Jump to content
This site uses cookies. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. More Info... ×
  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.




  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):



    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):


  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com!
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Celiac And Liver Health


Green12

Recommended Posts

Green12 Enthusiast

Just curious as to if there is a known connection between the health of the liver and celiac, or other auto-immune conditions.

Does anyone know of any natural liver regenerators?? I know about milk thistle, but I am very sensitive to supplements at this time. Are there any foods that can naturally cleanse and build the liver?

Any information is appreciated :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):



Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):



trents Grand Master

It is well-known that many Celiacs have elevated liver enzymes (think, "hepatitis"); infact, about 20% according to one expert I read. This was the smyptom that led to the Celiac diagnosis in my case. It is not known with certainty what the connection is but most feel it is the incompletely digested food compounds that leak across the damaged mucosa of the gut and then get into the blood stream that are the culprit. As far as the liver is concerned, they are toxic and create stress. Others feel it may be due to vitamine/mineral malabsorption.

In most cases, the liver heals quite well once the person gets on a gluten-free dient. In some cases, however, the liver remains damaged. In my case, I had elevated liver enzymes for 12 or 13 years before I got the Celiac diagnosis. Now that I am gluten free, my liver enzymes are normal but albumin/total protein serum levels remain depressed, even after 2 1/2 years. This suggests to me there was some permanent damage as the liver is the factory for albumin and other serum proteins.

I know I will get jumped on for saying this by other forum members, but scientific studies have not shown those liver detox agents to be effective.

Steve

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Rachel--24 Collaborator
I know I will get jumped on for saying this by other forum members, but scientific studies have not shown those liver detox agents to be effective.

I havent seen the results of any studies re: this but I would have to agree w/ you Steve that they probably arent effective.

I had elevated enzymes also...probably still do. Its only been a couple months since my test showed they were elevated. I've never been dx'd Celiac and I dont think I have it because I'm lacking the main genes. I could fall into the small percentage without a main gene but I highly doubt it. I believe that any food or chemical that the body is reacting to can cause a toxic overload. It puts stress on the liver....especially when there are many intolerances involved.

Oh yeah Julie, Have you ever been to CureZone forums? They talk alot about cleanses and stuff like that over there. They give instructions for liver cleanses and some people swear by them but I myself have never tried it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
lorka150 Collaborator

When I was at my sickest, my liver levels were 800+. (they should be below 40).

Now they are around 150 (I am getting a biopsy in a few weeks to check that out because they aren't going down).

Link to comment
Share on other sites
chrissy Collaborator

my sister has an autoimmune liver disease and will eventually need a transplant. i think that her gi has said not to do liver cleanses.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
phakephur Apprentice

Hi juliem,

I've done those liver cleanses many times with good results.

I started doing them because I developed multiple chemical sensitivity and ultimately had to quit my office job. MCS kept me from doing basic things - like go to a store or be with friends (modern first world humans are awash in chemicals). Also I was very sick with flu like symptoms, localized infections, hair loss, insurmountable fatigue. The liver cleanse improved my liver function and gave me my life back. I can still smell someone's fabric softener from 10 feet away, but it doesn't put me in bed for 2 days.

If you don't have a specific medical reason not to do it, it might be very beneficial to you.

Sarah

Link to comment
Share on other sites
jenvan Collaborator
Just curious as to if there is a known connection between the health of the liver and celiac, or other auto-immune conditions.

Does anyone know of any natural liver regenerators?? I know about milk thistle, but I am very sensitive to supplements at this time. Are there any foods that can naturally cleanse and build the liver?

Any information is appreciated :)

Julie-

Do you have a liver issue/disease? As was said here, most Celiacs have elevated liver enzymes. For the majority of Celiacs, those numbers return to normal after some time on the gluten-free diet. I would approach liver "cleanses" very carefully. Some of those end up causing more damage/stress to the body. As the study below says, most enzymes return to normal and most are not linked to serious liver disease. What exactly is your concern is for your liver or your symptoms, length of symptoms etc...

