HomeLiver Cleanse OverviewElevated Liver Enzymes

30 Million Americans Are Affected by Liver Disease

~ by Vickie Hudspeth, RRN, CLNC, IAFN

My name is Vickie and I am the nurse here at Puristat, Inc. Over the course of my many years with Puristat, I have helped thousands of people with digestive ailments. I've listened to stories of digestive issues from men, women, young, old, vegetarians, the health conscious, and the not so careful eaters! I have absorbed so much valuable information by researching countless articles, collaborating with physicians, and speaking with other nurses and practitioners from all parts of medicine. Today, I have my finger right on the burning question:

Why is an astonishing 1 in 10 Americans affected by liver, gallbladder, or biliary disease?

To answer this important question we need to examine some of the causes of liver disease and elevated liver enzymes. We'll then look at some of the guidelines for what constitutes a mild, moderate and severe elevation in liver enzymes. We'll also take a look at what can be done to alleviate harmful stress on your liver, and lower your risk of developing liver disease.

What Are Liver Enzymes?

Exactly what are liver enzymes? Great question! First, although there are several separate liver enzymes in our body, such as ALT, AST, ALP, TBIL, Conjugated Bilirubin, Albumin and Globulin; there are four important liver enzymes included on most routine laboratory tests. Here I will focus on these four important liver enzymes: ALT, AST, Albumin, and Bilirubin.

Now what does all that mean? ALT or Alanine aminotransferase is an enzyme present in hepatocytes (liver cells). When a cell is damaged, it leaks this enzyme into the blood, where it is measured. ALT is an enzyme that helps metabolize protein. ALT rises dramatically in acute liver damage, such as hepatocellular disease, active cirrhosis, metastatic liver tumor, infection or toxic hepatitis, severe burns, pancreatitis, myocardial infarction (heart attack), trauma, acute hemolytic anemia, crushing injuries, gangrene, or shock.¹

The enzyme AST plays a role in the metabolism of alanine, an amino acid. AST is found in high concentrations in liver cells. An increase in AST levels may indicate liver damage or disease.

Albumin is another protein made in your liver. An albumin test measures how well your liver is making the proteins that your body needs. Low albumin levels can be a sign of liver damage. Albumin also helps the immune system fight infections.

Bilirubin is a yellow fluid made in your body when red blood cells break down. A bilirubin test measures the level of bilirubin in your blood. If your liver is damaged, bilirubin can leak out of your liver into your blood and can cause jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes). It also can come out in the urine making it look very dark.

What Are Normal Liver Function Levels?

Here, I'll present the general criteria for test results to be considered "Normal", "Mild/Moderate", and "Severe" using the indicators we discussed above. These are not the sole indicators to diagnose liver disease, liver damage or liver disorders. The entire clinical picture must be examined as well as the results of these tests.

Common Causes Of Mild, Moderate And Severe Liver Enzyme Elevations

Fatty liver disease is the most common cause of mild to moderate liver enzyme elevations. The causes of Fatty Liver disease include alcohol abuse, obesity, diabetes, chronic hepatitis C, medications and environmental toxins.

Interesting Success Stories From Clients

A recent report on liver disease is particularly interesting and one that many people have shared with me.² It showcases one of the most overlooked symptoms that can be related to elevated liver enzymes, a diseased liver, or a disorder of the liver. It examines a common occurance in all of us - occassional memory loss. However, the explanation for this memory loss is not common. Our memory is a function not often thought of as having a connection to our liver, but in this article we learn just how much of a connection to all our bodily functions our liver plays.

"Maria's" Story

Many Puristat clients have shared with me similarly interesting stories. I listened to a woman tell me just the other day that she went for her annual exam and her doctor told her that her liver enzymes were moderately elevated, and she had the beginnings of Fatty Liver disease. No other information was offered to the woman other than to stop drinking. Yet, she informed me, as she had her physician that she never drank a day in her life!

Her question of course is one that is shared again and again with me, "How can I have fatty liver disease, and what can I do about it?" My answer is one that many clinicians share – it's not as cut and dry as attributing the condition to just one culprit. Many factors can play a role including:

• Diet
• Lack of Exercise
• Other Pre-Existing Diseases
• Certain Medications
• Environmental Toxins
• Chemicals in Foods
• Genetic Predisposition
• Toxins in Cosmetics and Personal Care Items
• Many Other Factors

My Suggestions

What to do about it is a little easier to answer. My recommendations to her was to do a 14-day liver cleanse, do at least 20 minutes of moderate cardio-intensive exercise at least four days a week, change her diet slightly to exclude white starchy products, such as bread, rice, potatoes and noodles, and replace these foods with brown rice, whole grain breads, yams and vegetable noodles.

