Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Recognize liver disease
• Method 2 of 3: Adjust your diet
• Method 3 of 3: Taking herbs and supplements
• Tips
• Warnings

The liver is unique in many ways. It is the largest organ in the body, and it is one of the few organs with limited regenerative capacity. The liver has several essential functions, from removing waste to helping digestion, but the liver can become overloaded. Elevated liver enzymes in the blood are a sign that the liver is overloaded, but simple dietary changes can help bring liver enzymes back to healthy levels.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Recognize liver disease

1. Learn what your liver does for your body. The liver contributes to the functioning of the glands as well as other organ systems. It protects the body by detoxifying hormones, drugs and other biological molecules that are not produced in the body. The liver also synthesizes cholesterol and proteins that can otherwise lead to blockages and inflammation. It stores vitamins, minerals and sugars and removes bacteria.
   • The liver is involved in many important bodily functions, so it can become overloaded.
   • In an overloaded liver, it is very important to ensure healthy enzymes levels, so that all processes can go back to normal.
2. Learn about diseases that can affect the liver. Partly because the liver has to perform so many essential functions, it is susceptible to various diseases. There are all kinds of diseases that can cause your liver enzymes to skyrocket:
   • Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), also called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: fats such as triglycerides and cholesterol accumulate in the liver.
   • Hepatitis Viruses: Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E all have different causes. But any kind of hepatitis damages the liver.
   • Other infections that harm the liver, such as mononucleosis, adenoviruses, and cytomegalovirus. Tick ​​bites and other parasites can cause harmful diseases such as toxoplasmosis and Lyme.
   • Cancer often related to previous viral infections and cirrhosis of the liver.
   • Alcoholic hepatitis
   • Jaundice
   • Liver cirrhosis or advanced liver scarring.
3. Recognize the symptoms of liver disease. Because the liver is involved in many different processes, there is no single list of symptoms that indicate liver disease. However, every liver disease has unique but also common symptoms. If you experience any of the following symptoms, see your doctor immediately:
   • Yellow skin and eyes that may indicate jaundice
   • Abdominal pain and abdominal swelling
   • Swollen legs and ankles
   • Itchy skin
   • Dark yellow or red urine
   • Pale stools, or bloody tarry stools
   • Chronic fatigue
   • Nausea or vomiting
   • Loss of appetite
   • Weight loss
   • Dry mouth, very thirsty
   • Bruising easily
4. See your doctor for a diagnosis. See your doctor for an examination and provide him / her with your complete medical history and a description of the symptoms. The doctor may also perform a liver function test based on a blood test. In this study, the values ​​of the different liver enzymes and proteins are investigated. Examples of enzyme studies are:
   • AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase): AST values ​​are analyzed to determine whether acute or chronic hepatitis may be present.
   • ALT (alanine aminotransferase): ALT is used to detect and monitor the progression of hepatitis and liver damage. High levels are present in alcoholics, people with viral hepatitis and diabetics.
   • The ratio of AST / ALT values ​​is often used to determine whether the liver disease is caused by an infection, inflammation, or alcohol consumption.
   • AF (Alkaline Phosphatase): Can help diagnose bone disease, liver disease and gallbladder disorders.
   • GGT (gamma-glutamyl transferase): This can be used in conjunction with AF to distinguish between liver and bone disease. GGT is also useful for detecting alcohol abuse; this value has increased in about 75% of alcoholics.
   • LD (lactate dehydrogenase or lactic acid dehydrogenase): LD (also known as LDH) is used in conjunction with the other liver function studies to monitor the treatment of liver or other disorders. Increased values ​​are measured in various liver diseases, anemia, kidney diseases and infections.
5. Keep an eye on your liver enzymes. If you've previously had liver disease, you may need to have liver function tests every six to eight weeks. Keep a careful record of the results. A downward trend in the lab results within six to 12 months means that you are successfully supporting your liver. Always tell your doctor which supplements you are taking, and if there is any change in your symptoms.

