How to Lower Liver Enzymes: 7 Best Ways
Elevated liver enzymes can have many possible causes and should be reviewed with a healthcare professional. Knowing how to lower liver enzymes naturally starts with understanding which lifestyle factors may be relevant to discuss with your clinician. Read on for seven evidence-informed wellness strategies to consider.
On This Page:Elevated liver enzymes are a common finding on routine blood panels, and they can raise understandable questions about what the results mean. Liver enzyme levels can vary for many reasons, so higher-than-normal results should be reviewed with a qualified healthcare professional who can interpret them in the context of your health history, medications, symptoms, and other lab markers.
The liver produces several enzymes involved in normal biological processes, and changes in these markers may prompt further evaluation. While this article is not a substitute for medical guidance, it explains what liver enzymes are, why monitoring them may matter, and which general lifestyle habits are commonly discussed in relation to liver wellness.
This article covers seven evidence-informed liver-health considerations, including nutrition, movement, alcohol intake, weight management, and supplement conversations to have with a healthcare professional. Whether you are learning about recent lab results or taking a proactive approach to liver wellness, this guide can help you prepare for an informed discussion with your healthcare provider.
What Are Liver Enzymes?
You’re probably confused as to what liver enzymes actually are. Let’s break things down into simpler terms. They’re proteins that liver cells generate and play a very big role in chemical reactions in the organ. Thanks to them, the liver functions as it should, and doctors are able to evaluate how healthy the organ is.
You can determine the health of the liver by conducting a blood test. Health professionals will measure the levels of the following enzymes:
- Alanine aminotransferase (ALT): an enzyme found in liver cells released into the blood when an injury or disease occurs in the organ
- Aspartate aminotransferase (AST): an enzyme common in the liver, heart, muscles, and kidneys and may indicate liver issues
- Alkaline phosphatase (ALP): found in many body tissues, such as the liver, bones, and bile ducts, where elevated levels show disorders in these areas
- Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT): an enzyme that one can find in the liver, pancreas, and kidneys, indicating issues in the liver and bile ducts
How to Lower Liver Enzymes
How long does it take to lower liver enzymes? Or perhaps, more specifically, are you wondering how to lower ALT levels? Here are a few proven methods.
1. Keep Away From Alcohol
Having a drink or two each week is fine. However, do you tend to go overboard? If you’re trying to figure out how to reduce high liver enzymes, start by cutting down your alcohol intake. It isn’t challenging if you have your health in mind.
If you’re a social butterfly, plan outings with friends where you won’t have a reason to drink. You can attempt nature hikes or sports-related activities. Life doesn’t have to be boring if you don’t have a drink in your hand! Remember that a healthy liver starts with a good lifestyle.
A damaged liver takes time to recover, so you need to understand that the changes you make have to be constant. Don’t expect miracles overnight. If you can’t avoid parties, change things up by trying some mocktails! You just need to trick your brain into believing you don’t require alcohol to have some fun.
2. Move Your Body as Much as You Can
Here’s a quick and easy answer to how to lower liver enzymes. Make it a point to do some form of exercise every day. It doesn’t have to be anything strenuous. The whole objective is to help your liver recover. It doesn’t matter if you don’t have a gym membership, although accountability does make a difference.
You can begin with short 30-minute workouts daily. Run, walk, or do yoga. As long as you work up a sweat, things will start looking better, and your enzyme levels will reduce. If you can find a partner that will push you to do better, then by all means, start making plans!
Exercising is a habit that you can build as long as you have the willpower. Pick a time that suits you best, whether it’s early in the morning or after work. Identify all your barriers and remove them for a higher rate of success!
3. Consume a Balanced and Healthy Diet
What does it mean to maintain a healthy diet? Does it imply eating a balanced plate filled with carbs, proteins, legumes, and vegetables? Should the meals focus on fish, red meat, or other sources of protein? These, again, are all valid questions.
For your liver, you should consume coffee, green vegetables, and fish. These work great to prevent fat and enzymes from building up. Don’t neglect your fiber intake, as well as nuts. If you can grab hold of turmeric, try to incorporate that into your cooking! This spice works excellent for liver health.
Beans, particularly soy, will reduce the chances of you developing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Plus, oatmeal is always a great option for breakfast. It’s delicious and will reduce your liver enzyme levels! Essentially, don’t consume processed food, and ensure you practice moderation. That way, you won’t go wrong!
