Few things are as painful as losing a loved one to an overdose. Addiction is such a powerful demon, and most of us have friends or family who are facing it right now. It is easy to feel helpless, believing that there is little you can do to ease their pain. But what if a diet change could resolve the physical and psychological pain at the root of the dependency? You might be surprised to learn that gluten binds with the opioid receptors in the brain, functioning as a ‘gateway drug’ to other addictions.
Today the Gluten Free RN shares her experiences with addiction and overdose during her 17-year career in the ER, explaining how she made the connection between undiagnosed celiac disease and addiction issues. She discusses the US opioid epidemic and how a mass screening for celiac disease could prevent such widespread substance abuse. Listen as she describes the morphine-like effects of gluten on your brain, the role of the microbiome in dictating cravings, and why gluten may be at the root of the pain that leads patients to self-medicate with dangerous recreational drugs.
The sad truth is that 91 Americans die every day from an opioid overdose. Because undiagnosed celiac disease goes hand in hand with addiction, is it past time to get our loved ones tested. Suggest it today -- it could save a life.
The recent flood of headlines regarding the US opioid epidemic
How exorphins affect the brain
How Narcan reverses a heroin overdose
The potential connection between gluten and opioid addiction
The morphine-like effects of gluten and dairy on your brain
The substances patients abuse to treat pain
The symptoms of pain patients may experience due to gluten
The data around opioid overdose in the US
How gluten sensitivity may lead to pain med addiction
Common prescription meds for pain
Why patients turn to heroin for pain relief
How food can act as a ‘gateway drug’ to other addictions
Why Nadine advocates a mass screening for celiac disease
How ER departments treat alcoholics
The power of the microbiome
The mental health issues caused by untreated celiac disease that may lead patients to self-medicate
“Here’s How a Key Part of the Opioid Legislation is Not Working” in the Boston Globe
“Malabsorption of Opioid Medications” in Practical Pain Management
‘Your Skin on Gluten’ on YouTube
Melodies of the Danube Gluten-Free Cruise with Nadine
Dough Nation: A Nurse's Memoir of Celiac Disease from Missed Diagnosis to Food and Health Activism