOT Coeliac?!' thing but I have actually loved the foods and lifestyle I've found since diagnosis and would have no problem continuing (other than being keen to make a vegetarian lifestyle I abandoned at least temporarily, more doable again. THAT is more exciting than eating wheat would be. And realising how excited I was about that has made me keen to try it even gluten-free).
It didn't feel like 'happiness' per se. But more like... I don't know what. I didn't sleep. I couldn't sleep. I never used to sleep and about 6 months ago for the first time in my life I started sleeping 8 or 9 hours. Last night I was perfectly content and tired etc. but just... didn't sleep.
I'll see how the stomach stuff progresses (really not that bad! I used to have horrible pains all the time etc. but this isn't that! Just...loose...bowels. So far, anyway...) and continue the challenge and such of course and get my bloods done AGAIN for antibodies but I'm just curious after reading so much flatness and apathy and sadness and anger described as symptoms, whether anyone gets some kind of adrenaline rush or something when they're glutened? Or it was unrelated. I've had this happen before when I ate it by accident, too?
 

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


Jmg Mentor
Jmg
Posted
15 hours ago, DandelionH said:

 I wouldn't say gluten was making me happy back then. But. Now.
Whenever I get glutened... it does?
Does that mean my diagnosis could be wrong and I'm 'meant' to eat it? Or something? 

No I don't believe so, perhaps quite the reverse. I nearly said this on the other thread we talked on, when you mentioned how delighted you were you could eat wheat protein.  Google gluten opiod and have a quick look here and elsewhere about the odd ways gluten can interact with the brain...

Disclaimer: speculation follows...

I think for some of us gluten has an addictive quality, a lot of celiacs and gluten intolerants craved it before going gluten-free, I know I did. I think the fact the food is giving you this intense reaction is a pretty good signifier that it has an unusual hold over you. In itself that to me seems like a warning sign? It's speculation on my part. But for many it seems kicking gluten is a bit like kicking a drug habit, perhaps because its hitting the same pleasure receptors in the brain? 

To be honest with a grandmother and mother with coeliac plus what you've written here it seems like the diagnosis was spot on, or if it wasn't you're still someone who may be better off avoiding it? 

 

DandelionH Apprentice
DandelionH
Posted
  • Author

Wow, JMG. That is such useful information! I hadn't thought about or Googled anything along those lines but that's exactly what it (has always) felt like.

It looks (from what I've just read elsewhere thanks to your post) like something not thoroughly researched and perhaps a bit of a myth but so many things start that way before solid research confirms them...
(Or do you have research you can link me to? I just like learning...).
So it held that quality for you too? That's fascinating! Also wondering now whether the binge-eating I used to do as a teenager for a very long time is related... I got it under control but through sheer willpower (and stomach pain) and the urge to do so went away completely went I went gluten-free but I attributed that to food that 'wasn't as good' except that it is (it's actually better because I cook more and have learned about a broader range of foods)! Oh wow...

Thanks also for the opinion on the diagnosis. I've been so confused for about 3 days but I think... I think you're right. And that I'll follow up the gene and antibodies positives with a 'gold standard diagnosis' endoscopy but not right now because I'm about to travel a bit and whilst I don't want to limit my life unnecessarily or for longer than I have to (and travelling with wheat is so much easier!) I also feel like I've spent enough of it missing out on things because I was sick.

One of the best things about going gluten-free has actually been my ability to digest other things, now.
The idea of travelling and suddenly struggling with fats, vegetables, fish, everything all over again is highly unfun...
So the challenge-round-2 waits rather than being a gung-ho blitz after an unpleasant but not unpleasant reaction the other day.
Thankyou!
 

Jmg Mentor
Jmg
Posted
20 hours ago, DandelionH said:

 
It looks (from what I've just read elsewhere thanks to your post) like something not thoroughly researched and perhaps a bit of a myth but so many things start that way before solid research confirms them...
(Or do you have research you can link me to? I just like learning...). 
 

