Dominic Stone
Celiac disease, also known as gluten sensitivity, can cause a variety of symptoms, including digestive issues, dizziness, brain fog, and muscle twitching. Muscle twitching, or myoclonus, is characterized by involuntary jerking or twitching of the muscles and can be a sign of underlying neurological disorders. Some people with celiac disease experience muscle twitching and spasms, which may be due to vitamin and mineral deficiencies caused by malabsorption or the body's immune response to gluten. While the link between celiac disease and muscle twitching is not yet fully understood, some people have reported improvements in their muscle twitching after adopting a gluten-free diet and making dietary changes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Muscle twitching caused by | Gluten intolerance or sensitivity |
| Other symptoms | Dizziness, brain fog, digestive issues, leg and foot cramps, intestinal leaky gut, irritable bowel syndrome |
| Improvement | Dietary changes, specifically gluten-free diets |
| Nutritional deficiencies | Magnesium, vitamin B, vitamin D |
| Related conditions | Neuropathy, neurological disorders, celiac disease, gluten allergy |
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What You'll Learn
Gluten sensitivity and malabsorption of vitamins and minerals
Celiac disease can cause damage to the small intestine, reducing the absorption of certain vitamins and minerals. This malabsorption of nutrients can lead to a deficiency in vitamins and minerals, resulting in malnutrition. The most commonly affected nutrients are vitamins B, C, D, E, K, and minerals like calcium, magnesium, selenium, and zinc.
Gluten-containing grain products are often fortified with vitamins and minerals, whereas gluten-free alternatives may not be. As a result, switching to a gluten-free diet can lead to nutrient deficiencies. For example, cutting out dairy products, a common treatment for lactose intolerance, can result in reduced calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D intake.
Fermented foods, such as sauerkraut, kimchi, and kombucha, can aid in nutrient absorption for those with gluten sensitivity. Additionally, a gluten-free diet rich in plant foods and gluten-free whole grains can help maintain adequate fiber intake.
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies can cause neurological issues. For example, vitamin B deficiency can impact the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. A recent study found that coeliac patients on a gluten-free diet still showed signs of poor vitamin status, with low levels of folate and vitamin B-6.
In summary, gluten sensitivity can lead to malabsorption and deficiencies in vitamins and minerals, which may have neurological consequences. Addressing nutritional deficiencies through diet and supplements is crucial for managing gluten sensitivity effectively.
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Gluten neuropathy and chronic muscle fasciculations
Celiac disease, wheat allergy, and non-celiac gluten sensitivity are all gluten-related disorders. While celiac disease involves autoimmune reactivity, intestinal mucosal damage, and the generation of antibodies, non-celiac gluten sensitivity is a diagnosis of exclusion, with patients improving symptomatically on a gluten-free diet but lacking the same antibody response.
There is a reported case of a 28-year-old man with chronic, widespread muscle fasciculations that started in his left eye and progressed to other areas of his body, including his lips, calves, quadriceps, and gluteus muscles. The patient also experienced gastrointestinal distress, fatigue, and a constant "buzzing" or "crawling" feeling in his legs. He was diagnosed with a wheat allergy at age 24 but did not adhere to a gluten-free diet. Food sensitivity testing revealed immunoglobulin G-based sensitivity to various foods, including grains and dairy products. The working diagnosis was gluten neuropathy.
Within six months of adhering to a gluten-free diet, the patient's muscle fasciculations completely resolved, and he experienced less gastrointestinal distress, fatigue, and improved concentration. This case illustrates an unusual presentation of gluten neuropathy, as there are no other published case studies describing chiropractic management of gluten neuropathy.
While the pathophysiology of gluten neuropathy requires further investigation, it is believed to involve an immunologic mechanism, possibly a direct or indirect neurotoxic effect of antigliadin antibodies. Some studies have found antibodies against muscle acetylcholine receptors in CD patients, suggesting a link to gluten neuropathy.
In conclusion, gluten neuropathy is a suspected cause of chronic muscle fasciculations, and dietary changes, specifically a gluten-free diet, have been shown to improve these symptoms. However, more research is needed to fully understand the pathophysiology of gluten neuropathy and its relationship with celiac disease.
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Gluten-free diets and their impact on muscle twitching
Several people have reported experiencing muscle twitching and spasms alongside gluten intolerance or celiac disease. Some have also reported a reduction in these symptoms after switching to a gluten-free diet.
