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
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):

  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      133,243
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Maya Baum
    Newest Member
    Maya Baum
    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

    • knitty kitty
      Accuracy of testing concerns

      By knitty kitty · Posted

      Welcome to the forum, @McKinleyWY, For a genetic test, you don't have to eat gluten, but this will only show if you have the genes necessary for the development of Celiac disease.  It will not show if you have active Celiac disease.   Eating gluten stimulates the production of antibodies against gluten which mistakenly attack our own bodies.  The antibodies are produced in the small intestines.  Three grams of gluten are enough to make you feel sick and ramp up anti-gluten antibody production and inflammation for two years afterwards.  However, TEN grams of gluten or more per day for two weeks is required to stimulate anti-gluten antibodies' production enough so that the anti-gluten antibodies move out of the intestines and into the bloodstream where they can be measured in blood tests.  This level of anti-gluten antibodies also causes measurable damage to the lining of the intestines as seen on biopsy samples taken during an endoscopy (the "gold standard" of Celiac diagnosis).   Since you have been experimenting with whole wheat bread in the past year or so, possibly getting cross contaminated in a mixed household, and your immune system is still so sensitized to gluten consumption, you may want to go ahead with the gluten challenge.   It can take two years absolutely gluten free for the immune system to quit reacting to gluten exposure.   Avoiding gluten most if the time, but then experimenting with whole wheat bread is a great way to keep your body in a state of inflammation and illness.  A diagnosis would help you stop playing Russian roulette with your and your children's health.      
    • trents
      Accuracy of testing concerns

      By trents · Posted

      Welcome to the celiac.com community, @McKinleyWY! There currently is no testing for celiac disease that does not require you to have been consuming generous amounts of gluten (at least 10g daily, about the amount in 4-6 slices of wheat bread) for at least two weeks and, to be certain of accurate testing, longer than that. This applies to both phases of testing, the blood antibody tests and the endoscopy with biopsy.  There is the option of genetic testing to see if you have one or both of the two genes known to provide the potential to develop celiac disease. It is not really a diagnostic measure, however, as 30-40% of the general population has one or both of these genes whereas only about 1% of the general population actually develops celiac disease. But genetic testing is valuable as a rule out measure. If you don't have either of the genes, it is highly unlikely that you can have celiac disease. Having said all that, even if you don't have celiac disease you can have NCGS (Non Celiac Gluten Sensitivity) which shares many of the same symptoms as celiac disease but does not involve and autoimmune reaction that damages the lining of the small bowel as does celiac disease. Both conditions call for the complete elimination of gluten from the diet. I hope this brings some clarity to your questions.
    • McKinleyWY
      Accuracy of testing concerns

      By McKinleyWY · Posted

      Hello all, I was diagnosed at the age of 2 as being allergic to yeast.  All my life I have avoided bread and most products containing enriched flour as they  contain yeast (when making the man made vitamins to add back in to the flour).  Within the last year or so, we discovered that even whole wheat products bother me but strangely enough I can eat gluten free bread with yeast and have no reactions.  Obviously, we have come to believe the issue is gluten not yeast.  Times continues to reinforce this as we are transitioning to a gluten free home and family.  I become quite ill when I consume even the smallest amount of gluten. How will my not having consumed breads/yeast/gluten for the better part of decades impact a biopsy or blood work?  I would love to know if it is a gluten intolerance or a genetic issue for family members but unsure of the results given my history of limited gluten intake.   I appreciate the input from those who have gone before me in experience and knowledge. Thank you all!
    • trents
      A little about me and my celiac disease

      By trents · Posted

      I know what you mean. When I get glutened I have severe gut cramps and throw up for 2-3 hr. and then have diarrhea for another several hours. Avoid eating out if at all possible. It is the number one source of gluten contamination for us celiacs. When you are forced to eat out at a new restaurant that you are not sure is safe, try to order things that you can be sure will not get cross contaminated like a boiled egg, baked potatos, steamed vegies, fresh fruit. Yes, I know that doesn't sound as appetizing as pizza or a burger and fries but your health is at stake. I also realize that as a 14 year old you don't have a lot of control over where you eat out because you are tagging along with others or adults are paying for it. Do you have support from your parents concerning your need to eat gluten free? Do you believe they have a good understanding of the many places gluten can show up in the food supply?
    • Peace lily
      Gluten Free Coffee

      By Peace lily · Posted

      Okay went online to check green mountain k cups .It was said that the regular coffees are fine but they couldn’t guarantee cross contamination.with the flavors. im trying to figure out since I eliminated the suyrup so far so good. I’m hoping. thanks it feels good to listen to other people there views.
×
×
  • 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.