Read this: https://www.celiac.com/st_prod.html?p_prodid=1323 and this study: Open Original Shared Link

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):



Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):



Green12 Enthusiast
Julie-

Do you have a liver issue/disease? As was said here, most Celiacs have elevated liver enzymes. For the majority of Celiacs, those numbers return to normal after some time on the gluten-free diet. I would approach liver "cleanses" very carefully. Some of those end up causing more damage/stress to the body. As the study below says, most enzymes return to normal and most are not linked to serious liver disease. What exactly is your concern is for your liver or your symptoms, length of symptoms etc...

Read this: https://www.celiac.com/st_prod.html?p_prodid=1323 and this study: Open Original Shared Link

Thanks everyone for your replies.

I don't have any specific liver disease, that I know of anyway. I did have elevated liver enzymes at the beginning of my auto-immune illness (circa 1991). But I haven't been to a medical doctor since then to have any follow up tests done.

I'm just doing some detective work on my own. Doctors haven't helped me with a rare and mystery condition that I have, that I think possibly involves the liver, and I'm trying to figure it all out and get myself better.

I have done liver flushes in the past, but I do worry about doing them without some kind of professional supervision. I know there are supplements that cleanse and build the liver but I am not handling supplementation at this time.

I was looking for a more gentler natural way, possibly through foods, to cleanse the liver. I found a beet liver cleanse that involves adding a little shredded beets and lemon juice to your diet.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
jenvan Collaborator

I posted on foods that are naturally "detoxing" but can't find it now. I do remember using this article though: Open Original Shared Link I think psyllium is also an excellent cleanser that is safe--really cleans out old stools etc. from bowels.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
ravenwoodglass Mentor
Thanks everyone for your replies.

I don't have any specific liver disease, that I know of anyway. I did have elevated liver enzymes at the beginning of my auto-immune illness (circa 1991). But I haven't been to a medical doctor since then to have any follow up tests done.

I'm just doing some detective work on my own. Doctors haven't helped me with a rare and mystery condition that I have, that I think possibly involves the liver, and I'm trying to figure it all out and get myself better.

I have done liver flushes in the past, but I do worry about doing them without some kind of professional supervision. I know there are supplements that cleanse and build the liver but I am not handling supplementation at this time.

I was looking for a more gentler natural way, possibly through foods, to cleanse the liver. I found a beet liver cleanse that involves adding a little shredded beets and lemon juice to your diet.

I would go with the beet juice if you really feel you need to do this. However do it very cautiously. Start out with only about 2 oz of beet juice at the most and mix it with another juice. If the drink makes you nauseous you used too much beet juice. The liver cleansers take the toxins out of the liver and throw them into the bloodstream, this can have nasty effects.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
mommida Enthusiast

My daughter's ped gastro said there was a link to an auto-immune liver disease. Sorry no other further information on that, but start some research on that. I tried looking into that and the only thing I could find was the auto-immune cirrosis(spelled that completely wrong).

Link to comment
Share on other sites
lindalee Enthusiast
Just curious as to if there is a known connection between the health of the liver and celiac, or other auto-immune conditions.

Does anyone know of any natural liver regenerators?? I know about milk thistle, but I am very sensitive to supplements at this time. Are there any foods that can naturally cleanse and build the liver?

Any information is appreciated :)

I watch "your health" dr. becker and this is what he says. Being overweight puts a lot of stress on the liver and loosing weight if overweight will heal the fatty liver. He reccommends probiotics, oil of oregano, noni juice, proteins, antioxidants, b12, calcium , ginko and milk thistle. I'll see if I can find out more. LindaLee

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Green12 Enthusiast
My daughter's ped gastro said there was a link to an auto-immune liver disease. Sorry no other further information on that, but start some research on that. I tried looking into that and the only thing I could find was the auto-immune cirrosis(spelled that completely wrong).

This is all very fascinating, thanks for the link Jenvan.

