Practitioners around the country are continually astonished by the profound therapeutic effect of a strict gluten-free diet on neurological disorders (the key word is “strict”). Studies have found associations between gluten sensitivity and disorders in every major part of the nervous system, including the brain, the spinal cord, and the nerves that extend into the arms and feet.
Gluten sensitivity has been shown to be a significant trigger in psychiatric disorders, movement disorders, sensory ganglionapathy, ataxia, general neurological impairment, neuromyelitis, multiple sclerosis, neuropathy, myoclonus, apraxia, myopathy, neuromuscular disease, multiple systems atrophy, cerebellar disease, migraines, hearing loss, cognitive impairment, dementia, restless leg syndrome, and disorders in virtually almost every part of the nervous system evaluated.
1.The immune system mistakes nervous tissue for gluten
Three main mechanisms appear to cause gluten to assault the nervous system. The first is
related to cross-reactivity, a concept in immunology in which the immune system mistakes one
protein for another—it appears the protein structure of gluten is similar to protein structures in
the nervous system. When you are sensitive to gluten the immune system produces gluten
antibodies to tag it for destruction. However, because gluten is similar in structure to nervous
tissue, the immune system may accidentally produce antibodies to nervous tissue whenever you
eat gluten. In this case, a gluten sensitivity may create an autoimmune attack against the brain or
other parts of the nervous system thanks to cross-reactivity.
Researchers have found gluten cross-reactivity leading to autoimmunity with synapsin, a family
of proteins located on neurons that help regulate neurotransmitter release; the brain’s
cerebellum, which can cause issues with balance, vertigo, or motor control; and an enzyme
found in the brain called glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), which may cause symptoms related
to anxiety.
2.Gluten triggers nervous system transglutaminase autoimmunity
Another devastating mechanism gluten can trigger is an immune response against
transglutaminase. Transglutaminases are enzymes that help bind proteins together and are also
involved in the digestion of wheat. When looking at autoimmunity triggered by gluten, several
transglutaminase enzymes concern us.
Transglutaminase-2 (TG2) is found in the intestinal lining and has long been regarded as a
laboratory marker for celiac disease. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease in which the
immune system destroys TG2 in the intestinal lining, thus causing damage, inflammation, and
poor absorption of nutrients. Basically, when inflammation damages the gut lining,
transglutaminases are found in the debris field. The body reacts to them and tags them with
antibodies.
Transglutaminase-3 (TG3) is found in the skin, and a gluten-triggered autoimmune reaction to
TG3 may lead to a skin disorder known as dermatitis herpetiformis, which presents as itchy red
blisters frequently found on the knees, elbows, buttocks, and back, although they can appear
elsewhere on the body.
When it comes to brain health, we want to be aware of the more recently discovered
transglutaminase-6 (TG6), which is found throughout the central nervous system. Gluten can
trigger immune reactivity to TG6, leading to autoimmune destruction of brain and nervous
tissue.
Also, transglutaminase is used by the food processing industry to tenderize meat and as a meat
glue to hold processed meats together in distinct shapes, such as in chicken nuggets.
3.Gluten can cause a leaky blood-brain barrier
The third mechanism is that immune reactions to gluten can break down the blood-brain barrier,
the thin lining that protects the brain, and lead to what is called “leaky brain.” A healthy bloodbrain barrier prevents pathogens from getting into the brain but allows in necessary compounds,
such as precursors for neurotransmitters. A leaky brain can allow in pathogens that increase the
risk of autoimmune reactions in the brain and nervous system. I describe this more in my
book, Why Isn’t My Brain Working?
To learn more, download my free guide Gluten and the Brain.
