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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Can Elevated Liver Enzymes Be Treated?

Hi, just had blood tests for liver and my AST is 48 and ALT 63. I know these are high, but should I worry and go to specialist. Dr suggested I change my diet and stop drinking alcohol. I have one drink per day and eat reasonably well. Thanks Cheryl
Mon, 7 Nov 2016
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi Cheryl,

Don't worry, the levels are only mildly elevated, and there is no reason to panic if you are well. Your doctor is right that alcohol does tend to stress the liver up, one drink a day is fine if you have a good liver, but if your liver enzymes are high I would advise decreasing by half if not stopping completely.

Other things that may stress up the liver is some types of medication if taken inappropriately or longer than prescribed, like paracetamol, or some painkillers. Be careful with traditional supplementation that doesn't list the ingredients, as there may be elements that strain the liver.

Diet and exercise also helps, if you are overweight try to lower it, and cut down on sugars. All these contribute to fatty liver.

Try all these and check your liver enzymes again in 6 months or so.

Hope this helps, and all the best to you.

Regards,
Dr. Teh
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How Can Elevated Liver Enzymes Be Treated?

Hi Cheryl, Don t worry, the levels are only mildly elevated, and there is no reason to panic if you are well. Your doctor is right that alcohol does tend to stress the liver up, one drink a day is fine if you have a good liver, but if your liver enzymes are high I would advise decreasing by half if not stopping completely. Other things that may stress up the liver is some types of medication if taken inappropriately or longer than prescribed, like paracetamol, or some painkillers. Be careful with traditional supplementation that doesn t list the ingredients, as there may be elements that strain the liver. Diet and exercise also helps, if you are overweight try to lower it, and cut down on sugars. All these contribute to fatty liver. Try all these and check your liver enzymes again in 6 months or so. Hope this helps, and all the best to you. Regards, Dr. Teh