It is relatively new knowledge of the potential harmful effects that gluten can create on the digestive system and its affect on the blood brain barrier. It is also relatively recent discovery that non-celiac gluten sensitivity may affect up to two-thirds with neurological disorders. Based on these findings going gluten-free is high up on my recommendation lists for anyone that is suffering from a neurological disorder, especially seizures.
But is going gluten-free enough? Will the body repair and undo the damage that has been done? According to the University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center, 60% of adults never completely heal from eating a gluten free diet.
In one study of 241 Celiac patients – small intestine mucosal recovery 2 years after following a gluten-free diet was 34% and 5 years later was only 66%. Published here
In my practice, I’ll have clients that test positive for gluten antibodies and vow that going gluten free doesn’t really change anything. I explain that’s because the repair hasn’t taken place to heal the gut and stop the toxins from leaking into the bloodstream. There needs to be a mucosal lining (digestive barrier)repair protocol implemented in order to increase the probability of repair. As much as going gluten free is a necessity, a repair protocol is essential for true recovery.
