What are normal AST and ALT levels. How to interpret high or low liver enzyme test results. What causes abnormal AST/ALT levels. When should you get liver function tests done.

What Are AST and ALT Liver Enzymes?

AST (aspartate aminotransferase) and ALT (alanine aminotransferase) are enzymes primarily found in the liver. These enzymes play crucial roles in amino acid metabolism and energy production within liver cells. When liver cells are damaged or die, AST and ALT are released into the bloodstream, causing blood levels to rise.

An AST/ALT test measures the amount of these enzymes in the blood. Elevated levels can indicate liver damage or disease, while normal levels generally suggest healthy liver function. However, interpreting results requires considering other factors and tests.

Key Functions of AST and ALT

• Facilitate the conversion of amino acids into energy
• Aid in protein metabolism
• Act as indicators of liver cell health
• Help diagnose and monitor liver conditions

What is the Normal Range for AST and ALT?

Normal AST and ALT ranges can vary slightly between laboratories and depending on factors like age and gender. However, generally accepted normal ranges are:

• AST: 5 to 40 units per liter (U/L)
• ALT: 7 to 56 units per liter (U/L)

Are these ranges universal? No, ranges may differ based on the specific testing method used by a laboratory. Additionally, some experts argue for lower upper limits, especially for ALT, suggesting that levels above 30 U/L for men and 19 U/L for women could indicate potential liver issues.

Factors Affecting Normal Ranges

1. Age: Older adults may have slightly higher normal ranges
2. Gender: Men typically have higher normal ranges than women
3. Body mass index (BMI): Higher BMI can lead to mildly elevated levels
4. Ethnicity: Some studies suggest variations among different ethnic groups
5. Laboratory methods: Different testing techniques may yield slightly different results

Interpreting High AST and ALT Results

Elevated AST and ALT levels often indicate liver damage or disease. The extent of elevation can provide clues about the underlying cause and severity of the condition.

Mild Elevation (Less than 5 times upper limit of normal)

Mild elevations may be caused by:

• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
• Alcohol consumption
• Certain medications
• Obesity
• Early stages of viral hepatitis

Moderate Elevation (5-15 times upper limit of normal)

Moderate elevations could indicate:

• Acute viral hepatitis
• Autoimmune hepatitis
• Alcoholic hepatitis
• Drug-induced liver injury

Severe Elevation (More than 15 times upper limit of normal)

Severe elevations may suggest:

• Acute liver failure
• Ischemic hepatitis (reduced blood flow to the liver)
• Severe drug-induced liver injury
• Acute viral hepatitis (in some cases)

Is the AST/ALT ratio important? Yes, the ratio of AST to ALT can provide additional diagnostic information. An AST/ALT ratio greater than 2:1 is often associated with alcoholic liver disease, while a ratio less than 1 is more typical of viral hepatitis or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Causes of Elevated AST and ALT Levels

Various conditions and factors can lead to increased AST and ALT levels. Understanding these causes is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Liver-Related Causes

• Viral hepatitis (Hepatitis A, B, C, D, E)
• Alcoholic liver disease
• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
• Cirrhosis
• Liver cancer
• Autoimmune hepatitis
• Hemochromatosis
• Wilson’s disease

Non-Liver Related Causes

• Celiac disease
• Muscle disorders or injury
• Heart attack or heart failure
• Thyroid disorders
• Certain medications (e.g., statins, acetaminophen)
• Strenuous exercise

Can lifestyle factors affect AST and ALT levels? Absolutely. Factors such as obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, and a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to elevated liver enzymes, often through the development of fatty liver disease.

Low AST and ALT Levels: Should You Be Concerned?

While elevated AST and ALT levels often indicate liver problems, low levels are generally not a cause for concern. In fact, very low levels of these enzymes are rarely reported or considered clinically significant.

However, in some cases, extremely low levels might be associated with:

• Vitamin B6 deficiency
• Severe kidney disease (in the case of very low AST)
• Pregnancy (ALT levels may decrease slightly)

Do low AST/ALT levels guarantee perfect liver health? Not necessarily. While low levels are generally good, they don’t rule out all liver conditions. Some chronic liver diseases, like advanced cirrhosis, can actually result in normal or low enzyme levels due to reduced liver function.

When Should You Get AST and ALT Tests?

AST and ALT tests are typically part of a comprehensive metabolic panel or liver function tests. Your healthcare provider may recommend these tests in various situations:

Diagnostic Purposes

• Evaluating symptoms of liver disease (jaundice, abdominal pain, fatigue)
• Investigating unexplained nausea, vomiting, or weakness
• Assessing liver function in patients with known risk factors

Screening

• Routine health check-ups, especially for individuals over 45
• Screening for liver disease in high-risk groups (heavy alcohol users, obese individuals)
• Before starting certain medications that can affect the liver

Monitoring

• Following up on previously abnormal liver test results
• Monitoring progression of known liver diseases
• Assessing response to treatment for liver conditions
• Checking for medication side effects

How often should AST and ALT tests be performed? The frequency depends on individual circumstances. For routine screening in healthy adults, every 1-3 years may be sufficient. Those with liver conditions or on certain medications may need more frequent testing, as determined by their healthcare provider.

