Nowadays millions of people around the world want to know about tips to lower alt and ast levels naturally.
More people probably need to lower their alt and ast levels than is generally assumed. According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), many people in worldwide with a sick liver do not know anything about it.
Because the liver suffers in silence. Read here which risk factors there are for which one should lower the liver values and with which house and food the liver values can be lowered.
When to lower alt and ast levels is advisable
You should always lower elevated alt and ast levels or improve bad liver values if certain blood values, which are released from the liver cells into the blood in the event of liver damage, are outside the normal range. Four enzymes in particular are determined for this purpose in laboratory tests and are detectable in increased concentrations in liver diseases or disorders:
- GOT (glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, also known as AST),
- GPT (glutamate pyruvate transaminase or ALT),
- AP (alkaline phosphatase) and
- Gamma-GT (GGT; gamma glutamyl transferase).
The best known is the Gamma GT value. It should be lowered if it climbs over 60 U / l in men and over 40 U / l in women. It is a very sensitive measurement parameter because it reacts to virtually every liver stimulus and therefore increases even with the slightest stress on the liver.
What is the normal value of transaminases and why can they rise?
When we speak of transaminases we refer to a set of enzymes distributed throughout the body that are involved in the function of metabolism and in the production of different amino acids.
Transaminases are enzymes of the group of transferases that predominate in the liver and heart, although they are present throughout the body, for example, in small amounts in the kidney and muscles.
Transaminases are analyzed in the blood obtained in a conventional blood test and when their level rises in the blood it is an indication of liver damage. Their values are interpreted together with other related parameters : GGT, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, and proteins.
The main transaminases are two: AST or GOT and ALT or GPT.
AST or GOT transaminase
Its full name is aspartate aminotransferase and under normal conditions its blood level is below 40 IU / l (it may vary depending on the laboratory). Its blood value can increase for various reasons, such as:
- Liver injury
- Muscle or heart injury
- Drugs toxic to the liver
- Drug or alcohol abuse
- Pancreatitis
- Heart attack
- Pregnancy
- High intensity exercise
- Stressor such as surgery
ALT or GPT transaminase
Its full name is alanine aminotransferase and under normal conditions its blood level is below 40 IU / l in blood (it may vary depending on the laboratory). Its blood value can increase for various reasons, such as:
- Liver injury (more helpful than AST in detecting liver disease)
- Muscle or heart injury
- Drugs toxic to the liver
- Drug or alcohol abuse
- Bile duct obstructions
- Cirrhosis
GGT enzyme
We cannot fail to mention another enzyme, GGT (Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase) which is found in the kidney, liver, spleen and pancreas . Its value will be increased in case of acute liver or bile duct injury.
It is usually the first enzyme that is elevated in the blood in case of obstruction of the bile ducts, for example, the presence of a tumor in the kidney or a stone). For this reason, GGT is the most sensitive liver enzyme for detecting bile duct problems early.
Also, the higher the GGT value, the more significant the liver injury. Some possible causes of elevated GGT would be:
- Hepatitis
- Cirrhosis
- Heart failure
- Diabetes
- Pancreatitis
- Alcohol abuse
- Drug poisoning.
Symptoms of high alt and ast levels
The value of transaminases is requested in any annual general analysis but also in the presence of certain symptoms that may suggest hepatic origin, such as:
- Exhausted
- Fatigue
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Yellow mucosal pigmentation (jaundice)
- Dark pigmentation of the urine (choluria)
- Generalized unjustified itching (pruritus).
Therefore, when an increase in AST or ALT occurs, it should be evaluated by the doctor to locate the cause and take the necessary measures. The result should be interpreted in the individual’s medical context:
- Minimal fluctuations from normality are not considered pathological.
- Very high values (up to 10 times its value) are frequently associated with acute viral hepatitis and remain high until the resolution of the process (one or months).
- Levels extremely high (up to 100 times their value) are associated with drug intoxication or hepatic ischemia. However, in the case of chronic hepatitis, the elevation of transaminases will not be so striking.
What you should know…
- The main transaminases are two: AST or GOT and ALT or GPT.
- In case of liver damage (viral hepatitis, drug or toxic poisoning, cirrhosis or alcoholism) the AST value increases. But it is not an exclusive liver enzyme, so its elevated level may be due to other causes such as muscle or heart injury.
- ALT is very useful in detecting liver disease and is more specific to the liver than AST.
Why lower the alt and ast levels?
The liver is an important key point in the body’s metabolism, which is why the motto is: Lower disturbed liver values such as Gamma GT! Otherwise the disturbances can be far-reaching and have serious consequences.
