The Telltale Signs of a Gluten Intolerance

8. Depression and anxiety

Gluten sensitivity goes beyond the gut -- it can affect mood, too. Although "you are what you eat" is an age-old saying, researchers have only just started looking into the connection between the gut and mental health. People with gluten sensitivity frequently report feelings of gluten-induced depression and anxiety.

Some research suggests that celiac-related intestinal damage prevents the absorption of certain mood-boosting vitamins, resulting in symptoms of depression and anxiety. However, it's not yet clear why people with non-celiac gluten sensitivity also experience these symptoms.

A gluten-free diet is not a substitute for addressing depression and anxiety through traditional means like therapy or medication. However, a medical professional may be able to help examine the connection between a gluten-sensitive individual's dietary intake and their mental health.