Celiac Notes: Opiate Withdrawal from Gluten and Casein?

I saw a commentor who was angered by the comparison of gluten etc. to drugs.

While, no, you don't get a legitimate "high" from eating a piece of bread, I can say that from experience I got a rush of "good feelings" and a feeling of satisfaction that other food doesn't typically offer me. I came to realise eventually that this was an addiction, and that I very likely had an intolerance or allergy. About a week ago I stopped consuming gluten and have noticed that I have been feeling dizzy (particularly at night). This feeling of dizziness can be very accurately compared to withdrawals from a drug I had been taking for anxiety (Effexor...ironically, I believe the anxiety was an issue BECAUSE of gluten...I have found that overall my mental situation has improved after stopping gluten but I have been having occasional anxiety attacks...can this be connected to the withdrawal as well, Dr Parker?). Mind you, the effect isn't as strong as it was with the drug withdrawal (yet...hopefully it doesn't get worse!), but it is there and it is real. If you really think that addictions are limited to drugs, think again. Just look at people who are addicted to games like World of Warcraft, or even social networking like Facebook. These are accompanied by their own slew of withdrawal symptoms.

Mary, Strongly recommend you go to my CoreBrain Books listing on the nav bar here and go to CoreBrain Training, then below that to Neurotoxins etc, and look at the book: Why am I always so tired? by Dr Gittleman - My very distant speculation is that you might have a problem with trace element imbalances, and the withdrawal is highlighting other possible issues explained therein. cp

Mary, Absolutely: fibro and gluten/casein are often connected. There are many reasons you are having withdrawals including the strong possibility that you have other immune system dysregulations in the first place. Withdrawal can last months if you don't take care of your gut, add gut healing supplements and get rid of any other food corruptions, measured thru IgG. cp

I've now been gluten free for just under a week, and I'm feeling it already! There were stomach disturbances to start with which have now improved, but I'm still getting nausea, brain fog, sometimes almost a panicky type of anxiety and very emotional. The dreams are getting stranger! Although I feel hungrier and definitely more tired come the evening there have been no cravings as yet. Perhaps partly because I'm not entirely cutting all sugar out yet and am having potato snacks to help soften the blow, I'll cut those out later! Thank you for the info here, it helps to know I'm not going mad. :o)

I have gluten withdrawal symptoms - what does that mean?  Am I a celiac?  Am I just allergic?  If you have withdrawal symptoms does that make gluten an enemy?  Confused.

Hi I have been in gluten withdrawel for close to 2 months and the fatigue in unbareble . is there anything i can do about it is this normal ? i smoke does that also affect the withdrawel . thanks

Solid, Little! Congrats! cp

How long do the withdrawals from casein and gluten last? Diana

Dan, Thanks for weighing in on this gluten/high/opiate receptor phenomenon... Who can say definitely that your reaction was directly related, - but, on the other hand, I've seen it quite often if we chase down the specific answers to those specific reactions. I'm sure some other readers out there have experienced the same flips. Remember: that problem with that reaction in less than 48 hr is most likely the IgE reaction. So often those with IgG maladies look for IgE reactions such as yours to ascertain recovery from gluten sensitivity - and completely miss the implications of long term immunity-related mind damage when they don't experience physical reactions such as you describe. Thanks! cp

I1982- The problem you are having is at once easy and challenging. Withdrawal continues if the underlying neurotransmitter [NT] imbalance created by the hormone dysregulation and the relative NT loss leaves those synapses gummed up and sometime broken. Strongly suggest NT testing and Full on IgG to get to the bottom of the probs. cp

Jonathan, Strongly recommend your twitter account, Dr Davis, and Dr Kruse - you all are doing a great job of updating the public with the latest info! cp

I found out that I am gluten and casein allergic and have stopped eating any dairy or gluten and I feel sick.  I have not had anything for 11 days and I'm having a hard time eating.  I want to throw up after I eat even on zofran and prilosec.  I am very light headed, tired, constant stomach nausea, sweating/chills.  Almost every night after dinner I feel like I'm having an anxiety attack.  How long will this last and can I do something about this feeling so I can eat?