Understanding AST/ALT Ratio and Its Significance

The AST/ALT ratio, also known as the De Ritis ratio, can provide valuable insights into liver health and help differentiate between various liver conditions.

Interpreting the AST/ALT Ratio

• Ratio < 1: Typical of viral hepatitis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
• Ratio > 2: Often associated with alcoholic liver disease
• Ratio 1-2: May indicate cirrhosis or other liver conditions

While the AST/ALT ratio can be helpful, it’s important to note that it should not be used in isolation for diagnosis. Other factors and tests must be considered for a comprehensive evaluation of liver health.

Limitations of the AST/ALT Ratio

Are there situations where the AST/ALT ratio might be misleading? Yes, several factors can affect the reliability of this ratio:

• Acute liver injury: The ratio may be less reliable in acute settings
• Advanced liver disease: In severe cirrhosis, ALT levels may decrease more than AST, skewing the ratio
• Non-liver sources of AST: Conditions affecting muscles or heart can elevate AST independently of liver issues
• Medication effects: Some drugs can disproportionately affect one enzyme over the other

Treatment and Management of Abnormal AST/ALT Levels

The approach to managing abnormal AST and ALT levels depends on the underlying cause. Treatment strategies may include:

Lifestyle Modifications

• Reducing alcohol consumption or abstaining completely
• Adopting a balanced, liver-friendly diet
• Increasing physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight
• Managing stress through relaxation techniques or counseling

Medical Interventions

• Antiviral medications for viral hepatitis
• Immunosuppressants for autoimmune hepatitis
• Chelation therapy for conditions like hemochromatosis or Wilson’s disease
• Addressing underlying conditions (e.g., treating diabetes or thyroid disorders)

Monitoring and Follow-up

Regular follow-up testing is crucial to track progress and adjust treatment as needed. The frequency of monitoring depends on the severity of the condition and the chosen treatment approach.

Can AST and ALT levels return to normal? In many cases, yes. With appropriate treatment and lifestyle changes, liver enzyme levels often improve. However, the timeline for normalization can vary greatly depending on the underlying cause and the individual’s response to treatment.

Preventing Elevated AST and ALT Levels

While some causes of elevated liver enzymes are beyond our control, many preventive measures can help maintain healthy AST and ALT levels:

Lifestyle Choices

• Limit alcohol consumption
• Maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise
• Avoid exposure to toxins and chemicals
• Practice safe sex to prevent viral hepatitis

Medical Considerations

• Get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B
• Use medications, including over-the-counter drugs, as directed
• Manage chronic conditions like diabetes and high cholesterol
• Undergo regular health check-ups, including liver function tests

Is it possible to lower AST and ALT levels naturally? Yes, in many cases. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, particularly focusing on weight management and reducing alcohol intake, can significantly improve liver health and enzyme levels. However, it’s crucial to work with a healthcare provider to address any underlying medical conditions.

Understanding AST and ALT levels is an important aspect of monitoring overall health, particularly liver function. While elevated levels can be concerning, they provide valuable information that helps healthcare providers diagnose and treat various conditions. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle and following medical advice, many individuals can keep their liver enzymes within normal ranges and support optimal liver health.

Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) – Testing.com

Test Quick Guide

Alanine aminotransferase, usually referred to as ALT, is an enzyme concentrated primarily in the liver. Enzymes are proteins that facilitate important functions in the body.

An ALT test measures the amount of this enzyme in the blood. ALT levels can increase when liver cells are damaged, so the test can be used to evaluate the condition of the liver.

In general, ALT is not tested alone. Instead, it is usually measured along with other liver enzymes as part of a panel test like the liver panel or comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP).

About the Test

Purpose of the test

The purpose of an ALT test is to help assess the health of the liver. Damage to cells in the liver can cause ALT to leak into the blood, so a test can help detect liver problems.

ALT is commonly tested with other liver enzymes and compounds in the blood. Together, these measurements can be used for diagnosis, screening, and monitoring.

• Diagnosis is testing that happens after symptoms have started. Its goal is to find the problem or cause for symptoms. ALT testing may be useful in the diagnosis of symptoms that can be tied to liver problems like nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, itching, jaundice, fatigue, and appetite loss.
• Screening tries to find health problems before any symptoms have occurred. With some liver conditions, ALT levels may rise in the blood before symptoms begin, so testing for ALT and other liver enzymes may be ordered for early detection. This is usually recommended if you have risk factors for liver disease, such as heavy alcohol use, diabetes, obesity, or a family history of liver problems. Even if you don’t have risk factors, order tests that measure ALT during routine health checkups.
• Monitoring includes all the methods used to keep track of how your condition progresses. If you have had liver disease or an abnormal ALT test, ongoing testing may be used to see how your levels change over time. ALT and liver enzyme tests can also monitor for side effects of medications affecting liver health and function.

What does the test measure?

An ALT test measures the level of this enzyme, ALT, in your blood.

ALT is one of several enzymes that help the liver function properly. Although small amounts of ALT can be found in other parts of the body, it is predominantly found in the liver.

In most cases, ALT is not measured by itself. Instead, ALT is normally one of several measurements in a liver panel or CMP. Taking multiple measurements along with ALT provides more context for evaluating liver health.

When should I get an ALT test?

