Jump to content

  • 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

By Green12
in Related Issues & Disorders

Recommended Posts

Green12 Enthusiast
Green12
Posted

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
trents
Posted

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
Rachel--24
Posted
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
lorka150
Posted

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
chrissy
Posted

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
phakephur
Posted

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
jenvan
Posted
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
Green12
Posted
  • Author
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
jenvan
Posted

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
ravenwoodglass
Posted
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
mommida
Posted

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
lindalee
Posted
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
Green12
Posted
  • Author
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
ravenwoodglass
Posted
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
lindalee
Posted
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
Green12
Posted
  • Author
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
plantime
Posted

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
Green12
Posted
  • Author
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
plantime
Posted

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
lindalee
Posted
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
Green12
Posted
  • Author
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.

Go to topic listing
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      131,861
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Priscilla Buxton
    Newest Member
    Priscilla Buxton
    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

    • Rogol72
      Ibuprofen

      By Rogol72 · Posted

      Some interesting articles regarding the use of Zinc Carnosine to help heal gastric ulcers, gastritis and intestinal permeability. I would consult a medical professional about it's use. https://www.nature.com/articles/ncpgasthep0778 https://www.rupahealth.com/post/clinical-applications-of-zinc-carnosine---evidence-review https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7146259/ https://www.fallbrookmedicalcenter.com/zinc-l-carnosine-benefits-dosage-and-safety/
    • Jillian83
      Celiac and dermatitis herpetiformis has taken Me from Me

      By Jillian83 · Posted

      He is. Which makes everything even more difficult. I’m not a believer in “staying for the kids” but I have nowhere to go and it’s not just me, it’s me plus my babies. We live in a beautiful place, lots of land in the country and me and the kids love the place we’ve called home for their entire lives. But Im seeing that he’ll never change, that my kids deserve a happy healthy Momma, and that staying in this as is will be the early death of me. Then I look at the scars covering my entire body…this disease and the chronic stress I’ve been enduring for years that tell me I’m no longer beautiful and no one will ever look at me with interest again. I try self care, try to give myself grace so I can just start loving myself enough to gain strength but the slightest sparkle in my eye and skip in my step attracts his wrath and it all comes crashing ten fold. Life is just absolutely railing me from every single direction leaving me wanting to wave that white flag bc I don’t feel like there’s much hope no matter what happens. 
    • trents
      Celiac and dermatitis herpetiformis has taken Me from Me

      By trents · Posted

      Is this man the father of your children?
    • Jillian83
      Celiac and dermatitis herpetiformis has taken Me from Me