Dani, Your findings are indeed typical of food sensitivities, and yes we send them out to the UK, to and, for example, to South Africa, so not a problem. We've seen goat's milk have considerable sensitivity, even beyond cow's milk after specific testing. As a result of measuring these issues for years now, I have come to the conclusion that I am almost completely against bothering with an elimination diet, as it just doesn't adequately cover the details, and do become quite wild when physicians diminish evidence in the context of knowing nothing about it. Come on doc, give me a break! I won't speculate about what you do if you don't speculate about what the laboratory has reported and you just don't get it. Go to the services page, email Sarah there and we can get you set up with testing and a consult, no problem. We do Skype, FaceTime, iChat or just phone depending on your computer relationships! cp

Hi.I'm a 25-year-old woman living in the UK. I've been diagnosed with (mild) Asperger's syndrome. When I was 14 I started experiencing a whole host of symptoms, both physical and psychological: depression (at the time, very severe), constant headache, visual distortions ('visual stress'/ scotopic sensitivity syndrome), nausia on an almost daily basis and especially after dinner, which was usuall pasta with tomato sauce (I would feel feverish, slightly constricted around my throat and sick for about half an hour shortly after dinner). I have always had problems with insomnia and things such as hypersensitivity to touch/ sound. I have also had problems with hyperactivity after consuming food colourings. I tried eliminating gluten for a while and it seemed to help but then I tried it again and experienced no immediate bad effects so reintroduced it. I wasn't sure if the cause could have been either the onset of menstruation or a stressful house move, both of which also happened when I was 14. I have been to the doctor over and over to talk about stomach problems (nausia, loose stools, etc.) and the constant headache, tiredness (no matter how much or how little I sleep I never feel rested) and depression/ anxiety. The 'fever' after eating went away after the gluten elimination I tried as a teenager. A couple of times, including at about 15, I requested allergy tests. The doctor responded that the physical symptoms were probably 'all the same thing' as my depression, i.e. it was me being neurotic, and I have always been refused any kind of test. The best a doctor suggested was to cut out basically every food type and then reintroduce them one by one over a matter of months. There's no way I could stick to that. I have decided to have another go at an elimination diet. I am using an enzyme supplement with every meal, even though I mostly cook from scratch and so know what is going into my meals. Do I still need to cut out gluten and casein 100% if I am using the enzymes? The ones I have contain DPP IV (I, II, III, IV, V), amylase, lipase (I, II), phytase, lactase (I, II), cellulase (I, II) and sucrase. I'm not quite sure what all of these are or which sensitivities they would help with except that I read that DPP was important. I would really like to be tested for sensitivities. I seem to get an upset stomach if I eat more than about 3 portions of fruit and veg in a day so I suspect there may be other problems on top of the probably gluten problem and possible dairy sensitivity. Apparently I was allergic to strawberries and tomatoes as a child and kiwi fruit and oranges cause a stinging feeling around my mouth if I eat them. Can you send out tests to the UK? Or can you recommend somewhere in the UK that would be able to provide the service without having to go to my GP? Would I have to come off of the enzymes in order to get accurate results? I have read that goats' milk mostly contains different casein to cows' milk. Are there tests that could check my sensitivity to these proteins separately? I really like goats' milk and cheese and it would be a big help if I could keep consuming these if I do turn out to be sensitive to cows' milk. Thanks, Dani.

If a person who does NOT have Celiac's disease, gluten sensitivity, or a wheat allergy goes on a gluten-free diet, is it possible for him to still experience symptoms of gluten withdrawal?

I would just like to say that the people who compare getting off bread to getting off dope have probably never done heroin.  It's absurd to me that someone would even suggest that they're similar.  I was gluten free for a while, and had no problem getting off wheat.  I have been battling with opiate addiction for nearly ten years.  The notion that they are in anyway similar is insulting.  You don't feel like you're gonna die if you don't eat wheat for a day.  You don't wish you were dead if you don't eat a piece of bread in two days.  What the hell are we talking about here?  When's the last time you got high from eating a baguette?  It doesn't happen.  I have to take a very potent, doctor prescribed, opioid every day in order to maintain my normal life.  Maybe I should just switch to snorting bread crumbs, eh?

Jenny, Casein and Gluten withdrawal can be significantly improved by actually working to heal the gut with specific substances - probiotics and other supplements. Often the other downstream effects of the gut corruption is the significant imbalancing of the neurotransmitters, which can also be specifically addressed through testing. cp

Hi,  I gave up cigarettes and alcohol in the last year and in doing so massively increased my consumption of milk. In trying to eradicate milk recently I have had the most awful withdrawal symptoms. A bit of searching on the net revealed the opiate effect of digesting casein which makes absolute sense to me with the type of withdrawal symptoms I have had- depression, anxiety, disorientation- basically feeling like crawling up the walls.  I have tried twice cold turkey but got to about 5-6 days and couldn't bear it. This time I cut down by half (substituting half soy milk with other milk) but am once again on day 6 feeling awful. Figure I just have to go with it.  It's hard to get anyone - including my doctor- to believe what I am going through and why.  