ALT testing is appropriate in a range of medical circumstances. It is often prescribed as an initial diagnostic test if you have symptoms that could be explained by an underlying problem affecting your liver.

Even if you have general symptoms, a panel test that includes ALT may be used in the diagnostic process. The liver panel or CMP, including ALT, may be part of a basic evaluation in urgent care or the emergency room.

As a tool for early detection of liver disease, ALT can be periodically measured with other liver enzymes even if you don’t have any symptoms. Your doctor may recommend screening involving ALT if you are at higher risk of liver disease.

ALT testing may also be included in your typical medical checkups. But data is limited to show that widespread screening offers more benefits than downsides, including added medical costs and unnecessary medical procedures.

Follow-up ALT testing can be used if you’ve had a previous test with an abnormal result. If you’ve been diagnosed with liver disease in the past, repeated ALT testing can help monitor the progression of the disease. When your doctor prescribes a medication that can affect your liver, ALT testing can be a tool to watch for unwanted side effects.

Finding an Alanine Aminotransferase Test

How can I get an alanine aminotransferase test?

Testing for ALT is normally done as part of a panel of measurements prescribed by a physician. The ALT test is performed on a blood sample typically taken from a vein in your arm in a hospital, laboratory, clinic, or doctor’s office. This test is available through Testing.com with the required blood sample taken at a local testing location.

Can I take the test at home?

There are options for at-home ALT tests, but it is much more common to have this test done in a medical setting.

Certain at-home test kits include several measurements related to liver health, including ALT. With these tests, you can collect a blood sample at home, but you must mail it to a laboratory where it can be analyzed. At-home tests do not usually require a prescription.

How much does the test cost?

How much an ALT test costs varies. Factors influencing the cost include whether other measurements are tested along with ALT, where the test is conducted, and whether you have health insurance.

In addition, it is important to know that the total cost associated with the test may be the sum of several different components, including:

• Charges for the technician who draws your blood
• Charges for the laboratory that measures ALT and any other compounds in your blood
• Charges for the office visit when the test is prescribed
• Charges for an office visit to review your test results

These different charges are often paid for by your health insurance company if the test is prescribed by your doctor. However, you may still have out-of-pocket costs like a deductible or copay. Contact the customer care department of your health insurance provider for details about specific expected costs for an ALT test.

Taking an Alanine Aminotransferase Test

An ALT test is conducted with a blood sample obtained using a needle inserted into a vein in your arm. This type of blood draw is a routine procedure normally done at a doctor’s office or a similar medical setting.

In an at-home version of the test, you collect a small blood sample using the provided test materials and then package your sample to be mailed to a laboratory.

Before the test

Because ALT is most commonly tested along with other measurements in a panel, you usually will be told to fast for up to 12 hours before your blood test. During this time, you cannot eat any food or drink anything besides water.

When ALT is tested alone, fasting is not necessary. For this reason, check with your doctor about the details of your scheduled test. Follow any instructions from your doctor about fasting beforehand.

Many different types of medications and supplements have the potential to affect your ALT levels. Before the test, tell your doctor about any drugs or dietary supplements that you are taking. In some cases, you may be told to stop taking certain medications before the test.

Because ALT is also present in muscle, intense exercise also can influence your ALT levels, so tell your doctor ahead of time if you frequently engage in demanding physical workouts.

If you are taking an at-home test, make sure to read the included instructions completely so that you know how to properly carry out each step of the test process.

During the test

A technician or nurse will take a blood sample for your ALT test. They will tie an elastic band around the top part of your arm, which increases blood flow in your veins. Then they will apply an antiseptic to a small section of your arm and insert a needle into a vein to withdraw a vial of blood.

The entire process takes only a few minutes. It is normal to feel a brief sting or throbbing pain when the needle is inserted or removed from your arm.

For at-home tests, blood is taken from your fingertip. The test kit usually includes an antiseptic, a small needle, and special test paper. After cleaning and pricking your fingertip, you can place a drop of blood on the test paper that is then mailed to a lab.

After the test

A blood draw is a common and routine procedure that usually has few side effects. Normally a bandage is applied to the puncture site to stop it from bleeding. Some people have bruises or pain in their arm after the test, but these effects are rarely long-lasting.

If you are told to fast before the blood draw, it’s often helpful to bring a snack so that you can eat something soon after the test is done. You can usually drive and resume most normal activities once your blood has been drawn.

After an at-home ALT test, you may need to put a bandage on your finger if it doesn’t stop bleeding on its own. Other side effects are rare. Once you have obtained your blood sample, you must properly package it and place it in the mail.

Alanine Aminotransferase Test Results

Receiving test results

Results for your ALT test are usually available within a few business days. You may be told of your test results by your doctor’s office. Usually, you can also obtain a copy of the test report by mail or electronically.

Results from at-home tests of ALT are typically accessed electronically through a smartphone app or a specific website. Getting the results may take a few extra days because of the time it takes for your sample to arrive by mail to the laboratory.

Interpreting test results

The test report should have a line that shows both your ALT level as well as the reference range that the laboratory uses to categorize ALT levels as normal or abnormal. In most cases, ALT will be measured in units per liter (U/L) or international units per liter (IU/L).

