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Elevated ALT Levels: Your Guide to Liver Health

Written by: Brendan Gaughran

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Published on

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Time to read 3 min

Understanding Elevated ALT Levels and Liver Health

At Liver Medic, we believe in supporting your liver health with science-based solutions. Our liver is a hardworking organ, helping with digestion, storing nutrients, and removing toxins. Special proteins called enzymes, like ALT, GGT, and alkaline phosphatase, help us understand how well our liver is doing. When these enzyme levels are high, it might mean the liver needs some attention.

What Are Elevated ALT Levels?

ALT, or alanine aminotransferase, is an enzyme that helps the liver turn proteins into energy. When liver cells are hurt, ALT can leak into the blood, making levels go up. Doctors often check ALT levels to see if the liver is healthy.

Here are some common reasons for high ALT levels:

  • Hepatitis: This is when the liver gets swollen, often due to a virus.
  • Fatty Liver Disease: This happens when fat builds up in the liver. Learn about remedies for fatty liver disease.
  • Alcohol Use: Drinking too much can harm the liver.
  • Medications: Some medicines can raise ALT levels.

Doctors use a simple blood test to measure ALT. By watching these levels, they can help manage your liver health.

Other Important Liver Enzymes

Besides ALT, other enzymes like GGT, alkaline phosphatase, and AST help us understand liver health.

  • GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase): Helps move amino acids and process important antioxidants. High levels can signal liver or bile duct issues.
  • Alkaline Phosphatase: Found in the liver and bones, it helps break down proteins. High levels might suggest liver or bone problems.
  • AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase): Found in the liver, heart, and muscles. High levels can show liver damage but are also in other tissues, so they should be considered with ALT levels.

Looking at all these enzymes gives a fuller picture of liver health. High AST and ALT together often point to liver issues.

Simple Steps for Better Liver Health

Taking care of your liver can be simple with the right lifestyle choices:

  • Keep a Healthy Weight: Being overweight can lead to fatty liver, so eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly.
  • Eat Well: Fill your plate with fruits, veggies, healthy fats and proteins. Avoid processed foods and too much sugar. For more tips, visit the British Liver Trust. But not all their tips should be followed. Staying away from grains has been shown to produced healthier outcomes.
  • Watch Alcohol Intake: Limit drinking to protect your liver.
  • Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help your liver work well.
  • Exercise: Regular activity helps reduce liver fat and boosts health.

These changes can support liver health. Always check with a healthcare professional before making big lifestyle changes.

The Role of Supplements in Liver Health

Supplements can also play a role in liver health. Research shows some supplements might help maintain healthy liver enzyme levels. Learn more about the power of liver health supplements on our site.

Here are a few supplements that may support liver health:

  • Silymarin: From milk thistle, known for its antioxidant properties, may help protect liver cells.
  • Turmeric: Contains curcumin, which might support liver health with its anti-inflammatory effects.
  • Artichoke Extract: May help with bile production, aiding digestion and liver function.

Before adding supplements to your routine, especially if you have health conditions or take medications, consult a healthcare professional.

Conclusion: Steps to Support Your Liver

In summary, enzymes like ALT, GGT, alkaline phosphatase, and AST are key to understanding liver health. High levels can point to concerns, but lifestyle changes can help manage them.

To support your liver, consider:

  • Eating a balanced diet with fruits, veggies, healthy fats (no seed oils) and proteins.
  • Limiting alcohol and processed foods.
  • Exploring supplements that contain silymarin, NAC, selenium and turmeric, after consulting a healthcare provider.

At Liver Medic, we offer educational resources and products like Hepatiben, crafted to support liver function. Remember, while lifestyle changes can be helpful, always seek personalized advice from healthcare professionals to guide you on your journey to better liver health.