Ashley, So often with immune conditions the kids have more than one or two problems. You can be well informed and quite on target with milk and wheat, but miss something like eggs. Those three are what I can the Trifecta in my office, and strongly recommend testing for failed simple elimination trials. Why waste time and continue to shoot at vapors when better target recognition is available? We can consult long distance and send you IgG test kits, and, the good news: Tricare pays for the testing. If you would like a more careful look we would be happy to see your guy in our office just south - down there in Va Beach - see the services page for connections. cp

 Dr. Parker, I'm feeling very lost. My son is 7 and has Autism, he doesn't communicate very well and is very hyper.  The GFCF diet had crossed my mind many times before now, but we were always in small towns with the military and now that we are in DC I thought it was time to try it.  We've been GF for almost 3 weeks now and CF with a few slip ups for the same.  My poor child is beside himself, he isn't sleeping, is either laughing hysterically, or sobbing.  I've started him and my girls on probiotics and vitamin regimen (the whole house went GF/CF).  Is there anything I can do to help him through this horrible withdrawal experience? Anything like natural supplements or herbal teas that might take the edge off?  I'm sure my neighbors think I'm abusing the poor thing.  Also our mil doc doesn't seem to think there is anything to the Autism GFCF thing so testing has been a no go. Ashley

Kit, My take on your situation, confirmed in a recent book on immune issues and thyroid: "Why do I still have thyroid symptoms - when my lab tests are normal" by Kharrazian [http://bit.ly/h1LjgG] - is that you had the thyroid issues all along, but only belatedly experienced the overt symptoms after many years of dealing with the gluten issues. Further I would strongly rec that you have a full IgG workup as you could easily have had challenges with the withdrawal because you suffered from additional other food sensitivities not yet recognized: specifically casein/milk. If you chase down those other results it will contribute to your recovery... there is a move afoot to contribute everything to gluten, and it just doesn't work that way. cp

When I was diagnosed with celiac disease in 2002, I felt so badly that I could barely wait for the follow-up endoscopy to confirm the positive tTG test. The doc took the biopsied, but said he could tell by the way the light shined inside my small intestine that my villi were flat. That was the last time a speck of gluten entered my mouth. The previous 13 years I had been so ill that I was unable to function most days and spent a great deal of time miserable in bed. I was one of those people who would have a slice of bread to stave off hunger and be fine for hours. However, the years of 10 times a day of diarrhea, muscle spasms and cognitive dysfunction was so bad that I would have given up food altogether in order to feel better. Two days off gluten and I was a wreck. I was shaky, I felt like I was starving to death (unfamiliar with what goods I could eat, I stuck to fresh fruits and veggies and sauteed chicken breasts. I never felt full, I would panic if I had to go shopping for a couple of hours so I made a point of carrying sliced cheese or gluten-free candy bars with me at all times. I realized that my feelings were irrational, but I was terrified of being caught out of my kitchen without food available. Driving by Wendy's and Taco Bell made me feel extremely anxious and deprived. After about three weeks I calmed down and was able to leave the house without even thinking about where my next meal was coming from, and my diarrhea had completely stopped. Very shortly afterward I began exhibiting symptoms of hyperthyroidism but wasn't diagnosed with Graves' disease for another six months because of a very stubborn and distrustful family doctor who couldn't believe I could have two "rare" diseases in one year. I've heard of escalated thyroid disease or the appearance of another autoimmune disease from so many patients who had just been diagnosed with celiac disease, that I have to wonder whether that difficult withdrawal didn't contribute to the the over-activated immune system. I'm now writing an article for the Journal of Gluten Sensitivity's Summer Issue to explore this question. Maybe it is healthier to wean off the opioids in gluten more slowly in order to prevent such a harsh withdrawal?

We found out last week that I am allergic to gluten/wheat, the whole casein family, eggs, Brewer's yeast and Baker's yeast. I am having trouble understanding the yeast issue. I was told the package would actually say "Baker's yeast" or "Brewer's yeast" on it; although, I have never seen that. There is some sort of yeast in so many things: vinegar, barbecue sauce, vitamins, covered fruits, tea, etc. I am not sure exactly what to stay away from here. On top of all the other allergies, I am hoping that I can have barbecue sauce on my chicken. :/