When reviewing your results, remember there is no universal reference range for ALT. There can be variation in laboratory methods that affect what is considered normal. For this reason, it’s important to look at the range provided by the specific lab that analyzed your blood.

Most often, ALT is tested along with other liver enzymes and proteins in a panel test. Your test report will show your levels and the lab’s reference range for each measurement. This is important because your test results are interpreted by looking at these test components together.

High levels of ALT can be a result of damage or injury to cells. Because ALT is most concentrated in the liver, abnormal ALT test results are generally associated with conditions affecting the liver, such as inflammation (hepatitis) and scarring (cirrhosis).

At the same time, ALT can be elevated without any underlying health problem. Multiple factors can affect ALT; in most cases, high ALT is not a sign of severe liver disease.

To interpret your test result, your doctor takes multiple factors into account. These include your current health and health history as well as the levels of other measurements on your test. In addition, your doctor may consider individual factors that can influence your normal level of ALT, including:

• Exercise: Intense or extreme exercise can cause a temporary boost in ALT levels.
• Medications: A number of medications and supplements can alter ALT measurements.
• Sex: Males typically have higher levels of ALT, which is believed to be related to hormonal differences.
• Menstruation: ALT levels can go up or down during the course of the menstrual cycle.
• Age: There is a tendency for ALT levels to decrease with older age, although the exact reason for this is not known.
• Body mass index: Several research studies have found an association between ALT levels and body mass index, which may change the interpretation of test results in people with obesity.

When ALT levels are very high, it may indicate an acute liver problem. Mild or moderate elevation, especially if it persists on several tests over time, can be an indicator of a chronic disease. However, the degree of elevation alone is not a reliable predictor of the extent of injury to the liver.

Because many types of liver problems can cause ALT levels to increase, the test alone cannot identify an underlying cause. Although uncommon, ALT can be elevated as a result of disease outside the liver. Looking at how ALT levels relate to other liver enzymes can provide clues that may help the doctor assess your situation and recommend any appropriate follow-up testing.

Your physician can best help you understand the diverse factors affecting your interpretation of your ALT test and what your results mean for your overall health.

A conversation with your doctor about your ALT test can help ensure that you are informed about your results. Some of the following questions may make it easier to cover key information when you talk with your physician:

• What was my ALT level? Was it in the normal reference range?
• Were any other measurements taken? If so, were they normal or abnormal?
• What do the test results mean for my overall health?
• Do you recommend any follow-up tests? If so, which ones, and what are their benefits and risks?

• Albumin Blood Test
• Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)
• Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)
• Bilirubin
• Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
• Liver Panel
• Total Protein, Albumin-Globulin (A/G) Ratio

Resources

• American Liver Foundation: Diagnosing Liver Disease
  Learn More
• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Liver Disease
  Learn More
• National Library of Medicine: Liver Diseases
  Learn More

Sources

A. D.A.M. Medical Encyclopedia. Alanine Transaminase (ALT) Blood Test. Updated January 24, 2021. Accessed November 24, 2022. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003473.htm

A.D.A.M. Medical Encyclopedia. ALP – Blood Test. Updated May 1, 2021. Accessed November 24, 2022. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003470.htm

A.D.A.M. Medical Encyclopedia. Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) Blood Test. Updated January 24, 2021. Accessed November 24, 2022. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003472.htm

A.D.A.M. Medical Encyclopedia. Enzyme. Updated January 16, 2021. Accessed November 24, 2022. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002353.htm

American Board of Internal Medicine. ABIM Laboratory Test Reference Ranges. Updated January 2022. Accessed November 24, 2022. https://www.abim.org/Media/bfijryql/laboratory-reference-ranges.pdf

American Gastroenterological Association. American Gastroenterological Association Medical Position Statement: Evaluation of Liver Chemistry Tests. Gastroenterology. 2002;123(4):1364-1366. doi:10.1053/gast.2002.36060

ARUP Consult. Evaluation of Liver Function. Updated October 2022. Accessed November 24, 2022. https://arupconsult.com/content/liver-disease-evaluation

Dong MH, Bettencourt R, Barrett-Connor E, Loomba R. Alanine Aminotransferase Decreases With Age: The Rancho Bernardo Study. PLoS One. 2010;5(12):e14254. Published 2010 Dec 8. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0014254

Friedman LS. Approach to the Patient With Abnormal Liver Biochemical and Function Tests. In: Chopra S, ed. UpToDate. Updated April 5, 2022. Accessed November 24, 2022. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/approach-to-the-patient-with-abnormal-liver-biochemical-and-function-tests

Friedman LS. Enzymatic Measures of Cholestasis (e.g., Alkaline Phosphatase, 5′-Nucleotidase, Gamma-Glutamyl Transpeptidase). In: Chopra S, ed. UpToDate. Updated July 28, 2022. Accessed November 24, 2022. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/enzymatic-measures-of-cholestasis-eg-alkaline-phosphatase-5-nucleotidase-gamma-glutamyl-transpeptidase

Friedman LS. Liver Biochemical Tests That Detect Injury to Hepatocytes. In: Chopra S, ed. UpToDate. Updated March 4, 2021. Accessed November 24, 2022. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/liver-biochemical-tests-that-detect-injury-to-hepatocytes