4. Stay Away From Medications That Can Damage the Liver
Let’s demonstrate how to decrease liver enzymes, and this explanation may sound surprising. You may consume certain medications to fix your underlying issues, be they for your heart, kidneys, and so on. The problem is that some meds may lead to an increase in liver enzymes.
You may now know this, but even over-the-counter medications can cause issues. Therefore, if you consume a lot of NSAIDs and aspirin, it’s time to look for alternatives. There are natural pain relieving options, like turmeric curcumin, cloves, feverfew, ginger, and others you could try to see what works best for you.
Similarly, prescription drugs such as statins, antibiotics, arthritis drugs, antifungals, niacin, and steroids may lead to high liver enzyme levels. If you’re going through chemotherapy, find out if it puts you at risk of an unhealthy liver.
Remember, herbal supplements may cause issues, too. You should always consult your physician to determine what’s best for your overall health.
5. Consider Getting Vaccinated Against Hepatitis A and B
Hepatitis essentially denotes an inflammation of the liver. It can be a severe condition and lead to high liver enzyme levels. Just because hepatitis infections are more common in developing countries, you can still contract it from close, personal contact someone who has been infected.. Getting sick with hepatitis won’t help if you’re figuring out how to lower liver enzymes.
Talk to your doctor to discuss if these vaccines are right for you. This move is especially important if you travel often to the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and South America.
At the same time, you should learn how to identify symptoms of hepatitis. That way, you’ll be able to seek treatment right away before your conditions worsen. Signs of hepatitis include:
- Yellow skin and eyes
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Appetite loss
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dark urine or light-colored stools
- Joint ache
6. Reduce Stress
Is stress a given in today’s day and age? We’re constantly on the go, and it’s difficult to disconnect from work demands, especially since we more or less live online today. That isn’t very healthy, so if you can, find a way to relax.
Relaxing doesn’t have to mean booking a ticket and taking a week off at a beach, although that sounds incredible. It can be as simple as taking a few minutes out of your busy schedule and channeling it toward meditation or a similar activity.
If you have a family on top of your career, the word “relax” may have escaped your vocabulary. However, it’s not too late to find it again. It’s alright to pass the baton and let someone else pick up the slack from time to time. You need to understand that there are ways to get help if you feel overburdened.
7. Take Supplements
Certain ingredients have been studied for their potential roles in liver cell health, normal liver function, and cellular antioxidant support. Milk thistle, turmeric, beet, dandelion, artichoke, ginger, L-cysteine, and glycine have each been examined in a liver-health context.
For those looking for a structured way to learn about these ingredients, exploring the best supplements for liver health offers an overview of what current research suggests. PureHealth Research’s liver health collection brings together studied botanicals and nutrients in formulas designed to support daily liver wellness as part of a healthy routine.
As with any supplement regimen, those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or managing an existing health condition should speak with a healthcare provider before starting something new.
Final Thoughts
Supporting liver wellness often starts with consistent daily habits. Reducing alcohol intake, moving regularly, eating a whole-food-centered diet, managing stress, and being mindful of substances that may influence liver health can all be part of a broader routine. Some people may also discuss targeted nutritional support from well-studied compounds with a healthcare professional. Progress takes time, and sustainable habits are more practical than short-term measures.
Liver enzymes are proteins generated by liver cells that play a significant role in chemical reactions within the organ. They help the liver function properly and allow doctors to evaluate the health of the organ.
The health of the liver can be determined by conducting a blood test. Health professionals measure the levels of enzymes like Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) to evaluate liver health.
High liver enzyme levels can be caused by various factors, including liver diseases like cirrhosis and hepatitis, certain medications, high alcohol consumption, viral infections, underlying conditions like hemochromatosis, obesity, and recent drastic changes in weight or lifestyle.
The time it takes to lower liver enzymes can vary based on the individual and the cause of the elevated levels. Some proven methods to lower liver enzymes include reducing alcohol intake, regular exercise, maintaining a balanced diet, avoiding certain medications harmful to the liver, getting vaccinated against hepatitis A and B, managing stress, and considering supplements like the Liver Health Formula by PureHealth Research.
Yes, for liver health, it’s beneficial to consume coffee, green vegetables, fish, fiber, nuts, and turmeric. Beans, especially soy, can reduce the chances of developing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Oatmeal is also a good option. It’s essential to avoid processed foods and practice moderation in your diet.
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