Gluten free diets are more popular than ever, but does everyone need to cut out wheat and other gluten-containing foods? The answer isn’t simple. For some people, gluten poses genuine health challenges, while for others, there may be little benefit in avoiding it. Understanding gluten intolerance, coeliac disease, and even new research into how gluten may affect mental health is key to making informed choices.
What is Gluten?
Gluten is a dietary protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. It is found in any foods containing these substances, such as:
- Bread
- Pasta
- Cake and biscuits
- Beer
While it’s harmless for some, in others, gluten can trigger food intolerance symptoms like bloating, constipation and fatigue, and in more severe cases, autoimmune conditions like coeliac disease, impacting at least 1 in every 100 within the UK[1].
Gluten and the Brain
While often associated with digestive issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), scientists are now examining gluten's potential effects on the brain. Emerging evidence suggests that for up to one in 17 individuals, eating gluten might set off immune response connected to conditions such as anxiety, mood disorders[2], and, in some cases, schizophrenia[3]. A recent Telegraph article highlights a theory being studied: that gluten could play a role in mental health conditions and brain health[4]. However, it’s important to stress that more research is needed to understand whether eliminating gluten from our diets could be a helpful intervention, and if so, which individuals may benefit the most.
Gluten Sensitivity and Food Intolerance
Not everyone who reacts to gluten has coeliac disease. Many people fall under the umbrella of non-coeliac gluten sensitivity (NCGS). This condition can cause similar symptoms, such as fatigue, gut discomfort, brain fog, without the autoimmune response of coeliac disease[5]. Estimates suggest a small but notable percentage of the population live with NCGS.
As symptoms often overlap with other conditions like IBS or general food intolerances, it can be difficult to pinpoint the cause on your own. Current guidelines recommend professional advice before starting a gluten free diet, as cutting gluten unnecessarily can complicate diagnosis and may even reduce intake of important fibre and nutrients.
If you are looking for advice surrounding food intolerances, Napiers offer various services, such as food sensitivity testing and nutritional therapy, with professional herbalists. We aim to help you uncover potential triggers and support you with practical, personalised strategies for eating well. Book a consultation with us to receive personalised guidance based on your individual health profile.
Should Everyone Go Gluten Free?
The short answer is: no. While a gluten free diet is essential for people with coeliac disease and may help those with gluten intolerance, there is no concrete evidence that avoiding gluten benefits everyone. Whole grains containing gluten can form part of a balanced diet, offering fibre, vitamins, and minerals. Unnecessarily avoiding them can sometimes make eating more restrictive.
For individuals who experience ongoing symptoms such as bloating, fatigue, stomach aches, or mood changes, it may be worth exploring whether gluten plays a role – ideally under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
FAQs
What’s the difference between gluten intolerance and coeliac disease?
Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition with long-term risks if untreated. Gluten intolerance (or NCGS) causes discomfort but does not damage the gut in the same way.
Should I try a gluten free diet for IBS?
It depends. Some people with IBS find relief by reducing gluten, but IBS can also be triggered by other foods. It’s best to discuss dietary changes with a GP or dietitian.
How do I check if I am allergic to gluten?
Doctors may perform a blood test to check for antibodies usually present in the blood of people with coeliac disease or gluten allergies. Routine testing for coeliac disease is not done in England. Testing is usually only recommended for people who have symptoms, or who have an increased risk of developing coeliac disease, such as those with a family history of the condition.
What are the most common symptoms of gluten intolerance?
References
- NHS. Coeliac Disease. Available at: NHS.
- Busby, E., Bold, J., Fellows, L. and Rostami, K. (2018) 'Mood Disorders and Gluten: It’s Not All in Your Mind! A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis', Nutrients, 10(11), pp. 1-24. Available at: MDPI.
- Kelly, D.L., Demyanovich, H.K., Rodriguez, K.M., Ciháková, D., Talor, M.V., McMahon, R.P., Richardson, C.M., Vyas, G., Adams, H.A., August, S.M., Fasano, A., Cascella, N.G., Feldman, S.M., Liu, F., Sayer, M.A., Powell, M.M., Wehring, H.J., Buchanan, R.W., Gold, J.M., Carpenter, W.T. and Eaton, W.W. (2019) 'Randomized controlled trial of a gluten-free diet in patients with schizophrenia positive for antigliadin antibodies (AGA IgG): a pilot feasibility study', Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, 44(4), pp. 269-276. Available at: CMAJ Group.
- Fox-Leonard, B. (2025) Why this scientist believes bread is making us sad, The Telegraph, 24 July. Available at: Telegraph.
- NHS: Health Research Authority. Neuropsychological Consequences of Gluten Consumption in NCGS V1.4. Available at: NHS.
