A rate of high transaminases indicates, in most cases, a liver disease or injuryThese enzymes (primarily ALT/GPT and AST/GOT) are released into the bloodstream when liver or muscle cells are damaged. Therefore, the possibility of lowering this level through diet or the use of [unclear - possibly "medication" or "drugs"] is [unclear - possibly "therapy" or "alcohol supplements"]. Natural medicine It depends entirely on the cause of this symptom. If you have a high transaminase level, you should see a doctor to determine the cause through blood tests, medical history, and, if necessary, imaging tests.
What are transaminases and what values ​​are considered normal?
The transaminases are intracellular enzymes who participate in the amino acid metabolism and in drug and toxin detoxification processes. They are found primarily in the liverbut also in the heart, kidneys, and skeletal muscle. The most important are:
- OTHER (alanine aminotransferase) or GPT: it is located mainly in the liver and is a more specific marker of liver damage.
- AST (aspartate aminotransferase) or GOT: is present in the liver, heart, and muscles, so its elevation may also be due to muscle or heart damage.
The normal values These values ​​may vary depending on the laboratory, sex, and other individual factors, but the following are approximate typical ranges:
- ALT/GPT: around 10 – 49 U/L.
- AST/GOT: around 10 – 34 U/L.
When the values ​​exceed the upper reference limit of the laboratory, it is referred to as high transaminaseswhich indicates that there is some kind of damage or inflammation hepatic or muscular changes should be studied, even if they are sometimes mild and transient.
Causes of high transaminase levels and when to worry
If you suffer a cirrhosis of the liverIn cases of hepatitis, mononucleosis, liver ischemia, liver tissue death, or liver tumor or cancer, it's important to know that a... specific medical treatmentIt is also good to know that in the case of conditions such as cirrhosis, the disease is chronic and may not be reversible; change your way of life However, it can allow the disease to progress more slowly and reduce complications.
There are also many causes . elevation of transaminases:
- Fatty liver (hepatic steatosis), both of alcoholic and non-alcoholic origin, closely related to overweight, obesity, insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome.
- Viral hepatitis (A, B, C and others), which inflame the liver and can be acute or chronic.
- Excessive alcohol consumptioneven in moderate amounts maintained over time, with progressive damage to liver cells.
- Hepatotoxic drugs (certain painkillers, some antibiotics, statins, anti-inflammatories, anabolic steroids) and supplements or natural products taken without control.
- Autoimmune and metabolic diseases (autoimmune hepatitis, hemochromatosis, Wilson's disease, type 2 diabetes).
- Very intense physical exercise or infrequent, which can raise AST due to muscle micro-tears.
On the contrary, if the rate of transaminases rises because of one inflammation of the liverWhether it's due to fatty liver disease, drug or toxic substance use, or an acute illness, radically changing one's lifestyle is essential to reducing this rate and being in good health.
The severity of the elevation depends on the degree of increase and its persistence:
- Lifts leves (up to about 2-3 times the normal limit) are very common and often normalize when the triggering factor is corrected.
- Lifts moderate (between 5 and 10 times) can be associated with chronic liver diseases or advanced fatty liver.
- Lifts very tall (more than 10 times) force a urgent assessment due to the risk of severe acute hepatitis or other severe harm.
How are elevated transaminases studied?
If a blood test detects GOT/AST or GPT/ALT levels above normal, the doctor usually follows a staggered evaluationFirst, the abnormality is confirmed by repeating the analysis and expanding the liver profile (bilirubin, GGT, alkaline phosphatase, etc.). Then a detailed medical history which reviews alcohol consumption, medication, supplements, history of infections and presence of metabolic factors such as overweight, diabetes or dyslipidemia.
Depending on the case, the following may be requested:
- Liver ultrasound, to assess the structure of the liver and rule out fatty liver or other abnormalities.
- Viral serologies for hepatitis and other specific analytical studies.
- In selected cases, liver biopsy to assess the degree of inflammation and fibrosis.
It is essential to consult a doctor if transaminase levels remain elevated in several tests, or if symptoms such as the following appear: severe fatigue, jaundice, or abdominal painor if there is a family history of liver disease.
Diet to lower transaminase levels and protect the liver
To lower the rate transaminasesIt is important to make changes in the eatingFor this, we recommend a diet low in fat and without fried, breaded, or fast food. The consumption of meat and charcuterie It should also be limited and replaced by carnes magras.
A typical diet mediterraneanrich in vegetables, whole fruits, legumes, whole grains, fish and extra virgin olive oilIt is associated with less fat accumulation in the liver and better metabolic health. It is helpful:
- Increase consumption of fruits and vegetables, due to its contribution of antioxidants that help fight liver inflammation.
- Reduce saturated fats (processed meats, whole dairy products, very fatty meats) and avoid Trans fat pastries and ultra-processed foods.
- Choosing healthy cooking methods such as oven, iron, steam, microwave or grill, avoiding frying.
- Include foods with liver-friendly properties such as artichoke, beetroot, garlic and turmeric, within a balanced diet.
Pastry and the refined sugar These foods should be reduced or avoided because they contribute to fat accumulation and liver inflammation. If you have liver disease, the Alcohol is prohibited because it is harmful to the liverIt is recommended to drink at least 2 liters of water daily to help the body eliminate fat and toxins.
Carry one balanced diet A diet rich in vegetables, lean meats, and fruits allows patients with elevated transaminase levels to see rapid changes. It is recommended in cases of obesity and fatty liver, consult with a nutritionist to begin a regimen that promotes the elimination of dietary fats and weight loss. Even a reduction of 5-10% of body weight It can significantly improve ALT and AST values.
Lifestyle, exercise, and other key care
If you have a sedentary lifestyle and a poor diet, we recommend making the necessary changes. Exercising at least three times a week can represent a big change in your life. This makes it easier to fat removal and helps the liver stay healthy. You can start by walking 30 minutes a day; even in cases of obesityModerate activities that promote pérdida peso, such as walking, swimming or cycling, avoiding extreme exertion if transaminase levels are very high.
Other helpful tips for protecting the liver and reducing transaminase levels include:
- Completely eliminate alcoholeven in small amounts, to allow liver regeneration.
- Avoid the self-medication and always consult your doctor about medications and supplements, especially if you are taking several at the same time.
- Keep a Healthy weight and control blood glucose and lipids to reduce the risk of fatty liver and metabolic syndrome.
- Respect meal times, avoiding extreme fasting and very low-calorie diets that can damage liver metabolism.
In some cases, the doctor may consider the use of certain Supplements with evidence of liver protection (such as milk thistle extracts or antioxidants), but always within a personalized plan and never as substitutes for lifestyle changes or prescribed treatment.
Taking care of transaminase levels means taking care of the liver and, consequently, overall health. Detecting abnormalities in blood tests, consulting a specialist, and adopting a balanced, alcohol-free diet accompanied by moderate exercise allows, in many cases, normalize the values and prevent long-term liver complications.