I have been gluten-free for over a year, withthe exception of accidental contamination. At first I was tired, anxious and irritable, however I was also on the elimination diet (a diet that one can use to help determine allergies or intolerances, by eliminationg reactionary foods) so it would be reasonable to assume I would be experiencing these conditions regardless. When I re-introduced gluten into my diet, I reacted immediately with bloating, congestion, headaches and stiff joints. I have Rheumatiod Arthritis and it became clear after consumption, that gluten is a factor in my inflammation. I was later diagnosed with Celiacs disease, which is linked to several autoimmune disorders, including RA. The reason I am posting this is to inform your readers that all my life I felt lethargic, listless and unable to concentrate on anything for long periods of time. I thought I was just inherently lazy. The idea that I was worthless and lazy, drove me to depression. I felt utterly useless in society. I never felt "bad" I just never felt good. It wasn't until I woke up one morning, unable to move. I soon found out I had RA, and shortly after that I became focused on my diet. I was beginning to eat mor ewhole foods, and less processed foods. I felt more energy, however I was still dragging my feet. Then, one day I broke out in hives, and continued to break out every time I ate, until finally I went into Analphylatic shock. This is when I went on the Elimination diet., and eventually discovered that without gluten, I was a completely different person! I am now very active, full of energy and my mind is healthier than it's ever been! I was drinking heavily, as many often do to quell both depression and physical pain. Although I still imbibe in a glass or two of wine, I no longer use it as a medication because I for once can say that I FEEL GOOD. In retrospect, it seems very evident that there is a correlation between gluten and an opiate simulus in the brain. I believe that gluten was inhibiting my own seritonin production, thus the feeling of listlessness. I am evidence that gluten can be detrimental to the health of many. I suggest everyone try it at least for 2 weeks, so they can experience what it truly is like to live gluten free, beyond the withdrawal symptoms.

Dr. Parker, I have struggled all my life with food issues and have autoimmune thyroid disorder. About 8 years ago I realized I had a gluten allergy. When I removed Gluten from my diet I experienced a 3 day euphoria. It was only about 1 year ago that I realized that I was allergic to Casein too and went through a month withdrawal period. It was very bizarre to say the least. The whole 8 years I thought I was getting contaminates of gluten in my system. The removal of Casein has really helped. My main concern today is that I have been under enormous amounts of financial and emotional stress and believe that I am experiencing a nervous breakdown. If I could find a job, I believe I could pull myself out of it, but I have been unsuccessful. I can't eat, sleep, function. I have made an appointment with my general DR. to discuss, but am scared to death to take any form of medication. Any comment with regard to my situation would be greatly appreciated! PS: Also would like to add that I have Multiple Chemical Sensitivity with sever reactions specifically to Solvents. Oil based paint, especially paint thinner, Acetone, spray adhesives, contact cements.

Hello, I am unable to find the "LabCorp #680230 96 IgG Food Sensitivities" test that you referenced in a post above. I am wanting to have a food sensativities test because I believe I may have many sensativities. Going to the LabCorp website I cannot find that particular test...perhaps not offered anymore? Where/who should I have this done by...just want to be sure I'm using a reputable company. Thank you!

Dear Dr. Parker I have suffered from multiple sensitivity for years and about 24 years ago ended up with eczema covering every part of my body. I am casein free and have at varying times had to eliminate almost everything in pursuit of mental and physiological sanity. I am significantly better these days and the eczema is largely under control, although this involves washing with no detergents at all and eating a very limited diet. I also suffer from obsessive anxiety disorder (clinically diagnosed) and find that a significant number of foods and also supplements leave me feeling depressed and raise the anxiety (especially caffeine). As both eczem/asthma and mental issues are prevalent in my family I have decided to try eliminating gluten, because it is the only substance I have never attempted to try weaning off. I am also convinced that there is a common root to many of the illnesses in my family and am undertaking this as much for my loved one's as for myself. I have been tested for CD but came up negative, but I understand that gluten sensitivity can manifest in other forms. I am one week in and I haven't had many noticeable side-effects/withdrawal symptoms, but I have found myself urinating much more frequently and experiencing sudden flu-like bouts of streaming nose and aching limbs. I am hoping that, if gluten is a root cause of my condition, then many of the food reactions may over time, subside and hopefully also, the extreme skin sensitivity, abate. P.S. I was interested to read whilst browsing that Michael J. Fox experienced a significant alleviation of his Parkinson's symptoms whilst visiting a country where wheat products are rarely consumed; clearly there are those who iwll make a connection between gluten and Parkinson's. Do you have any experience of such a connection? I ask because my father sufferes from Parkinson's disease and has done so for 26 years. I can't help speculating on the probability that there is some common root cause which may offer my family a glimmer of hope in respect of the significant number of illnesses they experience. Could gluten be the key? I would value your insights and comments. Many thanks Dominic