Givler DN, Givler A. Health Screening. In: StatPearls. Updated August 24, 2022. Accessed November 24, 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK436014/

Green RM, Flamm S. AGA Technical Review on the Evaluation of Liver Chemistry Tests. Gastroenterology. 2002;123(4):1367-1384. doi:10.1053/gast.2002.36061

Kwo PY, Cohen SM, Lim JK. ACG Clinical Guideline: Evaluation of Abnormal Liver Chemistries. Am J Gastroenterol. 2017;112(1):18-35. doi:10.1038/ajg.2016.517

Lala V, Zubair M, Minter DA. Liver Function Tests. In: StatPearls. Updated October 5, 2022. Accessed November 24, 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482489/

Lindenmeyer CC. Laboratory Tests of the Liver and Gallbladder. MSD Manual Professional Version. Updated September 2022. Accessed November 24, 2022. https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/hepatic-and-biliary-disorders/testing-for-hepatic-and-biliary-disorders/laboratory-tests-of-the-liver-and-gallbladder

Lindenmeyer CC. Liver Blood Tests. Merck Manual Consumer Version. Updated September 2022. Accessed November 24, 2022. https://www.merckmanuals.com/en-ca/home/liver-and-gallbladder-disorders/diagnosis-of-liver,-gallbladder,-and-biliary-disorders/liver-blood-tests

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What Does It Mean When Your ALT Is High? > Personalabs

Getting elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) or serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) in your liver function test can be distressing. But what high ALT means depends on factors such as the medications you’re taking, underlying liver disorders, chronic drinking, and consumption of herbal medicine. 

Understanding the roles of ALT and its sudden spike in the bloodstream will provide clues on your liver health. Read more about it in the next few lines. 

What Is an ALT Lab Test? 

An ALT blood test measures the alanine aminotransferase (ALT) enzyme level to detect liver damage caused by diseases like hepatitis or lifestyle factors such as habitual drinking. The enzyme is an ideal marker for health conditions concerning the liver as it is released to the bloodstream when the liver sustains injuries or undergoes dysfunction. 

However, ALT bloodwork does not produce conclusive results on its own. Therefore, it is usually taken as part of the hepatic function panel test and comprehensive metabolic panel, along with other blood tests for other liver enzymes. 

In some cases, you might take the ALT blood test first, followed by other labwork to confirm a suspected condition or the other way around. These tests include:

• AST (aspartate aminotransferase) test
• GGT (gamma-glutamyl transferase) test
• ALP (alkaline phosphatase) test
• ALB (albumin) test
• Total bilirubin blood test

ALT Blood Test: Preparation and Results Meaning 

Measuring ALT levels is done through blood work, wherein you will have to visit a laboratory for a phlebotomist to collect your blood sample.  

Although there is no special preparation before the blood collection for an ALT blood test, you may need to fast if you take it alongside other tests. For example, if it is part of a liver function panel where a bilirubin lab test is involved, you will need to abstain from food and drinks for about 8 hours before the test. 

What Does It Mean When Your ALT Is High?

Your ALT level is considered high if it exceeds the normal range of 0 to 44 IU/L. Some laboratories may present a slightly different reference interval, but a test result of 55 IU/L or above could indicate liver problems. If the value exceeds the upper limit of the normal range, it could suggest liver disease or cirrhosis (tissue scarring).  

However, other factors could contribute to the increase of ALT in your blood – not just liver disorders. Here are common causes of high ALT:

Infections

Patients diagnosed with hepatitis, whether A, B, or C, typically have elevated ALT liver enzymes. Hence, if you got a test value exceeding the normal range of ALT and are showing hepatitis symptoms, consult your doctor to secure the proper diagnostic lab tests.

Aside from hepatitis, studies have also shown that those with infectious mononucleosis have elevated liver enzymes, including ALT. So your doctor may proceed to check for swelling in your tonsils and liver on top of common infection symptoms. 

Did you know? Hepatitis can be prevalent among older kids. That’s why it’s vital to detect hepatitis in children at the onset of the symptoms. This allows for better treatment and speedy recovery.  

Medications

Various drugs can cause high ALT levels, such as anti-seizure medications (phenytoin, valproic acid, carbamazepine, etc.), antidepressants, antipsychotics, cholesterol-lowering drugs, heparin therapy, acetaminophen, and many others. So if you’re taking these medications, make sure to let your doctor know. 

Herbal Supplement

Herbal teas and supplements can also elevate your ALT. These include kava, chaparral, ephedra, skull cap, comfrey tea, and Yohimbe. While traditional medicine may suggest that these supplements benefit your health, consult with your healthcare provider before taking them regularly.  

Alcohol and Toxins

Alcohol has been known to cause fatty liver tissues and induce inflammation. As a result, binge drinking elevates liver enzymes like ALT and causes gradual hepatic damage. Other substances like cocaine and poisonous liquid also increase ALT, as they generate high levels of hepatic toxicity.  

Diseases

Medical conditions associated with high ALT include hemochromatosis (iron overload), fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, thyroid disease, diabetes, Celiac disease, cancer, hemolysis, etc. Heart disease has also been associated with elevated ALT. 

