Gluten is a type of protein produced by several commercial grasses such as wheat, rye and barley. Roughly 2 million people in the United States suffer from gluten intolerance, also known as celiac disease, which results in an autoimmune reaction against gluten, according the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Gluten intolerance may cause several symptoms, including neurological symptoms such as a tingling sensation in the feet. Following a gluten-free diet can help reduce these symptoms.
Disease Progression
When people with gluten intolerance eat gluten, their bodies mistakenly mount an immune response against the gluten. This immune response also damages the inside lining of the small intestine, causing swelling and inflammation. Left untreated, gluten intolerance can result in severe damage to the intestines, which can ultimately render the intestines unable to absorb vitamins, minerals and other nutrients from food.
Neurological Symptoms
If the intestines become so damaged that they can no longer absorb vitamins and minerals, severe malnourishment and vitamin deficiencies may develop, even if you continue to eat plenty of food. People with untreated celiac disease frequently develop a deficiency in vitamin B-12, according to a study published in the March 2001 issue of the "American Journal of Gastroenterology." A deficiency in vitamin B-12 can lead to several neurological symptoms, including feelings of numbness of tingling in the hands or feet.
Gluten-Free Diet
The only way to treat celiac disease is to follow a strict gluten-free diet, avoiding all foods that contain wheat, rye and barley, such as bread, pasta and cereal. Watch out for unexpected processed foods that often contain added gluten, including many types of candy, lunch meats, French fries, potato chips, soy sauce, soups, sauces and seasonings.
Treating Neurological Symptoms
In many cases, following a gluten-free diet will alleviate the neurological symptoms associated with celiac disease, including tingling feet. However, certain patients may require supplemental vitamins, such as B-12, to treat severe vitamin deficiencies. Additionally, there are other steps you can follow to ease the neurological symptoms, including wearing loose shoes, soaking your feet in ice water and limiting the time spent on your feet.
References
- Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University: Vitamin B12; Victoria J. Drake, et al.; August 2007
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Celiac Disease
- MedlinePlus: Celiac Disease -- Sprue
- Center for Peripheral Neuropathy -- The University of Chicago: Celiac Disease
- "American Journal of Gastroenterology"; Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Untreated Celiac Disease; A. Dahele and S. Ghosh; March 2001
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