Liver enzymes are small proteins that accelerate the metabolic reactions in the liver and other body parts. The major functions of liver enzymes include speeding up the processes of bile synthesis, fat breakdown, toxin elimination, clotting of blood, etc. An increased level of liver enzymes is a sign of inflammation in the liver or liver damage. Major diseases detected by high levels of liver enzymes include NAFLD, NASH, liver cirrhosis, jaundice, etc.

Check Out Different Liver Enzymes

When you go for a liver function test, the report you receive has information regarding the following enzymes in your blood. This information helps detect the type of liver disease a person is suffering from. The level of liver enzymes are associated with the occurrence of particular diseases.

Liver Enzymes

Description

ALT (Alanine transaminase)

It is a liver enzyme involved in the conversion of protein into energy. Abnormal level of ALT indicates liver damage.

AST (Aspartate transaminase)

It is an amino acid metabolising enzyme. Aspartate is an enzyme involved in liver and muscle metabolism. Abnormal level of AST indicates liver or muscle damage.

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)

Alkaline phosphatase levels shows the sign of liver disease, chronic kidney disease and bone disorder

Bilirubin

Jaundice is detected by checking the levels of bilirubin blood and the red blood cells level. 

Albumin

Liver secrete the protein albumin, which fights infections. Abnormal albumin levels indicate liver damage

Prothrombin time (PT)

Time taken in clotting of blood is termed as prothrombin time. PT levels are increased due to blood thinning drugs or liver damage.

L-lactate dehydrogenase

Lactate dehydrogenase is a liver enzyme, deteriorated levels of lactate dehydrogenase indicate damaged liver

What are the signs that your liver is not Healthy?

7 signs that show that your liver is unhealthy

People with unhealthy livers might show some or all of the following symptoms:

  1. 1. Weak appetite (leading to weight loss)
  2. 2. Swelling in the abdomen sometimes pain
  3. 3. Colour of stool and urine changes
  4. 4. Fatigue and weakness
  5. 5. Nausea that persists 
  6. 6. Vomitings
  7. 7. Feeling of fullness
  8.  

How do you treat high levels of liver enzymes?

It is easy to treat the abnormally high levels of liver enzymes by opting for some or all of the below-given habits;

  1. 1. Abstaining from alcohol
  2. 2. Prepare your diet according to the health of the liver and stick to it.
  3. 3. Maintain a check on your cholesterol and try to keep it as low as possible.
  4. 4. Losing weight has also proved to be helpful in maintaining the level of liver enzymes at a normal range. 
  5.  

5 Major Enzymes of the Liver

  1. 1. ALT -alanine transaminase
  2. 2. ALP- alkaline phosphatase
  3. 3. AST- aspartate aminotransferase
  4. 4. GGT- gamma-glutamyl transferase 
  5. 5. LD- Lactate dehydrogenase
  6.  

10 Foods that can Elevate Liver Enzymes in the body:

  1. 1. Tea
  2. 2. Coffee
  3. 3. Grapes
  4. 4. Cranberries 
  5. 5. Blueberries
  6. 6. Grapes
  7. 7. Beetroot juice
  8. 8. Fatty fish
  9. 9. Cruciferous vegetables
  10. 10. Nuts
  11.  
  1. 1. Tea- (green tea)- Tea contains antioxidants that have been proven to improve liver enzymes in the blood. According to the studies, drinking tea normally in the routine eliminates the liver cancer risks. 
  2. 2. Coffee- Coffee eliminates liver carcinomas risks and chronic liver diseases.
  3. 3. Grapefruit- Grapefruit contains naringin and naringenin. These antioxidants have been proven to reduce inflammation and protect the liver from injuries. 
  4. 4. Cranberries and Blueberries: The berries (Cranberries and Blueberries) are quite effective in maintaining liver health. They contain pigment anthocyanins which are involved in maintaining a healthy liver.
  5. 5. Grapes: Grapes contain metabolites like resveratrol that helps in reducing liver inflammation and increase antioxidant levels in the blood.
  6. 6. Beetroot juice: Beetroot juice contains antioxidant betalains and nitrates that decrease the extent of oxidative damage and tends to lower inflammation.
  7. 7. Fatty fish- It is quite common that fatty fishes contain more oil which is rich in omega 3 fatty acids and these omega 3 fatty acids are quite helpful in lowering the risk of heart diseases by reducing liver fat. In addition to this, omega-3 fatty acids are also beneficial in curing NAFLD and NASH (nonalcoholic steatohepatitis).
  8. 8. Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, green mustard, brussels sprouts): These vegetables contain the enzyme responsible for detoxification and are found helpful in eliminating the risk of liver cell tumours.
  9. 9. Nuts: Nuts contain vitamin E and fats that are helpful in combating nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases. 
  10. 10. Prickly pear: Prickly pear is an edible cactus and is traditionally used in treating wounds, fatigue, ulcers, and fatty liver diseases.
  11.  

According to the study, NAFLD patients given grape seed extract help improve liver function.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.1. What are the signs that your liver is not healthy?

People with unhealthy livers might show some or all of the following symptoms:

  1. 1. Weak appetite (leading to weight loss)
  2. 2. Swelling in the abdomen sometimes pain
  3. 3. Colour of stool and urine changes
  4. 4. Fatigue and weakness
  5. 5. Nausea that persists 
  6. 6. Vomitings
  7. 7. Feeling of fullness
  8.  

Q.2. What is lactate dehydrogenase?

Lactate dehydrogenase is a liver enzyme; deteriorated levels of lactate dehydrogenase indicate damaged liver.

Q.3. What is PT in the liver function test report?

Prothrombin time (PT) is the time taken to clotting of blood is termed prothrombin time. PT levels are increased due to blood thinning drugs or liver damage.

Q.4. Which types of foods can elevate liver enzymes in the body?

10 foods that can elevate liver enzymes in the body:

  1. 1. Tea
  2. 2. Coffee
  3. 3. Grapes
  4. 4. Cranberries 
  5. 5. Blueberries
  6. 6. Grapes
  7. 7. Beetroot juice
  8. 8. Fatty fish
  9. 9. Cruciferous vegetables
  10. 10. Nuts
  11.  

Q.5. What are the 5 major liver enzymes that are tested in liver function tests?

The 5 major enzymes of the liver that are checked in the liver function tests are;

  1. 1. ALT -alanine transaminase
  2. 2. ALP- alkaline phosphatase
  3. 3. AST- aspartate aminotransferase
  4. 4. GGT- gamma-glutamyl transferase 
  5. 5. LD- Lactate dehydrogenase
  6.  

Q.6. What is AST (Aspartate transaminase)?

AST (Aspartate transaminase) is an amino acid metabolising enzyme. Aspartate is an enzyme involved in liver and muscle metabolism. An abnormal level of AST indicates liver or muscle damage.

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