I would like to research it more mommida too. It's interesting you mention auto-immune cirrhosis. I have been looking into cirrhosis more recently, and then the article jenvan linked me to talks about it as well, celiac and cirrhosis.

ravenwoodglass,

thanks for the advice, good to know :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites
ravenwoodglass Mentor
This is all very fascinating, thanks for the link Jenvan.

I would like to research it more mommida too. It's interesting you mention auto-immune cirrhosis. I have been looking into cirrhosis more recently, and then the article jenvan linked me to talks about it as well, celiac and cirrhosis.

ravenwoodglass,

thanks for the advice, good to know :)

My twin died as a result of autoimmune cirrosis. The doctor said that his liver had been deterioriating since birth. He started drinking at a young age and by 15 his liver was gone. I am not saying this to scare you and only recently found out about a possible connection between celiac and liver disease myself but have not researched it a lot. Please be sure not to drink at all or use any OTC products that are metabelized (sp) by the liver like Tylenol if you have any doubt about the statis of your liver health.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
lindalee Enthusiast
My twin died as a result of autoimmune cirrosis. The doctor said that his liver had been deterioriating since birth. He started drinking at a young age and by 15 his liver was gone. I am not saying this to scare you and only recently found out about a possible connection between celiac and liver disease myself but have not researched it a lot. Please be sure not to drink at all or use any OTC products that are metabelized (sp) by the liver like Tylenol if you have any doubt about the statis of your liver health.

So sorry about your brother. You are right. This liver business is something we have to be concerned about. I wish I knew what dr. to go to. I'm just trying to heal and get my energy back. Glad you said that about the drinking. I had a small glass of wine tonight gluten-free but I guess I'll stop that too. The list is sure getting longer. LindaLee

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Green12 Enthusiast
My twin died as a result of autoimmune cirrosis. The doctor said that his liver had been deterioriating since birth. He started drinking at a young age and by 15 his liver was gone. I am not saying this to scare you and only recently found out about a possible connection between celiac and liver disease myself but have not researched it a lot. Please be sure not to drink at all or use any OTC products that are metabelized (sp) by the liver like Tylenol if you have any doubt about the statis of your liver health.

ravenwoodglass,

I'm very sorry for your loss. Thanks for the warning, it is very serious. It just drives home how serious auto-immune conditions are, can be, and the damage they do in our bodies.

I don't drink, so that isn't a problem for me. My concern is I took a lot of ibuprofen for the last 10-12 years every single month for debilitating menstrual cramping. I have researched the toll ibuprofen takes on the body and it isn't good news, being very hard on the liver included.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
plantime Contributor

I have a sluggish liver. My enzymes are low, which is good, but my liver just doesn't work like it should. I have used milk thistle, but it caused painful bowel cramps. I have used dandelion tea, which is bitter, but ok. Now I take cat's claw and hawthorn berry capsules, one of each with each meal. My sides have quit hurting, I have more energy, and I just overall feel so much better! I know if I forget to take them, as I start feeling rundown and achy all over again. These are natural herbs, I don't get the ones with anything else in them, they work together to nourish and support the liver, they do not cleanse it. Dandelion and milk thistle cleanse it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Green12 Enthusiast
I have a sluggish liver. My enzymes are low, which is good, but my liver just doesn't work like it should. I have used milk thistle, but it caused painful bowel cramps. I have used dandelion tea, which is bitter, but ok. Now I take cat's claw and hawthorn berry capsules, one of each with each meal. My sides have quit hurting, I have more energy, and I just overall feel so much better! I know if I forget to take them, as I start feeling rundown and achy all over again. These are natural herbs, I don't get the ones with anything else in them, they work together to nourish and support the liver, they do not cleanse it. Dandelion and milk thistle cleanse it.

Thanks for sharing this plantime, I might be interested in this time at just supporting the liver and strengthening it rather that cleansing it. These herbs you mentioned sound like they do just that.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
plantime Contributor

That's why I use the cat's claw and hawthorn berry. They provide nutrients the liver needs, but do not cleanse it or anything like that. Since celiac causes malabsorption, I figured I just needed more of the good stuff!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
lindalee Enthusiast
Just curious as to if there is a known connection between the health of the liver and celiac, or other auto-immune conditions.