No I agree with you, it's sketchy, hence the disclaimer in the previous post. There's a couple of papers that show up via google and this was interesting:

Open Original Shared Link

but there's no smoking gun and given my experience I always have to guard against seeing gluten as the root of all evil. (There it is in Texas behind the grassy knoll etc... :D). The 'Wheat Belly' guy always strikes me as teetering on the verge of this. Anyway, my 'evidence' is more anecdotal, based on my own experience and observation. To be taken with a pinch of salt no doubt!

There is of course other ways in which celiac may affect mindstate, if you google leaky gut there's a theory that increased permeability in the gut due to gluten intolerance allows amino acids from there into the bloodstream. They could impact on brain function, typically to cause depression if were tryptophan, but perhaps other substances would have different effects which might explain the high?  If you want to read up more Alessio Fassano is a recognised authority and he has a good video online. 

Enjoy the carefree travelling, that's something I miss an awful lot. I hope when you return you get the answers you need. All the best :)

 

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Join eNewsletter
    Donate
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):



    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):



  • Recent Activity

    1. suek54
      - suek54 replied to suek54's topic in Dermatitis Herpetiformis
      5

      Awaiting dermatitis herpetiformis confirmation following biopsy

      Thank you all for your advice and the dermatitis herpetiformis article. The latter made me realise I had stopped taking my antihistamine, which I will restart today. The Dapsone has cleared the rash entirely but I still get quite a bit itching, absolutely nothing to see though. I know its notoriously hard to clear and its still relatively early days for me...
    2. trents
      - trents replied to catnapt's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      3

      how much gluten do I need to eat before blood tests?

      So, essentially all of the nutrition in the food we eat is absorbed through the villous lining of the small bowel. This is the section of the intestinal track that is damaged by celiac disease. This villous lining is composed of billions of finger-like projections that create a huge amount of surface area for absorbing nutrients. For the celiac person, when...
    3. catnapt
      - catnapt replied to catnapt's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      3

      how much gluten do I need to eat before blood tests?

      thank you so much for your detailed and extremely helpful reply!! I can say with absolute certainty that the less gluten containing products I've eaten over the past several years, the better I've felt. I wasn't avoiding gluten, I was avoiding refined grains (and most processed foods) as well as anything that made me feel bad when I ate it. It's the...
    4. trents
      - trents replied to catnapt's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      3

      how much gluten do I need to eat before blood tests?

      Welcome, @catnapt! The most recent guidelines are the daily consumption of a minimum of 10g of gluten (about the amount found in 4-6 slices of wheat bread) for a minimum of two weeks. But if possible stretching that out even more would enhance the chances of getting valid test results. These guidelines are for those who have been eating gluten free for...
    5. catnapt
      - catnapt posted a topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      3

      how much gluten do I need to eat before blood tests?

      after several years of issues with a para-gland issue, my endo has decided it's a good idea for me to be tested for celiac disease. I am 70 yrs old and stunned to learn that you can get celiac this late in life. I have just gradually stopped eating most foods that contain gluten over the past several years- they just make me feel ill- although I...
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):

  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      133,257
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    KariNoMoreGluten
    Newest Member
    KariNoMoreGluten
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.6k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):

  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • suek54
      Awaiting dermatitis herpetiformis confirmation following biopsy

      By suek54 · Posted

      Thank you all for your advice and the dermatitis herpetiformis article. The latter made me realise I had stopped taking my antihistamine, which I will restart today. The Dapsone has cleared the rash entirely but I still get quite a bit itching, absolutely nothing to see though. I know its notoriously hard to clear and its still relatively early days for me.  The iodine issue is very interesting. I do eat quite a bit of salt because I have Addison's disease and sodium retention is an issue. I also have autoimmune hypothyroidism, not sure how a low iodine diet would play into that? Because of my Addison's I am totally steroid dependent, I take steroids 4 x daily and cannot mount any defence against inflammation. I need to increase my meds for that. Now that I know what is wrong I can do just that if Im having a bad day. Life is very sweet, just so damn complicated sometimes! Hey ho, onwards. Thank you again for your advice.  
    • trents
      how much gluten do I need to eat before blood tests?