If you have a family history of liver disease, there’s a higher chance of getting elevated ALT in your bloodwork, especially with an unhealthy lifestyle. So opt for a CMP 14 blood test to be included in your annual wellness checkup to detect liver problems early.  

What Should I Do if My ALT Is High? 

Seeing an elevated ALT in your test results can be alarming, especially if it’s far off the upper limit and if the other parameters also go beyond the normal range. But you can lower this liver enzyme (along with the others) through the following ways:

1. Get Tested for the Cause of Increased ALT

Finding the root cause of your elevated ALT, whether it’s a disorder or a medication, is imperative for the right course of action in normalizing it. In addition, be mindful of symptoms you may have been experiencing, especially those related to liver problems. These could include abdominal pain and swelling, appetite loss, fatigue, dark urine, pale stool, vomiting, itchy and easily bruised skin, and jaundice (yellow eyes and skin). 

Your doctor will assess your symptoms and request appropriate liver function tests. Once the condition is diagnosed, you will be given proper treatment. You will most likely take another ALT test, among others, to see if you already have low ALT levels within the normal range.  

2. Limit Cholesterol and Avoid High-Carb Foods

Changing your diet typically tops the lifestyle changes that improve your liver health. In the case of high ALT, shifting to a low carbohydrate diet has a beneficial impact on normalizing the liver enzyme’s production. 

In a 2015 study, high carbohydrate intake of fructose-rich food and beverages significantly increased ALT. On the other hand, a low-carb diet decreases the enzyme twice as a low-fat diet. 

While carbohydrates seem to trigger the spike in liver enzymes, fat, specifically bad cholesterol, doesn’t do any favor. High cholesterol overloads liver function, increases ALT, and even promotes the risk of liver cancer. That said, it’s best to avoid fatty foods such as whole-milk dairy, red meat, and those smothered in oil. 

Think you have high cholesterol? You will know for certain when you take the comprehensive lipid profile blood test. Doing so allows you to have a base record of your lipid levels, helping you assess your risk for heart and liver disease.  

3. Drink a Cup of Coffee a Day

Coffee comes with plenty of health benefits. However, it can be subjective depending on your physical and mental state. But in the case of liver function, studies have shown that drinking coffee aids in preventing high serum ALT.

Moreover, a 2015 study says that drinking coffee reduces your risk for liver cancer and chronic liver disease, bordering cirrhosis. So secure one cup of coffee daily, especially in lieu of alcohol. If you have anxiety disorders, consult your doctor first, as too much coffee can aggravate the condition. 

4. Be More Physically Active

Exercise promotes liver health and allows you to lose weight. By being physically active for about 30 minutes daily, you improve your metabolism, which involves the oxidation of fatty acids. This helps ease liver function and, by extension, prevents injuries that lead to increased liver enzymes in the blood. 

Consistent physical activity is particularly helpful for those with fatty liver. In a 2018 review, evidence shows that regular exercise aid liver functions in people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), from damage reduction to improved insulin resistance. 

5. Avoid Alcohol and Smoking

It’s no secret that alcohol can cause severe liver damage if consumed habitually. Heavy drinkers are prone to alcoholic liver disease and alcoholic hepatitis. On top of that, alcohol is also the most significant risk factor for liver cirrhosis. 

Smoking is another habit you should shake off if you plan to lower your serum ALT. According to an article published in the Journal of Hepatology, cigarette smoking aggravates liver problems and contributes to the impediment of hepatic treatment. This remains true with secondhand smoke. 

If you’re having trouble leaving these unhealthy habits behind, seek help from professionals and support from your social circle. 

6. Rethink Taking Supplements, Drugs, or Herbal Medicines

As herbal teas and vitamin supplements (iron and vitamin A) can cause liver toxicity, make sure to avoid them if you have elevated liver enzymes. Likewise, consult your doctor regarding taking prescribed medications and be sure not to take them beyond the recommended dosage. For example, acetaminophen (a drug for fever and pain) can induce acute liver damage if taken in large amounts. 

Other Frequently Asked Questions 

Which is worse: high AST or ALT?

Liver enzymes AST and ALT are often compared to better understand liver health. Getting high lab values for both AST and ALT indicates the severity of the liver problem. Generally, if AST is significantly elevated than an already high ALT, it could suggest cirrhosis, which can lead to liver failure. 

How quickly can ALT levels drop?

On average, ALT decreases significantly after treatment and lifestyle changes in about four weeks. This depends on how consistent you are with the necessary adjustments. For example, if you have given up alcohol, your ALT could start to drop in a week and continue to do so with continuous abstinence. 

Can ALT levels go down on their own?

Unless you change your diet, start exercising, and eliminate unhealthy habits like heavy drinking and smoking, serum ALT levels will not decrease. Additionally, if the elevation of the liver enzyme is due to a severe liver disorder, failing to address and avail of proper treatment will only contribute to high ALT remaining unchanged. 

Bottom Line 

When your ALT levels are elevated, it’s certainly high time to check your liver. Doing so allows you to seek proper treatment and employ the necessary lifestyle adjustments, such as changing your diet, getting tested for a particular disorder, and being physically active. If symptoms of liver damage are observed, consult your doctor immediately. 

AND WHAT DOES THE SPIDERS DO WITH IT?

