Elevated liver enzymes often indicate inflammation or damage to cells in the liver. Inflamed or injured liver cells leak higher than normal amounts of certain chemicals, including liver enzymes, into the bloodstream, elevating liver enzymes on blood tests.
If liver damage is the cause of elevated liver enzymes, you may have symptoms such as: Abdominal (stomach) pain. Dark urine (pee). Fatigue (feeling tired).
Abnormal liver blood test results are relatively common and most people with these results have normal liver function. An infection or a reaction to medication might affect your blood test results and sometimes a repeat liver blood test is all that's needed.
People can lower their ALT levels by making lifestyle changes, such as taking regular exercise and changing their diet. Increasing fiber intake, reducing saturated fats and processed foods, as well as consuming a range of nutrients from fruits and vegetables may all help to lower levels.
In many cases, liver enzyme levels return to normal on their own within about a month. You might need to switch medications, stop taking a supplement, or cut back on drinking if you drink, but you will not need a treatment plan.
Certain liver diseases go away on their own. Others can last a lifetime and cause serious illness. Although liver disease often has no symptoms, warning signs can include a swollen abdomen, nausea, itching, or jaundice (having a yellow tint to the skin and the whites of the eyes).
What ALT level is considered high? The upper limit of normal for ALT is 55 IU/L. When an ALT level is double to triple the upper limit of normal, it is considered mildly elevated. Severely elevated ALT levels found in liver disease are often 50 times the upper limit of normal.
Can Stress Cause Elevated Liver Enzymes? Stress and anxiety are proven to contribute to high liver enzyme levels since they can reduce blood flow to the liver.
The liver is very resilient and capable of regenerating itself. Each time your liver filters alcohol, some of the liver cells die. The liver can develop new cells, but prolonged alcohol misuse (drinking too much) over many years can reduce its ability to regenerate.
ALP (alkaline phosphatase), ALT (alanine transaminase), AST (aspartate aminotransferase), and gamma-glutamyl tansferase (GGT). These are different enzymes made by the liver.
ALT activity, in men, correlated with higher mortality from all causes and liver disease. As expected, the effect of ALT was much larger on liver-specific mortality. For example, compared to those with ALT < 20 U/L, men with ALT ≥ 100 U/L had 59 times the risk of death from liver disease.
An ALT test result of >100 IU/l is a clear indicator of serious liver disease, but a mildly elevated ALT result (30–100 IU/l) is often ascribed to the use of medication (for example statins) or alcohol, obesity, or, for lower ALT levels (<50 IU/l), considered as part of the normal distribution of test results.
Medical treatment
For most causes of high ALT, treatment involves lifestyle changes, such as exercise, a modified diet, and reducing alcohol intake. Depending on the results of your liver panel and your medical history, your healthcare professional may recommend checking them again at a later date.
The liver is part of the body's natural detoxification system, which helps filter out toxins. Foods that support liver health include berries, cruciferous vegetables, beans, whole grains, nuts, and fatty fish. Coffee and green tea contain antioxidants that are helpful for liver health.
Fill your fruit basket with apples, grapes and citrus fruits like oranges and lemons, which are proven to be liver-friendly fruits. Consume grapes as it is, in the form of a grape juice or supplement your diet with grape seed extracts to increase antioxidant levels in your body and protect your liver from toxins.
Eggs are rich in all the eight essential amino acids and choline, which is also a vital nutrient. The amino acids and choline help the liver in the detoxification process and improve the metabolism rate.
Acute liver failure can develop quickly in an otherwise healthy person, and it is life-threatening. If you or someone you know suddenly develops a yellowing of the eyes or skin; tenderness in the upper abdomen; or any unusual changes in mental state, personality or behavior, seek medical attention right away.
Experimental studies and clinical observations have shown that stress can damage hepatic tissue both directly and indirectly. Many studies have partially revealed the contributors of stress‐induced liver injury; however, the whole process has not yet been uncovered.
The liver, however, is able to replace damaged tissue with new cells. If up to 50 to 60 percent of the liver cells may be killed within three to four days in an extreme case like a Tylenol overdose, the liver will repair completely after 30 days if no complications arise.
Focus on a healthy diet
getting sufficient fiber from sources like whole grains as well as fresh fruits and vegetables. choosing lean protein sources, such as seafood, skinless poultry, or legumes, as opposed to fattier meats. reducing your intake of foods or drinks that are high in sugars, salt, or unhealthy fats.
Pain in your liver itself can feel like a dull throbbing pain or a stabbing sensation in your right upper abdomen just under your ribs. General abdominal pain and discomfort can also be related to swelling from fluid retention and enlargement of your spleen and liver caused by cirrhosis.