Celiac & Anxiety: Why You’re Not Crazy — and What Actually Helps

Not every symptom of celiac disease shows up in your stomach — sometimes, it shows up in your mind.
In this episode, Lucia dives deep into the connection between celiac disease and anxiety — from the neurological link through the gut-brain axis to the emotional weight of managing a gluten-free life every single day.

She shares the latest research on gastrointestinal anxiety, her own story of discovering that anxiety was actually a symptom of gluten exposure, and the mindset shifts and systems that helped her finally feel calm again.

Whether you’ve ever felt anxious after getting glutened, burned out from food vigilance, or just tired of feeling “different,” this conversation will remind you that you’re not crazy — you’re human.

In this episode:

• How inflammation and nutrient deficiencies impact mood and anxiety
• The mental load of constant food vigilance and cross-contamination fears
• Tools, routines, and mindset shifts that make life with celiac feel lighter
• Why anxiety is a valid part of the celiac experience — and what actually helps

💬 “If you’ve ever felt like your anxiety was all in your head, this episode will make you feel seen.”

🎧 Listen now to feel validated, grounded, and more at peace with your gluten-free life.

🌎 News of the Week

🍞 Gluten-Free Favorite of the Week

⏱️ Timestamps:

00:43 — Welcome & Life Update
A quick catch-up from Lucia: Travel updates and podcast social media updates

02:51 — Today’s Topic: Celiac & Anxiety
Introducing the two sides of anxiety with celiac: when it’s a neurological symptom vs. when it’s a result of living gluten-free.

04:32 — Celiac News of the Week
A new study on “gastrointestinal anxiety” — what it means, how it’s measured, and why it finally validates what so many of us feel.

06:52 — Gluten Free Fav of the Week

Lucia’s latest obsession: Honey Stinger Gluten Free Waffles 

08:21 — Anxiety & Celiac Disease

Sharing more about the two sides of anxiety with celiac. 

10:56 — The Gut-Brain Connection Explained
How inflammation and nutrient deficiencies affect serotonin, mood, and focus — and why anxiety can actually be a symptom of gluten exposure.

13:28 — My Overnight-Oats Story
The year I accidentally ate gluten every morning, what it did to my body and mind, and how I finally figured it out.

18:04 — The Emotional Side of Living Gluten-Free
Hypervigilance, cross-contamination fears, social stress, and the mental load of “getting it right,” plus Lucia shares personal experiences on situations that cause her anxiety. 

20:10— Why Anxiety Shows Up Differently for Everyone
From childhood embarrassment to adult hyper-awareness — and how identity plays into it all.

22:18— Fear of Trust

Common experiences that cause fear of cross contamination and lack of trust.

24:24— Catholic Gluten Free Host Story

Lucia shares her experience with receiving low gluten hosts in the Catholic Church as a child.

25:37 — Identity Shift with Celiac
How having celiac disease can affect your identity. 

27:08 — Research on Celiac & Anxiety
Recent research studies on anxiety in patients with Celiac disease.

28:35 — Coping Strategies That Actually Help
Mindset shifts around relationships & eating out at restaurants that make managing celiac less overwhelming.

34:35 — Key Takeaways & Community
The gut-brain link is real, anxiety is valid, and there are ways to feel calm again.

✨Let’s Connect

• Follow the podcast on Instagram: @celiacdiariespod

• Subscribe to the Podcast on YouTube: Celiac Diaries Podcast
• Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: Lucia Cordaro
• Follow the podcast on TikTok: @celiacdiariespod

• Follow the Celiac Diaries Substack: Substack Page

Disclaimer

I’m not a medical professional. Everything I share is based on my personal experiences living with celiac disease. Please consult your doctor for medical advice specific to your health.

music provided by epidemic sound.