To all of you with gluten intolerance, first, let me say: I’m sorry. You’re looking for good food for celiac and liver disease. I worked in the kitchen and saved my life with The Liver Loving Diet, I had no idea what celiac was.
Of course, I’ve heard from you now. If you’ve gotten this far into my website, chances are there are a lot of foods you can’t eat without getting sick right now. You may be starving for nutrition and growing weak. I have read a lot about liver disease over the past 8 years, but I’m just now learning about celiac disease or CD over the last 10 months. I’m diving in.
For those of my readers who don’t know: Celiac is an autoimmune disorder where certain gluten (wheat, barley, and rye) products damage the gut.
Symptoms: gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, anemia, skin dermatitis, fatigue, joint pain, bruising and….. high liver enzymes.
Cause: Considered to be genetics.
Treatment: One of the best treatments is a gluten free diet. If your liver enzymes are elevated, but there is no damage, you can reverse celiac in many cases. If you already have liver damage, or have an overlap, such as fatty liver, other things will have to be considered.
Gluten Free Diet – There are many good articles and food lists that can help you eat gluten free. The Liver Loving Diet is in the middle of an overhaul edit that will add more information just for the gluten intolerant, but honestly – my book is a pretty thorough diet as it. In the meantime though, read everything you can and talk to the doctor who diagnosed you, and possibly a nutritionist.
Good food for celiac and liver disease
The Liver Loving Diet is fairly easy to follow and is liver safe. It’s easy enough to substitute pasta for spaghetti squash or even make your own pasta using zucchini. Dropping grains is not a huge problem, and I eat very few grainy products most days.
There are a lot of differences in a regular liver healthy diet, and my friend Sharon Sayler talks about it and one that is gluten free. I’m going to post a short list of items that a big NO, and also a list of foods that are safe.
Foods to Avoid
Any type of flour or bran that is not listed below in the safe list.
This means very few processed food unless it is gluten free.
Foods that are Safe
Certain wheats like amaranth, arrowroot, buckwheat, corn, and nut flours.
Potato and rice products, flours, or brans.
Shop Cook Eat
If you think this sounds too easy, you’re not eating my liver loving diet. Yes, I call for flour tortillas, but also for corn ones. Alcohol is taboo, but you already knew that. Cow’s milk is a no-go for most people with end stage liver disease anyway, so if you’re drinking almond or rice milk, it’s a breeze.
Processed foods are just not your friend. They may help you during the grieving process while you’re letting go of grabbing a box or plastic wrapped microwavable something or other. IF YOU EAT PACKAGED PROCESSED FOOD – look for gluten free. The FDA requires labeling. If items are processed in a plant where there is potential for cross contamination, it should say so.
One of your problems may anemia, or malnutrition. You need some protein to heal your body. This is where I move away from a vegetarian lifestyle. IF you are of that persuasion, go for the soy products, chickpeas and beans! Otherwise, enjoy some fish, chicken, pork, or occasional red meat.
There are other products that can contain gluten. It can be hidden in supplements, toothpaste, cosmetics, and even communion wafers. My Sweet Lord, eating good food for celiac and liver disease can prove to be a challenge, but you know how to check your labels.
When you shop, cook, and eat a Liver Loving Diet – life with celiac just got a little bit easier. Let me know if you need some help. xoxo Karen
