Elevated liver values
The liver is an organ that is very capable of regeneration, which is noticeable through increased liver values, but never through pain. The liver also has the unique property of repairing damage itself or regenerating itself. Elevated liver values in the blood show, however, that various liver cells have recently been lost.
What are elevated liver values?
The tasks and functions of the liver are complex. They range from the utilization of various fats to protection against various pathogens. The liver can respond to acute diseases or toxins in different ways, apart from increased liver values. If the toxin is extremely strong, the liver can be completely destroyed and death can occur.
If the disease is weaker, the liver may regenerate itself without consequences (e.g. in hepatitis A). If, for example, a chronic stimulus is exerted by alcohol, liver cirrhosis can develop. Elevated liver values therefore indicate liver inflammation or damage. In this situation, the cause should be investigated
causes
The most well-known cause of elevated liver values is probably excessive alcohol consumption. However, there are various other factors that can lead to liver values exceeding the normal range.
In addition to medicines and drugs of all kinds, there are also bacteria , viruses and parasites in particular, as well as a diet that is too fatty or a narrowed bile duct, which can be considered for increased liver values. Thus, increased liver values are by no means harmless, but can often be an important indication of a serious illness.
For example, increased liver values can indicate causes such as diabetes, excess iron or immune system diseases or toxins from the world of work (metabolic, autoimmune or toxic diseases and viral liver inflammation). Furthermore, rare hereditary diseases such as intestinal or muscle diseases can be the cause of increased liver values.
Diseases
When to the doctor?
Elevated liver values should always be medically clarified. There may be liver disease or another condition that needs to be diagnosed and treated if necessary. A visit to the doctor is recommended, especially if you have unusual or new body signals. Chronic fatigue or stress are often associated with the liver and require further investigation. This is especially true for people who regularly drink alcohol or take medication. Even if there are previous illnesses in the family, a measurement of the liver values should be carried out if there are any abnormalities.
If the values are elevated, the doctor can determine the cause and, if necessary, initiate therapy directly. If liver disease is already present, abnormal values must be discussed with the responsible doctor. The same applies if liver values deteriorate drastically after an infection or the ingestion of toxins (alcohol, nicotine, environmental chemicals). Elevated values after an operation (e.g. removal of the gallbladder) require a diagnosis if they persist longer than usual or if the side effects mentioned occur.
diagnosis and course
Possible symptoms of increased liver values:
- glossy lips and glossy tongue
- nail discoloration
During a clinical and physical examination, the doctor treating you tries to feel for changes in the liver for the purpose of diagnosis, since increased liver values often cause hardening of the organ. However, this can usually only promise success in very slim people or in the case of extremely enlarged organs.
During the clinical examination, the different skin symptoms can also be discovered, which are caused by increased liver values. For example, there is yellow discoloration on the skin and the conjunctiva in the eyes ( icterus ).
Various scratching effects become visible due to the general itching on some areas of the skin. Star-shaped enlargements (spider naevi) of some blood vessels appear on the skin surface. Silver-white to light pink discoloration of the toenails and fingernails, a smooth, reddish-purple dry tongue and smooth, varnish-red lips (lacquer lips) are further signs of acute liver disease.
treatment and therapy
Various therapies can be used to bring elevated liver values back to normal. If the diagnosed cause lies within the diet, ingrained food habits are first changed and a slow weight reduction may be recommended.
If the cause of increased liver values is viral infections, special medication can be used under certain circumstances. Therapy with antibiotics has already proven itself in bacterial liver inflammation. In principle, however, it is important to avoid future stress on the liver as far as possible, so that elevated liver values decrease. This means that no drugs or alcohol and toxic substances or medicines are to be taken.
It is usually not possible to simply stop taking important medication that is urgently needed for other problematic diseases. In this case, the respective doctor should look for effective alternatives in the interest of his patient. If possible, specialists such as gastroenterologists or hepatologists can be involved.
If elevated liver values indicate a bile duct disease, surgical intervention may be necessary. This is particularly the case when there is a backlog of bile.
Elevated liver values may also have been promoted by gallstones, so that these can be removed during the procedure. However, if the gallstones are made of cholesterol , they can usually be removed by dissolving them with medication (lysis).
prevention
The most important protective measures to prevent elevated liver values are reducing alcohol consumption and reducing any excess weight so that the liver can fully regenerate itself. Furthermore, increased liver values can be avoided absolutely by avoiding animal fats. Unsaturated fats such as linseed oil or olive oil and nuts support the liver.
However, heavily fried/spicy grilled food can promote elevated liver values. To stimulate the liver in a mild way, bitter spices, vegetables and herbs can be included in the diet . For example, radicchio, endive or dandelion are the ideal basis for a perfect “liver salad”. Special teas containing gentian, wormwood or yarrow do not cause elevated liver values.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.