And how it didn’t come to me before, I don’t understand… But it did, so I’m sharing it. But first, a saying, a fairy tale ahead.

The most famous of the parallel worlds is the world of insects. And I still didn’t understand: why so many people see him? Explained: the nearest. Well, okay… And I also didn’t understand who was debugging our communications in the lower astral plane, because there all our communications are tied to the Earth. And they also wrote that there is a world of spiders in the thickness of the Earth, but it is hidden from the eyes and people will never intersect with it – we are completely different in consciousness. What time! So, it’s all about the same thing, if you take the information without distortion.

The world of insects is the closest, because these are the very creatures that work for us in the lower astral plane. We call the frequency range in which their consciousness works fear. That is why a person is seized with panic horror when he suddenly “sees” the representatives of this parallel world, even in reality, even in the pre-sleep. And this is just a “common language” between us and them, we have no other common frequencies, we try to resonate with them in this way.

With our consciousness, we do not crawl through where “thin-plane insects” are comfortable, it is unsuitable for this in our country, well, you don’t have to climb into the lower one, there is someone to work there. How would you like it if you were constantly visited without asking? And they would look at it point-blank, and touch everything in a row … That’s it. So we roam everywhere with our 3rd, and parallel insects in their world do not read our shape, they recognize chakra centers as eyes. Represented? We will re-monster all the monsters… In addition, in the lower one about which insects are from the parallel, the radiation background is much higher than that in which we are present under the protection of auras. And if someone has an idea about the astral, something like this print:

Where the top is less dense – the upper astral, and below the denser state of the environment – the lower astral, then in general – yes, only the structure of the astral is not linear, but multidimensional, approximately like on the root of a tree:

In all directions and at the same time intertwined different environmental conditions built in, well, just like a root from thicker “arteries” to the thinnest “capillaries”. How is the root? Each direction of the root is overgrown with “twigs”, and these “twigs” in turn are also overgrown and so on to the thinnest. If, by analogy with the incarnation, these very thin twigs along the edges of the root guides, thin-skinned spiders are engaged in – weaving a web. They tie our “edges” to the Earth on subtle planes, spiders are “laborers”. They see the world differently than we do, and problems are highlighted to them at the wave level, where they rush with fixers – to darn a web.

Although spiders stand somewhat apart from insects, for us the world of insects includes them all. The real world of insects was given to us so that we could potentially be more tolerant to the workers of subtle planes, since the earthly consciousness of a person is rather flimsy, it can fly off for a while, and we can be scared for a long time if the “monsters” are completely unfamiliar. Some people start shooting at people when they see something like that. And artists are trying to develop this very tolerance by giving insects a human character, because we cannot accept what we do not understand:

https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=5F076MllFc8&t=1s
Minuscule – Season 2 (Compilation 15 minutes)

And one more thing… How many insects do the root of a tree actually do? It needs a lot of work to function properly… It’s analogous to how much needs to be done to us in order for us to hold onto the Earth properly. And the larger the “tree” itself, the more you need to work with its root. So thanks to our little workers, although in that very parallel world of insects they can be the size of a person, and even more. Well, the tasks are different, the world is not limited to us alone.

So there is always something to do with such living creatures https://tanjand.livejournal.com/2478077.html well, if anyone is interested in how human perception interprets such information:

Thank you all)))

Gone into the astral – Ogonyok No. 42 (5018) dated 21.10.2007

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Ukraine was the first in the world to recognize astrology as a science. A state-issued diploma with a mark – the specialty “astrologer” guarantees that the specialist has passed the program approved by the Ministry of Education. So far, however, only for vocational schools, but Ukrainian astrologers are ready to break through the opening of a university

Elena KUDRYAVTSEVA

A porch covered with grapes does not stand out from a number of similar entrances on a quiet street of Simferopol, immersed in a riot of golden colors of the Indian summer. There is amazing silence all around: nothing, as they say, portends that this porch and this day can go down in history. Nevertheless, it was on this autumn day, when Jupiter rested in the sign of Sagittarius, that the Moon, invisible to us, began to enter the house of Libra. This fact served as a signal to gather for an interview the applicants of the world’s first astrological vocational school: exactly at noon they came to the vine-covered porch. Agree, astrologers could not start the school year like everyone else, they needed a more serious reason for the first call. For example, the movement of the moon.

HOPE FOR THE STARS

All the gathered applicants — a psychologist, an artist, a specialist in solid state physics, a lawyer, a driver, and even a circus performer — have long been on friendly terms with Luna. So, thanks to the movement of this natural satellite of the Earth, artist Roman Kuzik found out if he could make money with art, student Nikolai Tsyndre decided on a vocation, and the driver of the Simferopol post office, who introduced himself simply as Dima, said that the horoscope helped him and his wife conceive a girl and buy a good TV .

– Did you find out the TV horoscope?

– No, the data of the future owner were taken into account. Astrologers chose for us the day on which the purchase became successful. So, we bought Philips, it has been working without failures for a year now.

Dmitry is sure that astrological knowledge will serve him well in his new life. At 30, he got married, had a child, decided to go into business and finally get an education.

– So in business, I still don’t really understand, all hope is for astrology, – says Dima (Sun in Libra). – I will calculate the strategy, good days for transactions.

