Q I read somewhere that gluten and casein can cause a person to become insane over time if they are allergic and don't remove them from their diet. Is this true? Can food really affect the mind?
A I would not go as far as saying it makes you insane but there is plenty of evidence pointing towards food allergies and how reactions can affect the brain. Casein is one of the two proteins found in cow's milk, the other one being whey. Gluten consists of the proteins gliadin and gluten, both are found in wheat. During the process of digestion, casein and gluten are partially broken down into substances called opioids, which have a chemical structure similar to morphine. A hypothesis known as 'leaky gut' has suggested that in certain individuals the gut becomes compromised or damaged and therefore fails to prevent these opioids leaking out of the gut and entering the bloodstream. Some supporters of the 'leaky gut' theory believe if these opioids enter the bloodstream they will also be able to penetrate the blood-brain-barrier and potentially effect the brain.
CO-WRITTEN BY MIRANDA TALLON-MALISANI. DR. ELENA KRASNOV IS A REGISTERED NATUROPATHIC DOCTOR, CLINIC DIRECTOR AND CO-FOUNDER OF THE TORONTO NATUROPATHIC CLINIC. CALL (416) 944-3526 OR VISIT WWW.NATUROPATHYCLINIC.COM.
