List Of Foods To Eat And Not To Eat With Elevated Liver Enzymes

The liver is the largest gland and also one of the most important organs of the human body. Being one of the most vital organs, the liver is responsible for performing a wide range of functions such as;

• Secretion of bile
• Metabolism of bilirubin
• Metabolism of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates
• Storage of nutrients – Vitamin A, D, E, K, B12, glycogen
• Storage of minerals – Iron and copper
• Inactivation of drugs and toxins
• Activation of vitamin D
• Responsible for conversion of T4 (thyroxine) to T3
• Metabolism of hormones
• Phagocytosis (to kill) of bacteria by white blood cells and their removal from circulation

The liver contains 2 major liver enzymes, namely;

1. Alanine transaminase (ALT) or SGPT
2. Aspartate transaminase (AST) or SGOT

The liver enzymes are released into the blood circulation in large amounts under conditions such as infection at any location within the body, specific infection, or inflammation of the liver. This means that elevated liver enzymes in blood will be found in the presence of damage to the liver or bile duct.

What Not To Eat With Elevated Liver Enzymes?

The liver is responsible for the metabolism and storage of nutrients, vitamins, fats, protein, and carbohydrates. This functioning may get hampered when the liver itself is affected due to some infection or other disorder.
In such cases, following certain lifestyle modifications and dietary restrictions becomes important as some foods can be bad for the liver and prevent the liver to recover faster, hence delaying its normal functions.

List Of Foods To Avoid With Liver Problems

1. Alcohol

As soon as any kind of liver problem is detected, the first and foremost consumable item to completely avoid is alcohol and only consume alcohol-free drinks.
Reason – Alcohol is a toxin that may further cause inflammation and damage to an already poorly functioning liver.
Additionally, studies have found that the risk of liver damage due to alcohol is more common in females than in males.

2. Meat

Meat should be avoided in conditions of an inflamed or a damaged liver. This is because the meat contains a large number of proteins.
Reason – A damaged liver will not be able to metabolize the contents of meat, and also a compromised secretion of bile will lead to the meat being poorly digested and absorbed by the intestine.

3. Fatty Foods

Fatty foods in the form of excess cheese, butter, margarine, or fried oily foods and foods containing high amounts of saturated fats must be avoided with liver problems.
Reason – Fatty foods need to be cut off simply because the liver is responsible for the metabolism and storage of fats. These functions are not carried by a damaged liver resulting in poor absorption and improper metabolism of fats by the liver.
Fatty foods are especially to be avoided by people suffering from alcoholic or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

4. Sugars

such as sweets as well as beverages or canned foods which contain added sugars must be avoided with liver disorders.
Reason – Sugary foods should be avoided because sugars are stored within the liver in the form of glycogen. With liver diseases, the sugars are not metabolized properly leading to high blood sugar levels.

How Can I Lower My Liver Enzymes Fast?

While there is a long list of foods to avoid with liver diseases, there also exist certain foods which are known to be beneficial for the liver that helps to lower liver enzymes faster. Some ways to lower liver enzymes or bring them back to the normal range fast are

1. Folic Acid

In order to bring back live enzymes to their normal range, it is important to consume foods rich in folate or to take folic acid supplements which can be available by prescription.

A study in 2011 found out that regular consumption of folic acid supplements along with suitable medications could bring down liver enzyme levels in the blood. Foods rich in folate are eggs, fresh green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, beetroot, legumes, and pulses.

2. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Several research papers have claimed that any form of liver inflammation or hepatitis is preventable with omega 3 fatty acids. Foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids are fish, fish liver oils, and seafood. Vegetarian sources include nuts and seeds such as walnuts, flax seeds, and chia seeds. Omega 3 fatty acids are also available in the form of health supplements either over the counter or by prescription.

3. High Fiber

Researches have proved dietary fiber is known to improve gut as well as liver health. The liver receives blood supply through the gut which means that the liver is greatly influenced by what the intestine receives as regards diet and nutrition. Dietary fiber is known to reduce the transport of harmful bacteria to the liver, increase antioxidant and detoxification activities, and promote the growth of healthy bacteria within the intestine.
Sources of dietary fiber include fresh fruits and vegetables, oatmeal, bread, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.

4. Lean Proteins

An already disordered liver can be healed by the consumption of lean proteins. Lean proteins are those protein-rich foods that contain less than 10 grams of total fat or less than 95 milligrams of cholesterol or 4.5 grams or less of saturated fats. Sources of lean proteins are white meat such as chicken or fish and low-fat dairy products. Vegetarian sources of lean proteins are legumes, beans, nuts, and green leafy vegetables.

What Foods Are Good For Liver Repair?

Once the liver is damaged due to any reason whatsoever, the first and foremost dietary guidelines are to avoid all those foods which may cause fullness, bloating, or which tend to worsen the signs and symptoms linked to the specific liver disorder. However, certain guidelines have been laid down regarding diet to be followed with liver diseases and foods which are good for liver repair. They are

1. Fiber-Rich Foods

Foods that are rich in dietary fiber such as fresh fruits, nuts, or oatmeal. These foods not only provide the necessary fiber in the diet but also help to keep the tummy full for a long time.

2. Antioxidant-Rich Foods

Foods such as grapes, berries, eggplants, pumpkins, apricots, mangoes, onion, garlic, seafood, and nuts are considered to be rich in antioxidants. Such foods help to remove free radicals from the blood, therefore enhancing the process of healing and recovery.

3. Plenty Of Water

Drinking about 6-8 glasses of water each day helps to flush out toxins from the body as well as the liver.

Apart from consuming suitable foods for liver repair, it is important to consult the doctor regularly for advice regarding medications, health supplements for liver along with dietary and lifestyle modification to help repair the liver faster.

Also, it is equally important to receive a tailor-made diet plan from a certified dietician or nutritionist which matches your personal requirements as well as suitability.

Dr. Himanshi Purohit

Dr. Himanshi is a Homoeopathic consultant and currently working as a lecturer in Post-graduate faculty of Homeopathy, Parul University, Vadodara. Completed BHMS and MD in Homeopathy in January 2018 and also has a clinical experience of about 6 years. Personal interests include reading, spending time with family and traveling.