A report published in The Journal of Neurological Sciences recommends considering gluten sensitivity as a potential cause for propriospinal myoclonus (PSM), a movement disorder of the muscles characterised by twitching and jerking. Gluten is a known neurotoxin, and gluten sensitivity can cause malabsorption of vitamins and minerals, leading to neurological issues. For example, a vitamin B deficiency can prevent the body from producing important neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, acetylcholine, and epinephrine.
Some people with celiac disease have reported persistent muscle twitching, even while adhering to a gluten-free diet. In these cases, additional factors, such as nutritional deficiencies or other food intolerances, may be contributing to the symptoms. It is important to note that the impact of a gluten-free diet on muscle twitching may vary from person to person, and other underlying conditions or triggers should be considered and addressed accordingly.
While there is some anecdotal evidence suggesting a link between gluten intake and muscle twitching, further scientific research is needed to establish a definitive causal relationship. Individuals experiencing persistent muscle twitching should consult a healthcare professional for personalised advice and an accurate diagnosis.
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Celiac disease and the role of hidden gluten in diets
Celiac disease is a condition where the ingestion of gluten causes the immune system to damage or destroy villi—the tiny, fingerlike tubules that line the small intestine and are responsible for absorbing food nutrients. As a result, those with celiac disease are at risk of malnutrition and a range of complications, including anemia, seizures, joint pain, thinning bones, infertility, chronic diarrhea, low vitamin levels, and cancer. The only treatment for celiac disease is a strict gluten-free diet, which must be maintained for life. Even the smallest amount of gluten can trigger a reaction and damage the small intestine.
Adopting a gluten-free diet requires a new approach to food. Gluten is commonly found in grains, pasta, cereals, and processed foods, but it can also be hidden in unexpected places. It is important to become adept at reading ingredient lists and knowing the terms for hidden gluten. For example, gluten can be found in einkorn, emmer, spelt, kamut, wheat starch, wheat bran, wheat germ, hydrolyzed wheat protein, emulsifiers, dextrin, seasonings, and caramel colors. It is also important to be cautious with corn and rice products, as these can sometimes be contaminated with wheat gluten during processing.
Gluten can be hidden in sauces, salad dressings, canned soups, food additives, and medicines. Modified food starch, preservatives, and stabilizers made with wheat are common sources of hidden gluten. When preparing gluten-free food, it is crucial to avoid cross-contact with gluten-containing foods. This can occur through shared utensils, cooking or storage environments, or double-dipping utensils into condiments such as butter, peanut butter, jam, mustard, and mayonnaise. Wheat flour can stay airborne for many hours and contaminate exposed surfaces, utensils, and uncovered gluten-free products. Oats can also be contaminated with gluten if they are grown in fields alongside wheat, so it is important to choose only oats specifically labeled gluten-free.
While it is challenging to eliminate gluten completely, a strict gluten-free diet can effectively manage celiac disease and prevent the associated complications. It is important to be vigilant and always read labels to ensure the exclusion of hidden gluten from one's diet.
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Neurological disorders and the link to gluten sensitivity
Celiac disease and gluten sensitivity can lead to a wide array of neurological problems and conditions. A strict gluten-free diet is an effective first-line treatment for the neurological manifestations of gluten-related disorders. Some of the neurological disorders linked to gluten sensitivity are:
- Ataxia is the most common neurological manifestation, often concurrent with cerebellar degeneration.
- Peripheral neuropathy, ranging from ganglionopathy to length-dependent axonal sensorimotor neuropathy to small fiber neuropathy.
- Headaches, often with abnormal white matter on MR imaging.
- Myoclonic ataxia.
- Epilepsy, sometimes with occipital calcifications.
- Psychiatric ailments (anxiety, depression, psychosis, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and autism).
- Migraines.
- Vertigo.
- Encephalopathy.
- Cognitive impairment.
- Muscle disorders, including muscle twitches and spasms.
- Movement disorders, including propriospinal myoclonus (PSM).
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, celiac disease can lead to muscle twitching and spasms. Vitamin deficiencies caused by malabsorption are common in people with celiac disease, and these deficiencies can lead to muscle cramps and tremors.
People with celiac disease often suffer from vitamin D and magnesium deficiencies.
People with celiac disease should avoid gluten, oats, corn, dairy, yeast, wheat, soy, and cane sugar.
Symptoms of celiac disease include soft tissue injuries, chronic diarrhea, dizziness, brain fog, and a general feeling of being "sick".
If you are experiencing muscle twitching and suspect you may have celiac disease, you should consult a doctor and get tested.
