It is a well known fact that the liver refers to a very important organ in the human body, as there are several vital functions that are performed by it. First of all, it filters the harmful substances that are present the digestive system and prevents them from entering the bloodstream. It also ensures that the flow of urine remains normal, from the time it is produced, till it leaves the body. Another important function that is performed by the liver that is very important is that it stores all the important vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that are present within a person's body. Hence it is safe to assume that a person's overall health can be affected adversely, in case the liver does not function in the appropriate manner.
Causes of high liver enzyme count
Generally, the liver in the human body consists of thousands of enzymes. These enzymes can be described as special types of protein cells, which help the required chemical reactions in the body to take place. Hence, liver enzymes maintain a variety of metabolic processes in the liver, by facilitating and speeding up the biochemical reactions in the body, that occur naturally. Therefore, if there is a problem with the levels of liver enzymes, like in case of a high amount of liver enzymes, there are many health problems that a person can face. There are a lot of causes of high liver enzyme count. Some of the most common health problems that could lead to high liver enzyme count or the liver count going up, are:
- Insufficiency in adrenal
- Obesity
- Higher amounts of triglycerides, i.e., fatty tissues
- Alcohol abuse
- Tumors that may occur in the bile duct or liver
- Infections like mononucleosis or viral hepatitis
- Thyroid problems
- Auto immune diseases
- Muscle disorders and problems
- Celiac disease
- Liver diseases that are related to metabolism, such as hemochromatosis as well as Wilson's disease
- Diabetes
- The high intake of salt
- The excessive consumption of some herbal supplements like comfrey and kava
This high level of liver enzymes in the body can affect many bodily functions and can lead to a lot of health problems. Some of the signs and symptoms that are associated with high liver enzymes are jaundice, pain in the lower right side of the chest region, the presence of brown patches on the skin, itchiness and a change in the color of the urine. Therefore, it is necessary to lower the liver enzyme count within the body, as soon as possible, to bring it within its normal range.
How to lower elevated liver enzymes?
Several people consult doctors and other health experts for tips on how to lower elevated liver enzymes count. Fortunately, there are many healthy experts too, who suggest that since this condition is easily treated, it is best to try lowering liver enzymes naturally at home, by using simple practices, like following a special diet to lower liver enzymes in the body and getting an adequate amount of exercise per day. This is probably because the liver has the ability and can repair itself quite easily. Hence, the first tip in how to lower liver enzymes naturally is making a few dietary changes.
Diet to lower liver enzymes
In order to help the liver repair itself from any damage, a few lifestyle and dietary changes need to be made. For starters, a person should completely abstain from fats, alcohol and certain medication when following a diet to lower liver enzymes. It is seen that people who suffer from hepatitis generally follow a diet to lower liver enzymes. This diet can also be followed by anybody who needs to reduce the levels of liver enzymes in the body, even if they do not have hepatitis.
Foods that should be avoided by people who need to lower liver enzymes are alcohol, spices, oil and red meats. Some of the foods that lower liver enzymes mainly include fresh fruits, vegetables, fruit juices, high amounts of carbs, skinless poultry and fish. The manner in which the food is cooked plays a very important role too. Instead of eating fried vegetables or poultry, methods like roasting, broiling, baking and grilling should be explored. Foods that are rich in omega 3 fatty acids should be increased in order to regulate the levels of liver enzymes in the body. Hence, some of the best foods to lower liver enzymes include fish oil and flax seed oil. For those people who are vegetarian, supplements are available, which have a similar effect on the body. In fact, vegetarian sources of protein are a lot more beneficial in reducing liver enzymes, than animal sources of protein are. Hence, eating raw vegetable salads, with a minimal amount of dressing is the best option for people who are on a special diet to lower liver enzymes.
How long does it take to lower liver enzymes?
The duration that it takes to bring the levels of liver enzymes in the body back to normal varies from person to person, based on the severity of the condition, the causes, the diet followed and the medication taken. If the condition is not too severe and a diet to lower liver enzymes is followed strictly and religiously, then it is possible to get the liver back on track with a month or two. However, in addition to following a strict diet to lower liver enzymes, it is also necessary to set up a workout regime, which includes at least half an hour of exercising each day.
Even though the problem of high levels of liver enzymes is not necessarily a serious one and can be treated at home, with a proper diet and exercise routine, it is necessary that you have a doctor monitor the condition closely at all time. Once a person manages to reduce the levels of liver enzymes to a normal level, it does not mean that he or she can switch back to a diet that is high in fat, or stops working out. A diet to lower liver enzymes is more like a lifestyle change, which should be followed on a long term basis.
answered by G M