I Used to Pray for Clarity
I used to pray for clarity every time my daughter’s mood shifted overnight. How could she go from joyful to anxious, focused to foggy, for no clear reason? The answer surprised me — and honestly, humbled me. It wasn’t “just hormones” or “a tough day.” It was celiac symptoms. But not the kind anyone warns you about… the kind that starts in the gut and shows up in the mind.
If you’ve ever found yourself second-guessing your child’s sudden mood changes, anxiety, or focus issues — wondering if they’re “just being emotional” or if something deeper is happening — you’re not alone.
Most people still think of celiac disease as a digestive condition. Stomach pain, diarrhea, bloating — that’s what we’re taught to look for. But here’s what most don’t realize: celiac is actually more neurological than it is digestive.
That means that celiac symptoms can show up as symptoms that seem odd, disconnected, or even “weird” to talk about — things like irritability, sadness, brain fog, or OCD-like tendencies.
And because no one’s talking about it, moms often carry this in silence.
The Celiac Symptoms No Mom Talks About
I’ve seen it firsthand — not just in my daughter, but in myself. My first sign of gluten exposure isn’t running to the bathroom. It’s an all-time low mood that hits fast and hard. For about 24–48 hours, I feel off, withdrawn, and emotionally heavy — and then it passes.
For kids, this might look like:
- Sudden anger or outbursts
- Anxiety that seems to come out of nowhere
- Trouble focusing or processing
- OCD-like behaviors or repetitive actions
- Meltdowns or extreme irritability
- Loss of motivation or energy
If you’ve noticed any of these after what seemed like a “safe” meal out or a playdate snack, it might not be a coincidence.
Why We Don’t Talk About It
We freely talk about pain in arthritis or fatigue in thyroid issues — but when it comes to mental or behavioral symptoms, we tend to shrink back.
Why? Shame. Fear. Guilt.
We worry others won’t understand. That they’ll think it’s “just a phase,” “bad behavior,” or “poor parenting.”
Biblically speaking, that shame has no place here. We are called to live in truth, not fear — and the truth is, neurological symptoms are part of the reality for many with celiac disease.
The lack of education in this space has made it hard for moms to even name what they’re seeing, let alone talk about it.
Why It Happens
When the gut is inflamed, the brain is inflamed.
The two are directly connected through the gut-brain axis. So when gluten triggers an immune reaction in the gut, it can also send the brain into chaos — disrupting neurotransmitters, spiking inflammation, and creating the emotional rollercoaster we see.
That’s why working through true gut healing — not just “going gluten-free” — can make such a dramatic difference.
There Is a Way Forward
If you’ve wondered whether gluten could be causing your child’s anxiety, anger, OCD behaviors, or mood swings — the answer is often yes.
And no, you won’t find that connection discussed in most doctors’ offices. But there are ways to identify it and help your child heal.
You can even run specific tests to see how the gut and immune system are functioning — and it doesn’t have to feel intimidating or “medical.” I walk moms through this process gently and clearly so you can finally understand what’s going on in your child’s body (and maybe your own).
Because when we calm inflammation in the gut, we calm inflammation in the brain.
If This Hits Close to Home…
If this sounds familiar, start here:
👉 Download the Mom’s Guide to Celiac Symptoms — it breaks down the signs that often go missed, especially the ones unrelated to stomach upset.
And if you’re ready to take the next step in healing — not just managing — I invite you to join me in The Celiac Confidence Method. It’s a compassionate, step-by-step program designed to help moms understand, restore, and live in freedom again — with someone walking beside you every step of the way.
You don’t have to guess anymore.
You don’t have to carry this alone.
You just need the right guidance and a community that gets it.
Get started by applying here to connect with Kelly and explore the best next steps for supporting their health.
God doesn’t waste the hard — even when it comes wrapped in symptoms we don’t understand. What feels heavy and confusing today can become the very thing He uses to refine your faith, grow your compassion, and draw you AND your kids closer to Him.
You were chosen to be your child’s advocate for a reason. He equips those He calls.
And as Psalm 34:5 reminds us,
“Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.”
Hold onto that truth. You are not alone — and there is real hope ahead and I would love to help you see it.
