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

Gluten Intolerance & Liver Issues?

Ayn M Gill

Recommended Posts

Ayn M Gill Rookie
Ayn M Gill
Posted

I've been reading some of the posts on celiac disease and liver disease/problems/issues. I don't want to complicate things, but I did want to add something to the discussion. If anyone can explain what might be going on, I would be grateful as my docs are quite stumped.

I tested negative, twice, for celiac disease 8 years ago (blood and biopsy). However, it appears that I'm gluten intolerant, which does not, to my knowledge, involve autoimmunity. I say that it appears that I'm gluten intolerant because my liver enzymes become elevated when I eat wheat - and I have excruciating pain, nausea and vomiting. I'm negative for all forms of hepatitis (tho there could be a false negative in there somewhere, I guess) Liver enzymes run 10x higher than normal.

So, I think the point I'm trying to make is that being gluten intolerant might very well be enough to damage the liver....celiac disease may not be necessary to trigger liver disease.

I don't know if I've had an ASMA test...can someone explain it to me or tell me what the letters stand for? Thanks....AllieB

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

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


cruelshoes Enthusiast
cruelshoes
Posted
I don't know if I've had an ASMA test...can someone explain it to me or tell me what the letters stand for? Thanks....AllieB

The ASMA (anti-smooth-muscle antibody) test is one that is intended to detect autoimmune chronic hepatitis. Liver enzyme levels and celiac disease can be linked. I have liver issues, and my elevated enzymes have come down considerably since my diagnosis and going gluten-free.

Hope this is of some help to you.

Ayn M Gill Rookie
Ayn M Gill
Posted
  • Author
The ASMA (anti-smooth-muscle antibody) test is one that is intended to detect autoimmune chronic hepatitis. Liver enzyme levels and celiac disease can be linked. I have liver issues, and my elevated enzymes have come down considerably since my diagnosis and going gluten-free.

Hope this is of some help to you.

Ayn M Gill Rookie
Ayn M Gill
Posted
  • Author

Thanks for the explanation of ASMA. Yes, I've had that test, but not recently, I don't think. I've been strictly gluten-free for 8 years now and understand that celiac and liver disease are connected. I was hoping to better understand the connection between being gluten intolerance [different than being celiac] and liver disease. It appears that I also have pancreatitis, which is somehow connected to celiac. But if I'm not celiac, in the strict definition, which includes a positive blood value or positive biopsy, then probably those who are gluten intolerant are also at risk for developing pancreas and liver disease.

Perhaps it's more than an autoimmune issue that connects celiac and the liver...perhaps it's the gluten itself, independent of autoimmunity. It's a complicated issue. Thanks, again, for your reply! AllieB

amberleigh Contributor
amberleigh
Posted

I don't really have an answer for you, but wanted to say that elevated liver enzymes were one of my presenting symptoms (along with diarrhea and anemia)...which is why my GI doc ordered the bloodwork and scopes for celiac disease.

I'm not sure how the liver is involved with celiac disease...other than the digestive system isn't "up to par" b/c of the damage in the small intestine? Or maybe there is lack of absorption of some nutrients that the liver needs?

Sorry...I hope you figure all this out soon. ((HUGS))

smithnmo Newbie
smithnmo
Posted
I don't really have an answer for you, but wanted to say that elevated liver enzymes were one of my presenting symptoms (along with diarrhea and anemia)...which is why my GI doc ordered the bloodwork and scopes for celiac disease.

I'm not sure how the liver is involved with celiac disease...other than the digestive system isn't "up to par" b/c of the damage in the small intestine? Or maybe there is lack of absorption of some nutrients that the liver needs?

Sorry...I hope you figure all this out soon. ((HUGS))

Is your doctor recommending that your children be tested? I have recently been diagnosed as well.

mocajanelle Newbie
mocajanelle
Posted
Is your doctor recommending that your children be tested? I have recently been diagnosed as well.

Yes, test your children, tell your parents, your siblings, any close relative! Since it is genetic it could be anywhere. My husband was tested when we found it in our girls, and he has it. 57 years old and his only sympoms were so mild he always excused them as something else. And he is 7" shorter than his brother and 2" shorter than his sister!