She contacted me back two months later to tell me that she returned to her doctor for her follow up liver function test and everything showed in the normal range! She has decided to cleanse her colon and liver faithfully every six months and plans on maintaining the dietary changes for life.

"Glen's" Story

I had a young man tell me that he thought his gallbladder had exploded one day. He had a pain on the right side that seemed to burn for quite a while. He shared with me that this happened after he had a fish fry dinner. He was only 20 years old and never had any health problems until that very moment. When he went to his doctor, he was told that he had mildly elevated liver enzymes. The young man went on to tell me that he has never taken any medications except Tylenol for headaches or when he had the flu. He didn't drink alcohol. The only advice his doctor could provide was for him to change his diet slightly and lose a little weight. His doctor stated he would retest the liver enzyme levels in three months.

My Suggestions

This young man had a family history of obesity and both father and uncle having fatty liver disease. This relatively healthy young man and I spoke and established a plan to achieve wellness. I'm happy to report he is doing very well with some simple dietary changes such as staying clear of fried, processed, and packaged foods. He ate more vegetables and fruit while doing our 7-day liver cleanse. He decided to switch from Tylenol for his occasional headaches to Aleve. He also began exercising – mountain biking in particular on the weekends and walking two miles every day during the week.

He went back to his doctor after losing 15 pounds in three months for a repeat of his LFT's and everything was on the low side of normal! He took my recommendations and made the changes to his life three years ago and continues this exact routine to this day.

Nutrition For A Healthy Liver

Many Puristat Clients ask me why nutrition is so important in regards to the liver. This is of vital importance because 80-90% of the blood leaving the stomach and intestines carries nutrients to the liver. The liver then has to detoxify and further convert these nutrients into substances which the body can readily utilize. The healthier the food we put in our bodies, the less detoxification and converting the liver has to do. Therefore, the liver can remain healthier naturally.

So what is an optimal diet for a healthy liver? According to many physicians as well as the National Liver Foundation and Dr Sandra Cabot an optimal diet for a healthy liver includes:²

• Plenty of fruits and vegetables
• A Balanced Diet with a fat : carbohydrate : protein ratio of 30 : 50 : 20
• Plenty of fluids - at least 8, 8oz. glasses of water per day
• Avoidance of excess alcohol
• Pack your diet with antioxidants
• Take a high potency multivitamin supplement
• Avoid processed foods
• Avoid fried foods
• Cleanse your liver at least twice a year

Combine the above with my additional recommendations below for a complete Healthy Liver Program:

• Participation in a moderate daily exercise program
• Learning to distress via practices such as deep breathing and meditation

Your Liver And Colon Are Related

I also encourage you to cleanse your colon as well as your liver. These organs work hand in hand to keep your entire body functioning at peak performance levels. Your colon and liver share a blood supply which runs throughout the entire portal system. Good digestive health is vital to overall health and wellness. Eating foods that are friendly towards your digestive system is of vital importance. Be sure to look at the food combining chart to help you make good food choices.

In Closing

The stories I've shared with you here are the ones I hear often. I share them to help you understand how elevated liver enzymes occur and what you can do after learning that you have an elevation. More importantly, I hope you now have a better understanding of what can be done to help prevent an elevation in the first place.

My goal is to teach you to be your own health advocate. I always want to hear from you. Let me know how you are doing and what else we at Puristat can do to help you live better, longer, happier and healthier lives! Take care of yourselves!!!

Be sure to contact me with your questions and stories anytime! You can reach me Toll Free 1-800-492-4984, by email at vickie@puristat.com, on our Puristat facebook page (the link is to the left of this article), or via our Online Chat Link at the top of this page.

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Notes:

1. Healthscout.com, Health Encyclopedia - Diseases and Conditions, "Description of Liver Enzymes (Elevated)," http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/liver-function-tests/AN00876 (accessed).
2. CNN Health-Empowered Patients-The Growing Culprit Behind Liver Disease-http://www.cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/06/16/liver.disease.ep/
3. National Liver Foundation-Liver Transplants USA and India-http://www.livertransplantindia.com/liver-diet.asp