I started a gluten, egg & soy free diet in early April after being diagnosed with gluten, soy and eggs sensitivity by a saliva test by my doctor. In June (I think it was, I am kind of foggy) I started to become weak, shaky, anxious, light headed and dizzy. It was kind of like I was eating (although I didn't have much appetite) but my body was unable to use the food I was giving it. I have felt really terrible almost ever since. It has bee a huge effort to talk and communicate well. For a few days last week I seemed to be getting just a little stronger each day and then it got worse again. I have been desparate to figure out what is wrong with me. I can barely function. It has been almost too much effort just to take a shower. this week I have been to 5 different doctors including the one who diagnosed me. I had a blood work-up (normal except for a slightly high white count & calcium), urine tests, EKG (normal), chest X-ray (I was short of breath one night), fasting blood sugar (no results yet), thyroid tests (no results yet). Didn't find any infection yet. Finally, late this morning, after going to my family doctor for the 2nd time this week, I have felt noticeably better for more than an hour or two. I am afraid to believe that I have turned the corner. This has been so distressing. Does this sound like withdrawal?

I was so glad when I found this article back in January when I went on a gluten-free diet. My mom had been diagnosed with celiac disease 36 years ago, but since I didn't have the typical gastro-intestinal problems I have always been diagnosed as "something Western medicine will never understand." My mom encouraged me to try being gluten free wondering if my strange medical issues related to gluten intolerance. Within 2 days of starting the diet, I was having the exact, full blown withdraw symptoms described. I couldn't figure out what was wrong with me and my friends all said I was acting like I was having withdrawals. Only thing I had quit was gluten, so I googled gluten withdraw and found your article. It made a lot more sense. The withdrawal symptoms subsided after about a week and a half. Now, though, when I have gluten, it's like I become highly intoxicated with my mind spinning and my heart racing. Then when that wears off, I crash and am very drained and tired. It's only happened 4 times since I've only mistakenly eaten gluten 4 times in the last 6 months, but is this a situation you have heard of before and what can I do when I have had gluten that can minimize the horrible effects? At this point I could get a DUI from eating a doughnut, and I would have no energy and have a hard time staying awake for about 3 days afterwards. Also, where can I find doctors who understand this side of gluten intolerance or who can help me understand it better?

I am a 54 year old female who is in my second week of being vigilant about no gluten or casein. The first week, my stomach felt like I had run a fork through it, and now that this effect has subsided, I am incredibly dizzy most of the time. It is worse in the morning, I suspect because I have been lying down for hours, and then seems to get better during the day. The other night, at about 2AM, I thought my husband would have to take me to the hospital, as I had a full blown anxiety attack, shaking, wanting to jump out of my skin. It lasted for only 10 minutes but was frightening. The next day I was better but still woozy. And here I am. I went through this whole dizzy thing about 7 years ago when I became ill with a stomach thing and ate very little for a couple weeks. I didn't know it then (I was diagnosed with the mystery illness vertigo) but I suspect now that I was inadvertently beginning gluten and/or casein withdrawal then, however when I started adding gluten and casein back into my diet, the withdrawal stopped - although I didn't feel better for months. That episode left with me brain fog, fatique, ringing in the ears, bloat, etc. Now I also think that the vertigo itself was caused by some sort of gluten/casein overload I may have had at the time. I have always been a big craver of both. (no surprise now). Here is why I made the decision to go gluten free at this point. You see, as a child I didn't speak until I was four years old. Up until that time I pointed and grunted, and constantly walked on my tip toes. My motor skills were fine and I had developed correctly in other ways, but the doctors 50 years ago were stumped. Finally, at four I began to speak in complete sentences (overnight), however I remained withdrawn and "shy", developing a duodenal "ulcer" in the fifth grade, supposedly a result of my "shyness" and a possible ?parasite?. Anyway, here I am, at 54, and just now linking some of the old symptoms to what people are now accepting as related to gluten and casein. So, I made the choice to remove both of these from my diet. Now, I am dizzy and woozy and I must admit, a little scared. I know it is too much coincidence that the same dizziness I felt 7 years ago has returned out of the blue, and is not linked to the omission of these two substances from my diet. Still I have an appointment next week with my family doctor who is very nice but I have a feeling, quite ignorant to the hazards of gluten/casein, much less the "ridiculous" notion that after 54 years of ingesting both, I may be experiencing a withdrawal effect. I have read that the dizziness subsides after a number of weeks, and that's the only thing that keeps me on course. Here's my question: Will accidentally ingesting gluten or casein always give me a severe dizziness reaction? Or is it just the detoxification segment that is making me dizzy? I ingested G & C for many years and definitely felt a brain fog in the last 7 years, but not this debilitating dizziness. Also, is there a specific type of doctor that may be well-versed in gluten/casein avoidance and withdrawal? Thanks so much.