Does anyone know of any natural liver regenerators?? I know about milk thistle, but I am very sensitive to supplements at this time. Are there any foods that can naturally cleanse and build the liver?

Any information is appreciated :)

another thought- Microwaving - I heard that it destroys the enzymes in food. I am not microwaving now. LindaLee

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Green12 Enthusiast
another thought- Microwaving - I heard that it destroys the enzymes in food. I am not microwaving now. LindaLee

I haven't used a microwave for 12 years, that was the first thing my naturopath told me to do away with. It was hard to adjust to at first because we have become such a fast lane convenience society, and it's habit. But now, I don't even give it a second thought.

Microwave who? Microwave what?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.


  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):



  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      121,037
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748

    haifield22
    Newest Member
    haifield22
    Joined

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):


  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      120.3k
    • Total Posts
      1m

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):





  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):



  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • Katiec123
      @RMJ it makes sense as it’s something I’ve experienced more than once. Currently 24 weeks and baby is doing well! Will be seeking more medical advice today 
    • Manaan2
      Thank you! This is great information and perfect timing because we have our first appointment for a second opinion tomorrow.  
    • trents
      Bright blood in the stool would indicate bleeding down at the lower end in the colorectal area as opposed to the small bowel below the stomach where celiac manifests damage to the villous lining. Are these blood stools persistent? It's not unusual for this to happen once in a while to most anyone when a small surface vessel breaks, kind of like a nose bleed. As Scott Adams said, you must continue to consume regular amounts of gluten if the specialist will be doing additional testing for celiac disease, which could include an endoscopy with biopsy of the small bowel lining.
    • Bev in Milw
      Checkouts gluten-free recipes at twww.redstaryeast.com We tried a bread machine years ago and weren’t happy with results. Bread machines have pre-set rise & bake times.  Unfortunately, the program doesn’t adjust to slight differences when measuring, relative humidity or temperature of ingredients & in kitchens.  Lots of efforts for ONE odd- sized loaf that hard to cut into useable slices.  College-aged son found best use for bread machine was as heavy duty mixer that ‘kept dust in the box.’  He would pre-measure ingredients for 2-3 loaves & use machine mix up individual batches.      Since gluten-free bread needs  to rise only once, each recipe of dough went into a loaf pan. Pans sat counter to rise—time dependent of temp in kitchen. Then, baked in oven until he, not machine, decided it was done.     Took ~10 min extra up front to measure & mix additions but adds nothing to rise & bake times.     Loaves are great for slicing (Slice extra before freezing!). One mess to clean up, saves time & energy since you need to bake  as is half as often (If  you plan to bake lots more than bread, opt for KitchenAid/ heavy duty mixer instead.  Cover with dish towel to capture dust!)     Personally, I’m sure I had as a kid since I’ve never been a fan  of bread. .  Have been wrapping corn tortillas around things for 40+ years.  Can still get a dozen 12-pks of tortillas for same or less than price as 1 load of gluten-free bread. PLUS. the tortillas have more nutrients!         
    • CelestialScribe
      Welcome to the forum. You are lucky because in Korean food, many classic meals such as bibimbap without sauce, barbecue meats and some kinds of soups generally do not have gluten. But it is a good idea to confirm with the restaurant workers for safety reasons. Regarding certain locations, I enjoy going to places such as Plant in Seoul and Sprout in Busan. Moreover, using applications like HappyCow or TripAdvisor can assist you to discover additional choices in the regions you plan to visit. One big tip: it is good to know some important Korean sentences, for example 'I cannot eat gluten' (geulluteuneul meogeul su eopseoyo)  or 'Does this have gluten?' (igeoe neun geulluteuni deureo innayo?) because they can be very helpful. If you are considering getting a local guide, I'd suggest this one https://gowithguide.com/korea They were very helpful when I needed to find places with gluten-free food options because they provide tours tailored to your preferences. Good luck with your travels! 🍻
×
×
  • Create New...