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 Our Content
    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 :)


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

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.

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).

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.

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

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


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.

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.

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.

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).

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

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 :)

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

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?

Archived

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


  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):



  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      131,187
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748

    Kris46
    Newest Member
    Kris46
    Joined

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):


  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.4k
    • Total Posts
      1m

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):





  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):



  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • Ginger38
      So I recently had allergy testing for IGE antibodies in response to foods. My test results came back positive to corn, white potatoes, egg whites. Tomatoes, almonds and peanuts to name a few.  I have had obvious reactions to a few of these - particularly tomatoes and corn- both GI issues. I don’t really understand all this allergy versus celiac stuff. If the food allergies are mild do I have to avoid these foods entirely? I don’t know what I will eat if I can’t  have corn based gluten free products 
    • Kris2093u4
      Geography makes a difference.  I'm in the West and Trader Joe's gluten-free bread tastes great and is a better price than most gluten-free breads sold elsewhere in my area.  
    • JForman
      We have four children (7-14 yo), and our 7 year old was diagnosed with NCGS (though all Celiac labs were positive, her scope at 4 years old was negative so docs in the US won't call it celiac). We have started her on a Gluten Free diet after 3 years of major digestive issues and ruling out just about everything under the sun. Our home and kitchen and myself are all gluten-free. But I have not asked my husband/her dad or her other siblings to go completely gluten-free with us. They are at home, but not out of the home. This has led to situations when we are eating out where she has to consistently see others eating things she can't have and she has begun to say "Well, I can't have <fill in the blank>...stupid gluten."  How have you supported your gluten-free kiddos in the mental health space of this journey, especially young ones like her. I know it's hard for me as an adult sometimes to miss out, so I can't imagine being 7 and dealing with it! Any tips or ideas to help with this? 
    • Jane878
      By the time I was 5 I had my first auto0immune disorder, Migraine headaches, with auras to blind me, and vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound. I was 5 years old, and my stepfather would have pizza night, milling his own flour, making thick cheesy gluten pizza, that I would eat and the next day, I would have serious migraines, and my mother & stepfather did nothing about my medical problems. When I was 17 in my first year at college, I was diagnosed with my 2nd known auto-immune disorder, Meniere's disease. I was a elite athlete, a swimmer, and soccer player. And once again my parents didn't think anything of understanding why I had a disorder only older people get. Now after my mother passed from Alzheimer's disease she also suffered with living with gluten. She had a rash for 30 years that nobody could diagnose. She was itchy for 45 years total. My brother had a encapsulated virus explodes in his spleen and when this happened his entire intestines were covered with adhesions, scar tissue and he almost lost his life. He has 5 daughters, and when I finally was diagnosed after being pregnant and my body went into a cytokine storm, I lost my chance to have children, I ended up having Hashimoto's disease, Degenerative Disc disease, and my body started to shut down during my first trimester. I am 6ft tall and got down to 119lbs. My husband and I went to a special immunologist in Terrace, California. They took 17 vials of blood as we flew there for a day and returned home that evening. In 3 weeks, we had the answer, I have Celiac disease. Once this was known, only my father and husband made efforts to change their way of feeding me. At the family cabin, my stepfather & mother were more worried that I would ruin Thanksgiving Dinner. It wasn't until one of my cousins was diagnosed with Celiac disease. They finally looked into getting Gluten Free flour and taking measures to limit "gluten" in meals. He did nothing but ask for me to pay for my own food and wi-fi when I came to the cabin to stay after our house burned down. When he informed my mother, they proceeding to get into a physical fight and she ended up with a black eye. The is just more trauma for me. Sam had no interest in telling the truth about what he wanted. He lied to my mother that he had asked my husband if I could pay for "food" when he asked Geoffrey if I had money to pay for my wi-fi. My mother hates when he spends so much time on the computer so he lied and said I could pay for my own food. I will remind you I weighed 119lbs at this time. (At 6ft) that is a very sick looking person. Neither parent was worried about my weight, they just fought about how cheap my stepfather was. As my mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2014. He had her sign over the will to a trust and added his children. He had no testimonial capacity at the time, so she signed without proper papers. Making this Trust null and void. When I gave my brother my childhood home, my mother stated I would be getting an equal part of inheritance to the house on Race. It currently worth 2.0 million $. I got nothing, and my stepfather has since disowned me b/c of my claim and he knows that my mother would never have left it uneven between my biological brother and myself. She sat me and my husband down, as we lived at the Race Street house and treated and took care of it as our own. My brother took over b/c he was going through a horrific divorce and needed a home so he could get a better custody deal with his soon to be ex-wife who was a Assist DA for Denver. She used the girls against him, and he & I were the primary caregivers. We, Judd and I spent the most time with them pre the divorce. Once Judd moved into the house, he threw all of my mother, grandmother and my family heirlooms out to the Goodwill. Nobody told my mother about this as she was going through cancer treatment and had Alzheimer's disease in her mother and her sister. My stepfather and biological brother took advantage of this matter, as I called a "family council" that my brother just never could make it to at the last moment. All of the furnishing, kitchen ware, everything was in the house my brother just moved into. He had had 2 weddings, I chose to elope b/c my stepfather ruined my brother's first wedding by talking about his relationship with my brother in front of my dad and his entire family, insulting him and having my grandfather leave the ceremony. It was a disaster. My stepfather just plays dumb and blames my father for the slight. I was the only child not to have a wedding. So, my mother and stepfather never had to pay for a thing. My mother had had an agreement with my father he'd pay for college and all medical issues with their kids, myself and Judd. So truly my mother never had to pay for anything big for me in her entire life. I am looking for anyone that has had a similar story, where they grew up in a household that had a baker that regularly milled flour and ate gluten. What happened to you? DId you suffer from different auto-immune diseases b/c of living with a baker using "gluten" Please let me know. I have been looking into legal ways to get my stepfather to give me what my mother had promised, and he erased. Thank you for listening to my story. Jane Donnelly  
    • trents
      Possibly gluten withdrawal. Lot's of info on the internet about it. Somewhat controversial but apparently gluten plugs into the same neuro sensors as opiates do and some people get a similar type withdrawal as they do when quitting opiates. Another issue is that gluten-free facsimile flours are not fortified with vitamins and minerals as is wheat flour (in the U.S. at least) so when the switch is made to gluten-free facsimile foods, especially if a lot of processed gluten-free foods are being used as substitutes, vitamin and mineral deficiencies can result. There is also the possibility that she has picked up a virus or some but that is totally unrelated to going gluten-free.
×
×
  • Create New...