How Does Going Gluten-Free Impact Mental Health?

Because of this biochemical response, one can see how gluten can be directly linked to psychiatric disorders. According to Christine Zioudrou, PhD, gluten contains substances called polypeptides or protein fragments. These polypeptides latch onto the same receptors in the brain that opiates bind to. Dr. Zioudrou and her team from the National Institute on Mental Health identified these substances as exogenous morphine-like compounds that act in a totally opposite manner as endorphins. These are the chemicals that promote positive emotions, like those that accompany a good workout for example. Therefore, both of these biochemical impact one’s mood in a profound way.