Foods That Can Trigger Depression Symptoms

Gluten Products

Grains like rye, barley, and contaminated oatmeal all contain proteins the body may recognize as gluten, the sticky protein found in wheat. Gluten and gluten-like proteins are some of the most inflammatory foods individuals can consume and contribute to depression. Gluten causes inflammation by irritating the gut and gut microbes as well as the intestinal tissues, and can cause gut cells to create zonulin, the leading cause of intestinal permeability or a leaky gut. Gluten can further cause inflammation and interfere with digestion by clumping food particulars together due to its stickiness. Gluten has also been connected to depression, seizures, headaches, anxiety, and nerve damage, and one study, in particular, discovered the gut inflammation that gluten causes may cause adverse effects that can lead to depression.