Method 2 of 3: Adjust your diet

1. Eat plenty of green, leafy vegetables. Leafy green vegetables are high in vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. And what's important for your liver function, they can reduce the amount of fat deposited in the liver. Leafy greens include spinach, chard, kale, turnip greens, cruciferous vegetables (cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts), and all types of lettuce.
2. Choose foods rich in antioxidants. Swiss chard alone does not lower your liver enzymes, but they are full of "flavonoids" that serve as antioxidants to support your liver function. Avocados can also be good because they contain a lot of vitamin E, which is an effective natural antioxidant. Avocados and walnuts contain precursors to the body's main antioxidant - glutathione.
   • Walnuts are also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce inflammation in the liver.
   • Other nuts, including walnuts, pecans, almonds and Brazil nuts, also contain a variety of B vitamins and significant amounts of minerals.
3. Eat 35-50 grams of fiber per day. Foods that contain a lot of fiber protect your body against the absorption of cholesterol. By reducing the amount of cholesterol your liver has to process, it becomes healthier and you lower liver enzymes. Fiber also increases the liver's bile secretion, improves fat digestion and prevents liver disease before it develops. Foods high in fiber include:
   • Oat, wheat, corn, and rice bran
   • Beans (lima beans, black beans, kidney beans, kidney beans, white beans), lentils (red, brown and yellow) and peas.
   • Berries (raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, blackcurrants, gooseberries, blackberries)
   • Whole grains (wheat, oats, corn, rye, teff, buckwheat, brown rice)
   • Leafy green vegetables (Swiss chard, turnip greens, kale, spinach)
   • Nuts (almonds, pistachios, cashews, and walnuts) and seeds (sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, sunflower seeds)
   • Fruits (especially those with an edible peel, such as pears, apples, plums, peaches, and apricots)
4. Drink the juice of citrus fruits rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C helps repair tissues and heal wounds. Eating or drinking citrus fruit will heal your liver and bring the enzymes back to healthy levels. Citrus fruits are also known to reduce the risk of liver cancer. Find ways to add oranges, lemons, and limes to your diet. When buying juice, look for a product that contains extra vitamin C.
5. Eat more cruciferous vegetables. The cruciferous are known for balancing the production of detoxifying liver enzymes. These detoxifying enzymes neutralize cancer-causing germs in the body. These cruciferous vegetables are also high in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber:
   • Broccoli
   • Brussels sprouts
   • Cauliflower
   • Radishes
   • Horseradish
   • Rutabaga and turnip
   • Wasabi
   • Watercress
6. Ask your doctor how much protein you should be eating. Protein is normally very important for repairing damage to the body, so you would think you should eat more protein to treat an overloaded liver. But because your liver is the organ that has to process the proteins, it can become overworked by too much protein. This causes even more damage, causing the liver enzymes to rise further.
   • Talk to your doctor and / or dietitian so you know how much protein you should be eating. He / she can create a plan that is tailored to the specific needs of your body.
7. Keep your body well hydrated. If you drink enough water, you flush toxins from your liver, so that it is less stressed. Drink eight to ten large glasses of water a day. Be sure to drink plenty of water:
   • If you just got up
   • Before and during meals
   • Before and after exercise
   • Just before going to bed
8. Avoid foods that can harm the liver. Healthy food can support the liver, but unhealthy food can actually harm the liver. Too much fat, salt, sugar, or oil can overload the liver. If you already have elevated liver enzymes, give your liver a rest. Avoid the following foods to balance your liver enzymes:
   • Fatty foods such as lamb, beef, chicken with skin, foods fried in lard and vegetable oil.
   • Salty foods, such as most processed and ready-to-eat meals, snacks such as crisps and pretzels, and canned food.
   • Foods with sugar, such as pies, cakes or biscuits.
   • Fried foods.
   • Raw or undercooked shellfish (which may contain toxins that damage the liver).
   • Alcohol (although not food) should be avoided as much as possible, especially if you already have liver disease.

Method 3 of 3: Taking herbs and supplements

1. Drink herbal teas that improve liver health. There are a variety of herbs that have been traditionally used to support liver function. Not much is known about how these herbs work, but it has been used safely for a long time. In general, the herbs are used as a tea, so the dosage is often unclear. Follow the manufacturer's directions and consult your doctor for the correct dosage. The dosages given here should be taken as a guideline only.
   • Milk thistle: Research suggests it is especially good for people with liver disease caused by alcohol consumption, liver cirrhosis and hepatitis. The dosage ranges from 160-480 mg per day.
   • Astragalus: The usual dose is 20-500 mg of the extract, three to four times a day.
   • Dandelion Root: Lowers cholesterol, so that the liver is less stressed. Drink two to four cups of dandelion root tea, or take 2-4 mg of dried dandelion root per day.
   • Combinations: There are many combinations of different herbs on the market, but most of them have not been scientifically researched. Examples include NOW Liver Formula, FirstCLEANSE Mild Detox, and Amiset Berry Blaster.
   • Green tea: Reduces the risk of liver disease, but it can actually make liver problems worse in some people. Before using green tea, talk to your doctor first. Two to four cups a day seems to reduce the risk of liver disease.
2. Cook with garlic and turmeric. Not only are these herbs delicious, but they also improve liver health. Add these spices to taste, using at least one of the two every day.
   • Garlic can prevent liver cancer and heart problems and boosts the immune system.
   • Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties that support the liver by reducing inflammation that can lead to hepatitis, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, liver cancer and liver cirrhosis.
3. Take antioxidant supplements. While there are plenty of ways to get antioxidants in your diet, supplements can give you that extra helping hand. Alpha lipoic acid is an antioxidant that has been studied in relation to diabetes, cardiovascular disease and liver disease. It supports the sugar metabolism in the liver and prevents liver diseases caused by alcohol consumption. Usually 100 mg of this is taken three times a day. N-acetyl cysteine ​​(NAC) serves as a precursor to glutathione, the body's main antioxidant. The usual dose of this is 200-250 mg twice a day.
   • Alpha lipoic acid can affect how diabetes medicines work, so consult your doctor for the best dose.
   • There are rare cases where a very high dose of NAC actually increased liver enzymes.

Tips

• Liver function tests should be performed every six months, or as suggested by your doctor, until liver enzymes are back to acceptable levels.

Warnings

• People with a lot of liver enzymes shouldn't take statins. Make sure you discuss your medication list extensively with your doctor, so that you can be sure that it does not contain any medications from that category.