      By Jillian83 · Posted

      Hi, I was recently diagnosed with Celiac and dermatitis herpetiformis after years of suffering without answers. I lost my mind. I lost my job. I lost so much time. I lost Me. Conventional doctors are opulent come near me and the one who did sat across the room, misdiagnosed me, pumped me full of steroids which collapsed my entire hip for 6 months. So without answers I began my holistic journey. Fast forward a couple of years and still struggling with a mysterious whole body itchy, crawling “skin hell”, perfect teeth now deteriorating, thick hair now thinning rapidly and no more than a day or 2 at most relief….An acquaintance opened up a functional medicine practice. Cash only, I found a way. Within a month tests clearly showing my off the charts gluten allergy/sensitivity as well as the depletion of vital nutrients due to leaky gut and intestinal damage. dermatitis herpetiformis was more than likely what I was experiencing with my skin. I was happy. I thought this is easy, eat healthy Whole Foods, follow the diet restrictions and I finally get to heal and feel confident and like myself again very soon! 😔 Supplements are very pricey but I got them and began my healing. Which leads to the other major issue: not working, stay at home Mom of young kids, entirely financially dependent on my man of 7 plus years. He’s never been supportive of anything I’ve ever done or been thru. He controls everything. I’m not given much money ever at a time and when he does leave money it’s only enough to possibly get gas. His excuse is that I’ll spend it on other things. So my “allowance” is inconsistent and has conditions. He withholds money from me as punishment for anything he wants. Since being diagnosed, he’s gained a new control tactic to use as punishment. He now is in control of when I get to eat. He asked for proof of my diagnosis and diet bc he said I made it up just to be able to eat expensive organic foods. Then after I sent him my file from my doctor he then said she wasn’t a real doctor. 😡. I go days upon days starving, sometimes breaking down and eating things I shouldn’t bc I’m so sick then I pay horribly while he gets annoyed and angry bc I’m not keeping up with all the duties I’m supposed to be doing. His abuse turns full on when I’m down and it’s in these desperate times when I need his support and care the most that I’m punished with silence, being starved, ignored, belittled. He will create more of a mess just bc I’m unable to get up and clean so that when I am better, I’m so overwhelmed with chores to catch up that the stress causes me to go right back into a flare from hell and the cycle repeats. I’m punished for being sick. I’m belittled for starving and asking for healthy clean water. I’m purposely left out of his life. He won’t even tell me he’s going to the grocery or to get dinner bc he doesn’t want me to ask him for anything. I have no one. I have nothing. Im not better. My supplements ran out and I desperately need Vitamin D3 and a methylated B complex at the very minimal just to function….he stares at me blankly…no, a slight smirk, no words. He’s happiest when im miserable and I am miserable.  this is so long and im condensing as much as I can but this situation is so complicated and disgusting. And it’s currently my life. The “IT” girl, the healthy, beautiful, perfect skin, perfect teeth, thick and curly locks for days, creative and talented IT girl….now I won’t even leave this house bc Im ashamed of what this has dont to my body, my skin. Im disgusted. The stress is keeping me from healing and I think he knows that and that’s why he continues to keep me in that state. He doesn’t want me confident or successful. He doesn’t want me healed and healthy bc then how would he put the blame of all his problems on me? This journey has been hell and I’ve been in Hell before. I’ve been killed by an ex, I’ve been raped, robbed, held hostage, abused beyond nightmares but the cruelty I’ve experienced from him bc of this disease is the coldest I’ve ever experienced. I’ve wanted to give up. Starving and in tears, desperate…I found a local food pantry in our small town so I reached out just saying I had Celiac and was on hard times. This woman is blessing me daily with prepared gluten free meals, donations, educational info, people who know this disease and how they manage life and the blessings just keep coming. But it’s overwhelming and I feel like I don’t deserve it at all. He just glared and I know he’s going to sabotage it somehow. I don’t even know what to do anymore. I’m so broken and just want peace and healing. 
    • cristiana
      Ibuprofen

      By cristiana · Posted

      @Colleen H   I am just curious,  when you were tested for coeliac disease, did the doctors find out if you had any deficiencies? Sometimes muscle pain can be caused by certain deficiencies, for example, magnesium, vitamin D, calcium, and potassium.   Might be worth looking into having some more tests.  Pins and needles can be neuropathy, again caused by deficiencies, such as iron and B12,  which can be reversed if these deficiencies are addressed. In the UK where I live we are usually only tested for iron, B12 and vitamin D deficiencies at diagnosis.   I was very iron anemic and supplementation made a big difference.  B12 was low normal, but in other countries the UK's low normal would be considered a deficiency.  My vitamin D was low normal, and I've been supplementing ever since (when I remember to take it!) My pins and needles definitely started to improve when my known deficiencies were addressed.  My nutritionist also gave me a broad spectrum supplement which really helped, because I suspect I wasn't just deficient in what I mention above but in many other vitamins and minerals.  But a word of warning, don't take iron unless blood tests reveal you actually need it, and if you are taking it your levels must be regularly monitored because too much can make you ill.  (And if you are currently taking iron, that might actually be making your stomach sore - it did mine, so my GP changed my iron supplementation to a gentler form, ferrous gluconate). Lastly, have you been trying to take anything to lessen the pain in your gut?  I get a sore stomach periodically, usually when I've had too much rich food, or when I have had to take an aspirin or certain antibiotics, or after glutening.  When this happens, I take for just a few days a small daily dose of OTC omeprazole.  I also follow a reflux or gastritis diet. There are lots online but the common denominators to these diets is you need to cut out caffeine, alcohol, rich, spicy, acidic food etc and eat small regularly spaced meals.   When I get a sore stomach, I also find it helpful to drink lots of water.  I also find hot water with a few slices of ginger very soothing to sip, or camomile tea.  A wedge pillow at night is good for reflux. Also,  best not to eat a meal 2-3 hours before going to bed. If the stomach pain is getting worse, though, it would be wise to see the doctor again. I hope some of this helps. Cristiana    
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.