Liver enzymes: what are there, what does their increased amount indicate, how to get rid of it

2023 Author: Alfred Shackley | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 13:14

The liver is an important organ, on the work of which the general condition of a person depends, since it participates in all types of metabolism and performs many different functions. It produces a number of enzymes, which are commonly called enzymes.

They take an important part in the biochemical processes that take place in the body.

What are liver enzymes?

Since the organ performs many different functions, enzymes are divided into several groups:

• Secretory ones affect the process of blood clotting and when there are malfunctions in the hepatobiliary system, the level of these enzymes falls;
• Indicator (AST, ALT, LDH) are located inside the cells and when there is liver disease, they are washed out and their level in the blood increases;
• Excretory are formed and excreted together with bile. When there is an outflow of bile, their amount increases.

To diagnose problems in the work of the hepatobiliary system, in most cases they are guided by the indicators of AST, ALT, GGT, LDH and the alkaline phase. First of all, it is important to do a biochemical analysis for women who are in a position to monitor their own health and the condition of the fetus in order to quickly determine possible pathologies.

Metabolic processes in the body are due to enzymes, most of which are degradable. Some of them are excreted along with bile.

Various laboratory tests make it possible to determine different types of liver enzymes in the blood.

They are prescribed in such cases:

• The onset of symptoms of organ diseases, for example, pain or heaviness on the right side under the ribs, yellowing of the skin, fever and nausea;
• Monitoring the course of existing diseases, for example, you need to regularly take samples for hepatitis A, B and C, as well as for bile stagnation;
• With prolonged use of drugs that can damage the organ;
• Alcohol abuse.

To diagnose diseases, the ratio of AST (norm - 10-30 U / l) and ALT (norm - 10-40 U / l) is used. So, the first enzyme is in the myocardium, skeletal muscles and kidneys, but the second only in the liver.

There are several options for the ratio of ALT and AST:

• If the indicator is 1, then this means the presence of acute hepatitis;
• More than 2, then the person is diagnosed with an alcoholic illness;
• When AST is greater than ALT, then we can talk about the presence of cirrhosis.

An increase in the activity of these liver enzymes in the blood indicates that a person has hepatocyte necrosis, obstructive jaundice and fatty degeneration. If the activity, on the contrary, is reduced, then this indicates extensive necrosis and cirrhosis.

It is also worth mentioning that AST and ALT indicators increase with prolonged use of anticoagulants, barbiturates, hormonal contraceptives, vitamin C, morphine and other drugs. A decrease is observed during pregnancy.

In addition to the main enzymes AST and ALT, others are also detected:

• GGT - the norm is up to 40 U / l. This type of enzyme is found not only in the liver, but also in the kidneys, pancreas and the walls of the bile ducts. This indicator is most sensitive in women in position and in children. An increase in GGT is observed if a person has hepatitis, cirrhosis, tumor, alcohol intoxication, cholangitis and obstructive jaundice. Activity decreases with cirrhosis. It should be said that GGT is highly sensitive to toxic substances;
• ALP - the indicator is normal up to 270 U / l. There are such enzymes not only in the liver. So, they contain bone tissue, the walls of the bile ducts and kidneys. Do this analysis in the event that there are violations in the work of the hepatobiliary system. ALP rises in cholestasis, hepatitis, biliary cirrhosis and obstructive jaundice. With the use of glucocorticosteroids, the indicator decreases;
• LDH - the indicator is normal up to 250 U / l. They are in the liver, and also contains their myocardium, erythrocytes and skeletal muscles. The indicators increase if acute hepatitis, obstructive jaundice, tumors, pregnancy and with increased physical exertion are detected.

What to do if liver enzymes are elevated in the blood?

The liver performs many different functions that remove toxins from the body, but at the same time it is subjected to great stress, which causes significant harm. Increased enzyme levels are a symptom of severe liver stress.

To reduce it, sometimes it is enough to make changes to your diet:

• Include more green vegetables in your menu that are rich in vitamins, minerals and nutrients. They help reduce body fat levels;
• With increased activity of enzymes in the blood, it is recommended to include in the menu more foods that contain a lot of antioxidants, for example, spinach, avocados, walnuts, etc.;
• To relieve inflammation of the liver, eat foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids;
• The daily diet should include 35-50 g of fiber, which reduces the absorption of cholesterol and increases the production of bile, which is important for the digestion of fats. It is found in cereals, legumes, cereals, nuts and other foods;
• With increased enzyme activity, it is recommended to add garlic and turmeric to dishes. The first spice reduces the risk of developing cancer and heart disease, and also strengthens the immune system. As for turmeric, it has anti-inflammatory effects;
• Foods and juices rich in ascorbic acid should be included in the menu, as it promotes tissue repair and wound healing;
• Cruciferous vegetables are recommended as they normalize the level of enzymes in the blood, such as cabbage, horseradish and radish;
• To restore damaged cells, it is recommended to increase the amount of protein consumed, but it is important not to overdo it here, since such overloads can increase the amount of enzymes in the blood;
• It is necessary to drink plenty of water, which will make it easier for the body to get rid of all that is superfluous. The daily rate is 8-10 tbsp. You need to drink immediately after waking up, before main meals and before bedtime;
• If blood was donated and an increased level of enzymes was established, then harmful products should be excluded. These include fatty, fried, salty, sweet and smoked foods, as well as alcohol.

If an increase in the level of enzymes is a consequence of inflammation or damage, then in order to reduce them, it is necessary to correctly determine the cause provoking this condition and carry out appropriate treatment.

How to lower enzyme levels

In folk medicine, to make the blood cleaner, reduce enzyme activity and improve liver function, it is recommended to drink herbal preparations, the dosage of which should be determined by a doctor.

Useful plants are:

1. Milk thistle. Recommended for diseases that arise from alcohol abuse, hepatitis and cirrhosis. The allowed amount is no more than 480 mg per day;
2. Astragalus. They drink the tincture 3-4 times a day, and the dosage is 200-500 mg;
3. Dandelion roots. To reduce the activity of enzymes, the amount of bad cholesterol and the load on the liver, you need to drink 2-4 tbsp per day. tincture, for which 2-4 g of raw materials are taken;
4. Fees. In pharmacies, various preparations are sold that can cleanse the blood and improve the functioning of the organ. There are combinations designed for detoxification and regeneration, and they should include dandelion root or thistle.

If the liver does not cope with its work and an increased activity of enzymes is found, then it is recommended to take dietary supplements with antioxidants, which are recommended to be selected together with a doctor.

Alpha lipoic acid, which is important for sugar metabolism, is beneficial, and it also reduces the risk of developing alcoholic hepatosis.

Usually it is prescribed 100 mg 3 times a day. N-acetylcysteine is essential for the production of a major antioxidant in the human body.

In most cases, 200-250 mg is prescribed 2 times per knock. Rarely, but still, there are cases that acetylcysteine increases the level of enzymes.

Now you know that you need to donate blood regularly to check the level of enzyme activity. Remember dietary guidelines and other recommendations to help normalize enzyme levels.