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

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


Archived

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

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


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      132,144
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Jenny0384
    Newest Member
    Jenny0384
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.5k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • trents
      Headaches / Migraines and Hypoglycaemia

      By trents · Posted

      My migraines generally have their onset during the early morning hours as well. Presently, I am under siege with them, having headaches all but two days so far this month. I have looked at all the things reported to be common triggers (foods, sleep patterns, weather patterns, stress, etc.). Every time I think I start to see a pattern it proves not to pan out in the long run. I'm not sure it's any one thing but may, instead, be a combination of things that coalesce at certain times. It's very frustrating. The medication (sumatriptan or "Imatrix") is effective and is the only thing that will quell the pain. NSAIDs, Tylenol, even hydrocodone doesn't touch it. But they only give you 9 does of sumatriptan a month. And it doesn't help that medical science doesn't really know what causes migraines. They know some things about it but the root cause is still a mystery.
    • Scott Adams
      Tamale ingredients

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      These are labeled gluten-free: https://www.amazon.com/Corn-Husks-Tamales-Authentic-Flavorful/dp/B01MDSHUTM/
    • Wheatwacked
      GI DX celiac despite neg serology and no biopsy

      By Wheatwacked · Posted

      Just a gluten free diet is not enough.  Now you have to identify and replenish your malnutrition.  Celiac disease is co-morbid with malabsorption syndrome.  Low vitamin D, Low Thiamine caused Gastointeston Beriberi, low choline, low iodine are common the general population, and in newly diagnosed Celiacs in the western culture its is more likely.  It takes time to heal and you need to focus on vitamins and minerals.  Gluten free foods are not fortified like regular processed foods.  
    • Sarah Grace
      Headaches / Migraines and Hypoglycaemia

      By Sarah Grace · Posted

      Dear Kitty Since March I have been following your recommendations regarding vitamins to assist with various issues that I have been experiencing.  To recap, I am aged 68 and was late diagnosed with Celiac about 12 years ago.  I had been experiencing terrible early morning headaches which I had self diagnosed as hypoglycaemia.  I also mentioned that I had issues with insomnia, vertigo and brain fog.   It's now one year since I started on the Benfotiamine 600 mg/day.  I am still experiencing the hypoglycaemia and it's not really possible to say for sure whether the Benfotiamine is helpful.  In March this year, I added B-Complex Thiamine Hydrochloride and Magnesium L-Threonate on a daily basis, and I am now confident to report that the insomnia and vertigo and brain fog have all improved!!  So, very many thanks for your very helpful advice. I am now less confident that the early morning headaches are caused by hypoglycaemia, as even foods with a zero a GI rating (cheese, nuts, etc) can cause really server headaches, which sometimes require migraine medication in order to get rid off.  If you are able to suggest any other treatment I would definitely give it a try, as these headaches are a terrible burden.  Doctors in the UK have very limited knowledge concerning dietary issues, and I do not know how to get reliable advice from them. Best regards,
    • knitty kitty
      High DGP-A with normal IGA

      By knitty kitty · Posted

      @rei.b,  I understand how frustrating starting a new way of eating can be.  I tried all sorts of gluten-free processed foods and just kept feeling worse.  My health didn't improve until I started the low histamine AIP diet.  It makes a big difference.   Gluten fits into opioid receptors in our bodies.  So, removing gluten can cause withdrawal symptoms and reveals the underlying discomfort.  SIBO can cause digestive symptoms.  SIBO can prevent vitamins from being absorbed by the intestines.  Thiamine insufficiency causes Gastrointestinal Beriberi (bloating, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea or constipation).  Thiamine is the B vitamin that runs out first because it can only be stored for two weeks.  We need more thiamine when we're sick or under emotional stress.  Gastric Beriberi is under recognised by doctors.  An Erythrocyte Transketolace Activity test is more accurate than a blood test for thiamine deficiency, but the best way to see if you're low in thiamine is to take it and look for health improvement.  Don't take Thiamine Mononitrate because the body can't utilize it well.  Try Benfotiamine.  Thiamine is water soluble, nontoxic and safe even at high doses.  I thought it was crazy, too, but simple vitamins and minerals are important.  The eight B vitamins work together, so a B Complex, Benfotiamine,  magnesium and Vitamin D really helped get my body to start healing, along with the AIP diet.  Once you heal, you add foods back in, so the AIP diet is worth doing for a few months. I do hope you'll consider the AIP diet and Benfotiamine.
×
×
  • 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.