      By trents · Posted

      So, essentially all of the nutrition in the food we eat is absorbed through the villous lining of the small bowel. This is the section of the intestinal track that is damaged by celiac disease. This villous lining is composed of billions of finger-like projections that create a huge amount of surface area for absorbing nutrients. For the celiac person, when gluten is consumed, it triggers an autoimmune reaction in this area which, of course, generates inflammation. The antibodies connected with this inflammation is what the celiac blood tests are designed to detect but this inflammation, over time, wears down the finger-like projections of the villous lining. Of course, when this proceeds for an extended period of time, greatly reduces the absorption efficiency of the villous lining and often results in many and various nutrient deficiency-related health issues. Classic examples would be osteoporosis and iron deficiency. But there are many more. Low D3 levels is a well-known celiac-caused nutritional deficiency. So is low B12. All the B vitamins in fact. Magnesium, zinc, etc.  Celiac disease can also cause liver inflammation. You mention elevated ALP levels. Elevated liver enzymes over a period of 13 years was what led to my celiac diagnosis. Within three months of going gluten free my liver enzymes normalized. I had elevated AST and ALT. The development of sensitivities to other food proteins is very common in the celiac population. Most common cross reactive foods are dairy and oats but eggs, soy and corn are also relatively common offenders. Lactose intolerance is also common in the celiac population because of damage to the SB lining.  Eggs when they are scrambled or fried give me a gut ache. But when I poach them, they do not. The steam and heat of poaching causes a hydrolysis process that alters the protein in the egg. They don't bother me in baked goods either so I assume the same process is at work. I bought a plastic poacher on Amazon to make poaching very easy. All this to say that many of the issues you describe could be caused by celiac disease. 
    • catnapt
      how much gluten do I need to eat before blood tests?

      By catnapt · Posted

      thank you so much for your detailed and extremely helpful reply!! I can say with absolute certainty that the less gluten containing products I've eaten over the past several years, the better I've felt.   I wasn't avoiding gluten, I was avoiding refined grains (and most processed foods) as well as anything that made me feel bad when I ate it. It's the same reason I gave up dairy and eggs- they make me feel ill.  I do have a bit of a sugar addiction lol so a lot of times I wasn't sure if it was the refined grains that I was eating - or the sugar. So from time to time I might have a cookie or something but I've learned how to make wonderful cookies and golden brownies with BEANS!! and no refined sugar - I use date paste instead. Pizza made me so ill- but I thought it was probably the cheese. I gave up pizza and haven't missed it. the one time I tried a slice I felt so bad I knew I'd never touch it again. I stopped eating wheat pasta at least 3 yrs ago- just didn't feel well after eating it. I tried chick pea pasta and a few others and discovered I like the brown rice pasta. I still don't eat a lot of pasta but it's nice for a change when I want something easy. TBH over the years I've wondered sometimes if I might be gluten intolerant but really believed it was not possible for me to have celiac disease. NOW I need to know for sure- because I'm in the middle of a long process of trying to find out why I have a high parathyroid level (NOT the thyroid- but rather the 4 glands that control the calcium balance in your body) I have had a hard time getting my vit D level up, my serum calcium has run on the low side of normal for many years... and now I am losing calcium from my bones and excreting it in my urine (some sort of renal calcium leak) Also have a high ALP since 2014. And now rapidly worsening bone density.  I still do not have a firm diagnosis. Could be secondary HPT (but secondary to what? we need to know) It could be early primary HPT. I am spilling calcium in my urine but is that caused by the high parathyroid hormone or is it the reason my PTH is high>? there are multiple feedback loops for this condition.    so I will keep eating the bread and some wheat germ that does not seem to bother me too much (it hasn't got enough gluten to use just wheat germ)    but I'm curious- if you don't have a strong reaction to a product- like me and wheat germ- does that mean it's ok to eat or is it still causing harm even if you don't have any obvious symptoms? I guess what you are saying about silent celiac makes it likely that you can have no symptoms and still have the harm... but geez! you'd think they'd come up with a way to test for this that didn't require you to consume something that makes you sick! I worry about the complications I've been reading about- different kinds of cancers etc. also wondering- are there degrees of celiac disease?  is there any correlation between symptoms and the amnt of damage to your intestines? I also need a firm diagnosis because I have an identical twin sister ... so if I have celiac, she has it too- or at least the genetic make up for having it. I did have a VERY major stress to my body in 2014-2016 time frame .. lost 50lbs in a short period of time and had severe symptoms from acute protracted withdrawal off an SSRI drug (that I'd been given an unethically high dose of, by a dr who has since lost his license)  Going off the drug was a good thing and in many ways my health improved dramatically- just losing 50lbs was helpful but I also went  off almost a dozen different medications, totally changed my diet and have been doing pretty well except for the past 3-4 yrs when the symptoms related to the parathyroid issue cropped up. It is likely that I had low vit D for some time and that caused me a lot of symptoms. The endo now tells me that low vit D can be caused by celiac disease so I need to know for sure! thank you for all that great and useful information!!! 
    • trents
      how much gluten do I need to eat before blood tests?