Since the liver is, among other things, a storage organ, a lot of fatty acids accumulate over time if too many of them are permanently circulating in the blood. The over-fat liver cells eventually die, the liver scars and can function less and less. This so-called fatty liver can lead to cirrhosis or even liver cancer, among other things.
Lower alt and ast levels – avoid risk factors
Only those who drink alcohol run the risk of damaging their liver? This is a common misconception. Medicines, for example supposedly “harmless” pain relievers, can also damage the liver in the long term.
In addition to drugs and alcohol, other risk factors for liver disease are also large, fatty food and being overweight in general – all of these can also promote the development of fatty liver.
But what should you do if you have elevated liver values? Diet in particular is an important factor in lowering liver values.
Tips to lower alt and ast levels naturally
- Diet for lower alt and ast levels naturally
- Lower alt and ast levels: Avoidance of liver-unfriendly food
Diet for lower alt and ast levels naturally
The good news for people with elevated alt and ast levels: the liver can repair itself. Liver values can be lowered and kept under control through a healthy diet. There is no specific liver diet.
A diet based on the principles of the German Nutrition Society (DGE) is considered to be particularly liver-friendly – and you should stick to this anyway for a healthy life.
For an adult of normal weight this means: The required approximately 2,000 kilocalories per day should be made up as follows:
- around 55 percent carbohydrates
- 15 percent protein
- 30 percent (healthy) fats (omega-3 and -6, medium-chain triglycerides / MTC, e.g. coconut oil, which can be processed without bile acid and fat-splitting enzymes)
Lower alt and ast levels: Avoidance of liver-unfriendly food
Many studies suggest that the “western diet” with little fiber, a lot of fat and sugar is not particularly liver-friendly.
You should therefore ensure that you have sufficient energy and nutrient intake, especially enough protein, vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates from whole grain products, vegetables and fruit.
Anyone who is overweight should lose weight to relieve the liver. High-fiber foods help bind and eliminate toxins in the intestines.
In the event of liver damage, alcohol should be completely avoided in order to lower the liver values.
Even those who do not have elevated alt and ast levels would do well to follow the current recommendations for alcohol consumption, i.e. no more than 40 grams of alcohol (e.g. one liter of beer) for men and 20 grams for women per day.
Foods that lower alt and ast levels naturally
Here is given some foods for those who want to know how to lower alt and ast levels naturally
While alcohol, animal fats, sugar, flavor enhancers, preservatives and colorings cause problems for the liver, there are also many foods that can help lower liver values:
- Water and herbal tea (at least 2 liters per day)
The alcohol-free and sugar-free liquid supports the liver in its work.
- Coffee
Participants in a study who drank at least three cups of coffee a day were 20 to 30 percent less likely to have high liver values than participants who did not drink coffee.
This also applied to decaffeinated coffee. Coffee, consumed in moderation, could help lower alt and ast levels.
- Dark chocolate (0.55 grams per kg / body weight)
It is supposed to reduce the vascular pressure in the abdomen and thereby relieve the liver.
- Endive salad, Brussels sprouts and other bitter vegetables
The bitter substances stimulate the production of bile so that fats are processed more quickly. That relieves the liver.
- Low-fat fish (plaice, redfish, haddock) and meats (lean ham, chicken)
Reduces the amount of (unsaturated) fatty acids in the blood. This reduces the risk that excess will settle in the liver cells.
Home remedies to lower alt and ast levels naturally
When we think about how to lower alt and ast levels naturally Then home remedies may be a better option.
In addition to a full-fledged diet, there are some home remedies and corresponding preparations with which lowering alt and ast levels should be made easier.
There are studies that suggest that the following agents have a beneficial effect on the liver. However, they are usually not scientifically proven.
Artichoke
The ingredients cynarin and cynaridin are supposed to repair damaged liver cells and stimulate the flow of bile. Available as fruit, juice or in tablet form.
Milk thistle
It contains silymarin, which is said to promote the regeneration of liver cells and strengthen the liver. As a tea or in the form of various preparations (pharmacy).
Sage
Its bitter substances in the form of tea are said to strengthen the liver and prevent fat storage in its cells.
Hay flower
As a bath or wrap, it is supposed to support the liver.
Fresh juices
Freshly squeezed lemon juice neutralizes acids and thus helps the liver. Pineapple and grape juice also support the organ. Carrot juice is said to be helpful in the regeneration of the liver and thus also in lowering alt and ast levels.
Home remedies have their limits. If the symptoms persist for a long time, do not get better or even get worse, you should always consult a doctor.
