Liver enzyme tests are a standard part of routine blood, but many people do not really understand what they measure. Your results may be seen as “natural”, or you may have been told that the liver enzymes are “high”. But what does this actually mean? Let’s divide it in simple phrases.
What are the liver enzymes?
Your liver is a member under assistance that helps in digestion and remove toxins and metabolism. Liver enzyme tests discover the activity of some proteins in your blood that come from damaged liver cells. A small amount of these normal enzymes of regular rotation of liver cells. But these enzymes do not belong to your blood at high levels. Therefore, when these enzymes are high, they can indicate liver stress or damage. The four most common liver enzymes that have been tested are:
- Alt (alanine aminotransferase)
- AST (aspartate aminotransferase)
- Alp (alkaline phosphatase)
- GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase)
Each of these enzymes tells a little different story from the health of the liver.
1. Alt (alanine aminotransferase)
What do you do: Alt is a main enzyme in the liver. Its role is to help destroy proteins. Whenever the liver cells are damaged, the alternative goes into the bloodstream.
What does the high alternative mean:
- Nafld LED (NAFLD)
- Viral hepatitis (hepatitis A, B, or C)
- Liver damage to alcohol
- The side effects of medicines (such as statin or pain relievers)
- Exposure to poison
If the alternative is high: This may be a sign that the liver is struggling. If it is a little high, making a healthy lifestyle – such as improving your diet and avoiding alcohol – can help. If it is very high, your doctor may suggest more tests.
2. AST (aspartate aminotransferase)
What do you do: AST is not only private in the liver. AST is also found in the heart, muscles and kidneys. This means that although high AST can indicate liver problems, it can also be a sign of muscle damage, heart problems or bad kidney function. AST is not a specific test like ALT test.
What does AST mean:
- Liver disease (similar to Alt)
- Muscle injury (such as an intense practice)
- Heart damage (such as a heart attack)
- Alcohol -associated liver disease (often with AST> Alt in ratio 2: 1)
If AST is high: You need more information to explain AST high because it can be from several different activities. Have you done an intense exercise that led to muscle pain? Do you take medications that may affect your liver? Do you drink a lot? If both AST and Alt are high, liver problems are likely to be the cause. If AST is high on its own, it may not be your liver.
3. Alp (alkaline phosphatase)
What do you do: Alp is involved in the destruction of proteins and is found in the liver, bones and yellow channels. Therefore, high alp levels can indicate that your liver is exhausting, but it may mean a problem with bile flow (bile stagnation) or bone disorders.
What does the higher alp mean:
- Blinds of the yellow canal (gallstones or liver congestion)
- Liver disease (such as cirrhosis or hepatitis)
- Bone conditions (such as osteoporosis or healing fractures)
- Pregnancy (ALP rises naturally in the third trimester)
If your alp is high: If other liver enzymes are normal, the cause may be associated with bones instead of the liver problem. If Alp is high with GGT, this may indicate a problem with the bile duct.
4. GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase)
What do you do: GGT helps in the production of bile and remove toxins. It is very sensitive to liver fatigue, especially from alcohol and toxins. The GGT enzyme is for liver health and was associated with the length of the total life and the risk of developing a chronic disease in many studies.
What does the high GGT mean:
- Liver damage to alcohol
- Yellow channel problems
- Exposure to toxins or medications
- Lipoplasty
IAnd your GGT high: If GGT is high but other liver enzymes are normal, alcohol consumption or toxins may be the perpetrator. Reducing alcohol and supporting liver health may help with a clean diet.
What should you do if the liver enzymes are high?
If the liver enzymes are slightly high, you may already have an idea of ​​lifestyle that may play a role. The best step is Think about your health values ​​and current customs:
- Do you drink alcohol regularly?
- Do you eat a lot of processed foods or sugar?
- Do you drink a lot of soda?
- Do you suffer from weight gain or inactive?
- Do you take medications that can affect your liver?
Once you determine the possible causes, ask yourself: Are my current behavioral options in my health goals? If not, this is a great opportunity to make changes to optimal health.
Practical steps to improve liver health
- Think about your current behavior. Are you ready to make a change?
- If the answer is yes, look for a partner to hold you accountable. Say to him or her goals.
- Choose some measurable steps to take, and choose one or two to work on it at one time.
- Follow your plan until your new behaviors are usually stable.
- Choose a new step to take it, and work on your plan with your partner.
- Maintaining your health goals in mind, so you remember why you do all this.
When do you see a doctor?
If the liver enzymes are very high or continue to rise over time, it is important to follow your doctor. He or she may recommend more tests such as ultrasound, liver function panel or additional blood signs to assess liver health.
Final ideas
Liver enzyme tests are a great way to check the health of the liver, but it does not tell the full story on its own. You need to look at the mirror as well. If your latest liver enzyme results are high, use it as an opportunity to assess your lifestyle options. When you align your habits with your values, you not only lower liver enzymes-you control your general well-being.