      By trents · Posted

      Welcome, @catnapt! The most recent guidelines are the daily consumption of a minimum of 10g of gluten (about the amount found in 4-6 slices of wheat bread) for a minimum of two weeks. But if possible stretching that out even more would enhance the chances of getting valid test results. These guidelines are for those who have been eating gluten free for a significant amount of time. It's called the "gluten challenge".  Yes, you can develop celiac disease at any stage of life. There is a genetic component but also a stress trigger that is needed to activate the celiac genes. About 30-40% of the general population possesses the genetic potential to develop celiac disease but only about 1% of the general population actually develop celiac disease. For most with the potential, the triggering stress event doesn't happen. It can be many things but often it is a viral infection. Having said that, it is also the case that many, many people who eventually are diagnosed with celiac disease probably experienced the actual onset years before. Many celiacs are of the "silent" type, meaning that symptoms are largely missing or very minor and get overlooked until damage to the small bowel lining becomes advanced or they develop iron deficiency anemia or some other medical problem associated with celiac disease. Many, many are never diagnosed or are diagnosed later in life because they did not experience classic symptoms. And many physicians are only looking for classic symptoms. We now know that there are over 200 symptoms/medical problems associated with celiac disease but many docs are only looking for things like boating, gas, diarrhea. I certainly understand your concerns about not wanting to damage your body by taking on a gluten challenge. Your other option is to totally commit to gluten free eating and see if your symptoms improve. It can take two years or more for complete healing of the small bowel lining once going gluten free but usually people experience significant improvement well before then. If their is significant improvement in your symptoms when going seriously gluten free, then you likely have your answer. You would either have celiac disease or NCGS (Non Celiac Gluten Sensitivity).
    • catnapt
      how much gluten do I need to eat before blood tests?

      By catnapt · Posted

      after several years of issues with a para-gland issue, my endo has decided it's a good idea for me to be tested for celiac disease. I am 70 yrs old and stunned to learn that you can get celiac this late in life. I have just gradually stopped eating most foods that contain gluten over the past several years- they just make me feel ill- although I attributed it to other things like bread spiking blood sugar- or to the things I ate *with* the bread or crackers etc   I went to a party in Nov and ate a LOT of a vegan roast made with vital wheat gluten- as well as stuffing, rolls and pie crust... and OMG I was so sick! the pain, the bloating, the gas, the nausea... I didn't think it would ever end (but it did) and I was ready to go the ER but it finally subsided.   I mentioned this to my endo and now she wants me to be tested for celiac after 2 weeks of being on gluten foods. She has kind of flip flopped on how much gluten I should eat, telling me that if the symptoms are severe I can stop. I am eating 2-3 thin slices of bread per day (or english muffins) and wow- it does make me feel awful. But not as bad as when I ate that massive amnt of vital wheat gluten. so I will continue on if I have to... but what bothers me is - if it IS celiac, it seems stupid for lack of a better word, to intentionally cause more damage to my body... but I am also worried, on the other hand, that this is not a long enough challenge to make the blood work results valid.   can you give me any insight into this please?   thank you
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.