Food Addictions: The Power of Gluten, Dairy, and Opioid Peptides
Who doesn’t love a good comforting grilled cheese or a slice of pizza? I sure do. It’s funny now looking back that I survived purely on cheese and bread when I was a broke foreign student abroad in France. Oh, how the times have changed. I now avoid gluten like the plague (I found out the hard way that I am non-celiac gluten sensitive) and well, am still addicted to cheese. It’s a hard one to let go of. Could there be a compound in these foods that make them so yummy you keep going back for more?
Short answer is YES, yes there are. This blog post explores the addictive nature of these compounds, shedding light on their impact on health and why certain comfort foods hold us in their irresistible grip.
Gluten & Dairy, not so innocent?
So how could these seemingly innocent foods, with their hidden addictive nature, be influencing your food choices without you even realising it? Let's demystify the science behind gluteomorphins and caseomorphins, and how they very well could be determining what's on your plate. But first, a little rundown on Gluten and Dairy and the cases in which people might prefer to avoid these.
Disclaimer: I'm not against dairy, especially in its raw form. I don't think anyone should automatically remove it from their diet. I am, however, not a fan of gluten, and I explain why in this article.
So let’s look into the various reasons why someone might choose to go gluten-free and dairy-free:
Reasons to Avoid Gluten and Dairy
Celiac Disease:
If you have this autoimmune condition, strict gluten avoidance is essential and the only recognised treatment for this disease. Steering clear of casein (a cross-reactive protein in dairy) is also advisable.
Allergies or Sensitivities:
If you have a gluten, wheat or dairy IgE allergy or IgG sensitivity, it is best to omit them from your diet. This can be determined through lab testing.
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis:
Hashimoto’s is another autoimmune condition in which the avoidance of gluten and dairy should be prioritised. The reason for this is that gluten and casein can act as molecular mimics to the thyroid tissues, triggering antibody production that end up attacking this gland. Avoiding gluten and dairy is necessary at least until antibody levels normalise, which can take years. Again, these can be measured through lab testing (TPO Antibodies and Tg Antibodies). I recommend reading my article on thyroid health if you suspect you have a thyroid condition.
Other Autoimmune or Inflammatory Diseases:
It known that autoimmune conditions tend to be better managed on a gluten-free and dairy-free diet. This includes Rheumatoid Arthritis, Inflammatory Bowel Diseases and Endometriosis.
Non-Organic & GMO Concerns
Opting for organic GMO-free gluten helps avoid glyphosate exposure, and choosing organic dairy prevents the intake of hormones and antibiotics given to cows (rules differ worldwide but it is the case at least in the USA). The preparation methods of bread and the breed of cows can also affect sensitivity (some people tolerate the milk of Jersey A2 cows better).
However, if you (or your family) find yourselves craving bread and dairy non-stop, there might be another factor at play. Enter: Food Opiates.
Food Opiates: The Gluten and Dairy addiction
Casomorphins and gliadorphins (also known as gluteomorphins) are opiate-like peptides formed during the breakdown of casein and gluten (gliadin) proteins in the gut into their smaller components, amino acids. For these peptides to be harmless, the body needs to digest and break them down adequately. And for this to happen there needs to be a healthy microbiome environment and sufficient production of an enzyme known as DPP-IV.
As it turns out, the breakdown of the proteins found in dairy and gluten is shared by a very specific enzyme called dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-IV).
However, some people don’t produce enough DPP-IV. Others may consume gluten and dairy at such a quantity that even normal enzyme production levels are insufficient for the task. Certain medications for Type 2 Diabetes can also block DPP-IV production.
Increased intestinal permeability is another factor that can impede the breakdown of food opiates. Even with sufficient DPP-IV, if you have leaky gut syndrome, these compounds can leak into the bloodstream before they’ve been rendered harmless, and breach the Blood Brain Barrier (BBB). Once outside the gut, these compounds can attach to opiate receptors, leading to symptoms very similar to those produced by opiate medications. This exact process has been linked to autism and schizophrenia and played a significant role in advocating for gluten-free and casein-free diets for individuals with autism.
Opiates are recognized as some of the most addictive drugs out there, so it’s no surprise that those suffering from circulating casomorphins or gliadorphins would struggle with strong cravings for gluten and casein-containing products. The sedating and addictive qualities of casomorphins and gluteomorphins can also provide a potential explanation for why 75% of the calories in the Standard American Diet (SAD) come from wheat and dairy! These opioids play a pivotal role in food addiction and have a profound impact on our dietary choices and preferences. Could you be addicted? Let’s look at the symptoms.
Symptoms of Casomorphins or Gliadorphins
Common symptoms include:
gastrointestinal distress
inflammation
constipation
abdominal pain
mental disorders (autism spectrum disorders)
trouble focusing (brain fog)
confusion
anxiety
depression
mood swings
Testing and Treatment Approaches
Some advanced labs can test urine for casomorphin and gliadorphin levels. High levels may indicate food addiction, often due to decreased DPP-IV, leaky gut, or both. If present, cutting out gluten and dairy is advisable while investigating the cause.
Testing for leaky gut and ruling out Celiac Disease is crucial. If leaky gut is present, addressing the underlying cause and supplementing to heal the gut lining with things link Zinc L-Carnosine and Glutamine is a good place to start.
Probiotics, especially certain bifidobacillus strains, can aid in breaking down casomorphin and gliadorphin.
Lastly, if you consider reintroducing gluten and dairy after healing up your gut and intestinal permeability, using a digestive enzyme supplement containing DPP-IV may be helpful.
As I bring up the addictive aspects of gluten and dairy and their possible consequences, this article aims to empower individuals to make informed choices about their dietary habits. By understanding the hidden connections between these foods and our wellbeing, one can navigate the enticing world of comfort foods with newfound awareness and resilience.