What is Brain Fog?
Brain fog can be described as a state of being excessively “spaced out” or an inability to concentrate or remember simple things due to gluten ingestion. Some may refer to it as mental fatigue, forgetfulness, grogginess, being detached, or mental confusion.
What is the Connection Between Celiac Disease and Brain Fog?
Gluten-induced neurocognitive impairment, also known as “brain fog” or “celiac fog,” is a symptom in many with celiac disease and gluten-related disorders. Brain fog is a symptom that gets a lot of attention in the celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) communities, but not as much attention from researchers. In a Beyond Celiac study, 90 percent of survey participants (89% of those with celiac disease and 95% of those with non-celiac gluten sensitivity) reported experiencing brain fog. This, among other research, suggests it is one of the most common symptoms of celiac disease and NCGS.
The most commonly chosen descriptors of brain fog were difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, and grogginess. The graph below shows the percentage of each participant type who chose each descriptor. These descriptors may help healthcare providers recognize that patients who use these words to describe symptoms may be experiencing brain fog.
A study of the neurological and neuropsychological effects of celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity from researchers at the University of Sheffield concluded that patients with celiac disease “had cognitive deficit, worsened mental health and white matter changes based on analysis of brain images.”
On a strict gluten-free diet, many people with celiac disease or NCGS no longer experience brain fog, but further research is needed.
Where Can I Learn More?
- Brain Images Show Celiac Disease Related Damage
- Psychological Impacts of Celiac Disease
- Brain Fog Survey Reveals Details About the Symptom
How Do People with Celiac Disease Experience Brain Fog?
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My accidental gluten exposure usually happens when someone tells me their dish is gluten-free. I know within a few hours that I have been glutened. I get super tired and can’t concentrate. I know I am supposed to be doing something, but I just cannot make myself do it. Sometimes I get super grouchy!
KR
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It gets so bad that I feel a “zoom out” effect through my own eyes. I literally feel the connectors in my brain trying to connect, but can’t, and it creates this pressure on top of my head and behind my eyes. It can get scary when driving a vehicle, and I feel like I am intoxicated. I feel drugged.
MC
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I find myself forgetting why I entered a room, and what on earth I was trying to retrieve!
KK
How Do You Experience Brain Fog?
At Beyond Celiac, we’re collecting real stories from people living with celiac disease to highlight how symptoms affect everyday life.
Your experience with brain fog can help others feel seen, understood, and empowered. We only share first names or initials to protect your privacy. These stories raise awareness and help others recognize how celiac disease shows up in different ways.
Use the form below to share your experiences with celiac disease and brain fog.