The liver is one of the hardworking organs in your body. It silently carries out hundreds of daily metabolic functions. When your liver is under stress, it shows up on blood tests, mainly ALT and AST tests. These two enzymes are often the first things that are analyzed during your primary care visits.
It is estimated that around one-third of adults in the world have some level of non, alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which means it is the most common chronic liver disease. However, the interesting part of it is that there are a lot of individuals who consume little or no alcohol, but still their metabolism is already under stress.
This is the point where the relationship between liver enzymes and metabolism is very crucial. In many cases, a high ALT is one of the first detectable signs of metabolic dysfunction that may be present years before the diagnosis of diabetes or cardiovascular disease. Let’s look at what exactly these are and what to do to keep them healthy.
What are Elevated Liver Enzymes
Liver enzymes are proteins that are made naturally by your liver. They help the liver to do its daily tasks, such as digesting food, processing medications, and taking care of your metabolism and hormones.
Normally, these enzymes live inside your liver cells and only a small amount is present in your blood. But if you have high levels of these liver enzymes in your blood, then you have elevated liver enzymes.
The two main liver enzymes are ALT and AST. Their high level might only be temporary. Or it is a sign of some hidden conditions like hepatitis or liver disease, fatty liver, liver tumors, or alcohol, related liver disease.
- ALT is found mainly inside the liver cells. For this reason, ALT is considered the best marker for determining your liver health.
- AST is in your liver as well as other parts of your body, such as your muscles, Heart or Kidneys.
Normal ranges of these enzymes are:
- ALT Normal range: 7-40 U/L
- AST Normal range: 10-40 U/L
Liver Enzymes and Metabolism
Your liver Enzymes and Metabolism are strongly connected. Typically, when your metabolism slows down, your liver will be one of the first organs to show signs of trouble.
Hidden metabolic disorders, such as insulin resistance, having too much visceral fat, or chronic inflammation, lead to fat being deposited inside your liver cells. In the long run, it may lead to the development of non-alcohol-related fatty liver disease, which is now one of the most frequent causes of high ALT and AST today.
It has also been found that ALT, AST, and GGT are much greater in people who have metabolic syndrome as compared to people without this syndrome.
Another study also indicates that individuals may experience increased liver enzymes like ALT and AST without fatty liver being seen on the ultrasound. This increase often signals other metabolic issues, including higher waist circumference and low good cholesterol.
This is why experts now view elevated liver enzymes as an early metabolic warning sign.
Elevated ALT Meaning
If you have an elevated ALT, it does not directly point to your liver failing. But in many people, it is an early sign that the liver is working harder than normal.
This may occur because of underlying metabolic problems such as insulin resistance, fatty liver, abdominal weight gain, some medications, alcoholism, poor diets, and poor sleeping habits. But if your ALT is high and metabolic issues are present, you may have an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol or heart disease.
This raised ALT is a signal that you can still make positive changes before bigger problems develop.
Testing for Elevated Liver Enzyme and Metabolic Stress
If your routine blood test shows elevated liver enzymes like ALT or AST, your provider may order additional tests to find out why your liver is stressed and how your metabolism may be affected.
- Liver Function Tests: This checks your ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin, and albumin to determine how effectively your liver is functioning.
- Fasting Blood Sugar & HbA1c: It may be done to measure your blood sugar levels for checking insulin resistance or early diabetes.
- Lipid Profile: This is the best test for your cholesterol and triglycerides, revealing whether your fat metabolism is disturbed.
- Liver Ultrasound: This imaging test can reveal a fatty liver or inflammation even without visible symptoms.
- Viral Hepatitis Screening: Tests for hepatitis B and C to rule out infection as a cause of liver stress.
- Iron Studies & Ferritin: It is a test to determine whether there is iron overload, which can be one of the causes of liver stress as well.
- Hormone Tests: Your provider may test thyroid function or insulin, related hormones, especially if you have metabolic disorders such as PCOS.
Treatment & Prevention
A number of individuals who have elevated liver enzymes will have it normal after two to four weeks. But when your liver enzyme remains elevated, your provider will look for the underlying cause. Because the treatment depends on what is causing this elevation.
- Your provider may also prescribe some medications to treat your underlying conditions, such as diabetes, high cholesterol, or fatty liver disease.
- Include more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean protein in your diet.
- Reduce the intake of sugar, fried, and processed foods.
- Never share needles or items that carry blood contamination.
- If you have diabetes, control your blood sugar.
- Inform your healthcare provider of all the medications, herbs, and supplements you are already taking.
- In case of fatty liver, your provider will encourage you to lose some weight by increasing your physical activity or adopting a healthy diet.
- Avoid alcohol as it can exacerbate liver stress, even in such small quantities.
- Never take a liver supplement or any other medication without first verifying it with your doctor.
- Your provider will probably repeat the test for ALT and AST. After some time to find out whether your levels are dropping or not.
Conclusion
ALT and AST are valuable markers for liver and metabolic health. Several factors, including liver diseases and medications, can cause elevated levels.
Because the liver manages blood sugar, fats, and inflammation. Changes in these enzymes reflect metabolic health.
At Kairos Integrative Care Texas, Lola, one of our integrative nurse practitioners, reviews your lab results, finds the underlying causes, and gives you a plan that boosts your liver health and overall metabolism.
We see patients in Houston, Sugar Land, Richmond, and nearby areas (77046 & 77478). We accept major insurance plans, including Blue Cross, Aetna, Ambetter, Cigna, and more.
New patients are always welcome, and if coming into the clinic isn’t possible, telemedicine appointments are available across Texas.
