Liver enzymes are proteins released into your blood stream by the liver and are an indication of overall liver health -- however, elevated liver enzymes do not necessarily signify liver disease. Prescription medications, including statins that help lower cholesterol levels, and other illnesses such as hypothyroidism, mononucleosis, heart disease and celiac's disease may also cause higher than normal liver enzyme levels.
There are many types of liver enzymes, which may help your doctor determine if you truly have liver damage, or if it may be another issue. Alanine transaminase, or ALT, and aspartate transaminase, known as AST are liver enzymes that are present if you have a heart attack, while alkaline phosphatase, ALP, is also made by your bones and may be present if there is skeletal damage.
Step 1
Have a blood test performed to determine which liver enzymes are elevated. Work with your doctor to eliminate any other contributing factors that may be elevating your liver enzymes. You may need to switch medications or treat an underlying illness first.
Step 2
Avoid drinking alcohol. Your liver is the filter that cleans alcohol and other poisons from your system. If your elevated liver enzymes are caused by liver damage that is caused by these poisons, your liver may begin to repair itself once the poison source is removed, since it doesn't have to work so hard removing toxins.
According to Hepatitis Central, the most common cause of elevated liver enzymes is fatty liver disease caused by alcohol abuse.
Step 3
Lose weight. Elevated liver enzymes are associated with fatty liver disease, high triglyceride levels and type 2 diabetes. Losing just 5 percent of your total body weight may lower your liver enzyme levels. Chose lean protein and low fat dairy products to limit saturated fats, which may help lower your triglyceride levels.
Tips and Warnings
- Antobiotics, anti-depressants and anti-seizure medications may all elevated liver enzyme levels. If you can stop taking these medications, your levels should normalize within a few months. Don't stop taking any medications, though, without consulting with your doctor first.
- Fatigue, weakness, jaundice, bloating, swelling in your legs and difficulty with your blood clotting may all be symptoms of liver disorders. Talk to your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.
