Celiac Disease Linked To Gall Bladder and Liver Problems

It is not mystery that those with gluten sensitivity have a higher incidence of developing autoimmune diseases. What is often times less discussed is the association of gluten intolerance and celiac disease with autoimmune hepatitis and cholangitis (gall bladder problems). These links are rarely discussed but have been known about and discussed in numerous medical studies. Now another study published makes the connection again:
"Long-standing, untreated coeliac disease is recognized to be a trigger for autoimmune disorders and is known to be associated with other autoimmune diseases, but the association with autoimmune hepatitis or autoimmune cholangitis is reported rarely. We conclude that in patients with autoimmune liver disease and unspecific clinical signs, such as iron deficiency, coeliac disease must be ruled out."
Source:

Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2003 Apr;15(4):423-7.

What The Gluten Free Warrior Says…

I commonly see patients in my office who suffer with different forms of liver and gall bladder diseases. Sometimes the only symptoms are abdominal and right shoulder pain. Often times they have been diagnosed with non alcoholic fatty liver disease or gall stones. Many or these individuals are considering having their gall bladder removed.

I would recommend anyone suffering with liver or gall bladder problems of unknown origin be genetically tested for gluten sensitivity. Celiac testing is too inaccurate and not definitive for those who have non-celiac gluten sensitivity. If you cannot afford testing or if you doctor won’t order it for you, go on a TRUE gluten free diet. It is safe and in my experience almost always helps reduce symptoms.

Remember, once your gall bladder is removed, you can no longer absorb and digest fat properly. Vitamins A, D, E, and K as well as the omega 3 fatty acids all need a healthy gall bladder for proper absorption. The side effects of these nutritional deficiencies can be devastating. Vitamin D alone has been linked to more than 20 terminal cancers.

Now consider that liver disease can cause high cholesterol… Cholesterol medications can cause liver disease…Liver disease contributes to blood sugar abnormalities…contributes to fatigue…contributes to weight gain…contributes to fatty liver…

We can go on and on and on. The point is, gluten intolerance can cause liver and gall bladder problems. Most liver disease in the U.S. has no known cause. It makes sense to investigate gluten as a causative factor.

All the best,

Dr. Osborne - The Gluten Free Warrior
http://www.glutenfreesociety.org/