The liver has a pivotal role in many body functions including digestion, metabolism, detoxification, cholesterol synthesis and blood clotting. Liver enzymes are proteins that help to speed up reactions, and elevated levels may be a sign of damage to the liver or impairment in its function. Some medications can also cause elevated liver enzymes and in most cases this does not indicate chronic liver problems.The most commonly elevated liver enzymes are Alanine transaminase, ALT and Aspartate transaminase, AST. Your daily diet is important for your liver and overall health and can help to bring down elevated liver enzymes.
Step 1
Eat complex carbohydrates such as whole wheat breads and pastas, oatmeal, barley and flax, fruit and raw or cooked vegetables. Reduce your consumption of refined carbohydrates such as white bread, pastas and noodles, pastries, baked goods, sugary drinks and potato chips. Refined, processed carbohydrates cause blood glucose levels to spike. This can lead to an increased risk for type 2 diabetes as well as excess burden on the liver to filter and store glucose.
Step 2
Add more fiber to your diet. Eat fiber-rich foods such as raw vegetables and fruits daily. Apples and oranges contain the soluble fiber pectin that helps to eliminate cholesterol from the digestive tract to ease the burden on the liver.
Step 3
Avoid foods that contain steroids, hormones and antibiotics. Your liver must filter these substances, which can accumulate and damage the liver cells. Avoid milk and other dairy products and meat and other meat products that contain these chemicals.
Step 4
Decrease consumption of packaged and processed foods that contain artificial preservatives, flavors and colors. Reduce packaged and processed foods from diet and opt for whole, fresh foods as much as possible. Avoid artificial sweeteners and foods such as soda, sugar-free products and gum that contain these chemicals.
Tips and Warnings
- Raw fruit and vegetable juice provide nutrients that help to strengthen liver function. Dr. Sandra Cabot recommends juicing apples, oranges, beets, grapefruit, carrots, celery and cucumber to cleanse the liver.
- Do not begin any type of diet without the approval of your doctor. If you have an underlying condition that is causing elevated liver enzymes, you must continue any prescribed treatments. A liver-friendly diet can enhance other recommended treatment.