As it turned out, half of those present intend to use their knowledge specifically in business. They will be able to fulfill their dream in 1400 hours. Then the first 120 professional astrologers officially recognized by the state will appear in Ukraine.

STATE ASTRO SERVICE

1400 hours is 10 months of training, seven hours five days a week. Half the time is theory, the rest is practice. They will be taught according to a unified curriculum protected by copyright (certificate No. 20113), which belongs to Irina Zhuravleva, President of the All-Ukrainian Association of Astrologers. The curriculum is approved by the Ministry of Education and Science. According to him, a professional astrologer must know astropsychology, be able to determine a person’s professional predisposition by a horoscope, make expected medical diagnoses, draw conclusions about the political situation in the country, calculate favorable days for commercial transactions and master a host of other important specific skills. Plus, an astrologer must know the basics of astronomy and handle a computer tolerably.

It took Ukraine five years to put astrology at the service of the state. In Russia, by the way, there was also a similar initiative (last year the LDPR faction proposed to officially use the “power of the unknown for the good of Russia”), but confusion arose at the very first round table: the term “unknown” turned out to be too abstract. Nevertheless, the neighbors in the CIS have collected the necessary package of documents.

– Sometimes officials simply refused to take documents, saying that they did not agree that astrology would become an official science! – Irina Zhuravleva is indignant (Jupiter and Pluto in the sign of Leo). – It’s good that my second education is in law, so I knew what to do in such cases.

Director of the training center Nadezhda Georgieva (Sun in Libra), compiling the list of applicants, explains:

— We can be proud that it was Ukraine that was the first to turn training in the profession of “Astrologer” into reality. The creation of the “Standard for professional training in astrology” indicates the interest of our state in guaranteeing the quality of astrologer services.

Interestingly, in Simferopol itself, where the astrological vocational school is located, many still consider the news a joke. For a long time, this was also thought in the Crimean diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church:

“It’s hard to believe that this is a reality,” says Father Alexander Yakushechkin, secretary of the diocese (name day in September). – For an Orthodox person, any appeal to fortune-tellers, magicians and soothsayers is sinful. The Lord tells us that it is not given to anyone to know about the day and hour, except the Father. The worst thing about astrology is that it paralyzes the will – a person refuses freedom of choice and shifts responsibility to something external. How easy it is to say – I have nothing to do with it, so the stars aligned. By the way, representatives of other traditional religions represented in the Interfaith Council of Crimea share the same opinion.

THE ARMY OF THE COSMOGRAM

A map of the starry sky is projected onto the wall screen – it seems that you have entered a planetarium. We are sitting in a spacious classroom. There are textbooks on the shelves: “Astrological Chart of Zaporozhye”, “Astrology – Key Concepts” and a dozen manuals. Applicants who came to a rather conditional introductory interview look with interest at the manuals on the walls (science is still very young, so most of it was done on their own, by hand). In the center is a chart of the sky, lined with red and green lines, on the side are tables of astrological symbols and columns of coordinates. For amateurs signed: “Cosmogram of conception.”

— I will start the introductory lecture with the fact that astrology is not newspaper entertainment, not mysticism and not fantasy, — Irina Zhuravleva warns, — it is a science that allows people to live and hear the Cosmos.

— Why not mysticism? I marvel. – After all, astrology says that my mood, health and career depend on where at the moment huge clouds of hot gas are located, which are many billions of light years away from me.

To dispel my doubts, they show me a cosmogram: on a white sheet of cardboard there is a circle divided into 12 segments – the signs of the zodiac. Needles are stuck in different places, indicating exactly where this or that planet is at the moment.

– Everyone knows that the Moon affects the Earth, so why not take into account the influence of all the other planets? Irina Petrovna asks. “They all carry a certain set of radiations that reach us. For centuries, data has been accumulated about what exactly happens on Earth when the planets enter one sign or another. Astrology is the science of patterns.

HOW THE STAR CHART WILL LAY

Irina Petrovna Zhuravleva, a certified lawyer, was introduced to astrology by observing the laws of the judicial system. At 19In the 90s, she began working as a lawyer and soon realized that sometimes little depends on the efforts of the prosecutor and the lawyer. In the sense that some people will not go to prison under any circumstances, while others will definitely go to jail, even if they are ten times innocent.

– Astrology was fashionable in those years, and by that time I could make a simple horoscope with the help of a computer program, – says Irina Petrovna. – That was enough for me to make sure: the stars always indicate one hundred percent whether a person goes to prison or not. Knowing the exact date of birth, you can talk in detail about the fate of a person, his destiny, health, personal life . …

— What is it, no freedom of choice?

– Forewarned is forearmed! If a man is destined to have three wives, why resist and try to save the first marriage? I had a client who was married 13 times, and it was fine…

— And if, for example, the stars predestinate a person to murder?

– This is not a joke, it happens that we take a child’s card and see that he is capable of killing. Parents are shocked, but they just need to direct his development in the right direction. Why shouldn’t such a person become a regular military man or an athlete, a biathlete, for example? Why shove him into a humanitarian university, where his aggressiveness will still splash out in an unfavorable direction? You see, this knowledge is confirmed by thousands of years of experience of many peoples. Yes, and we ourselves already have a lot of experience.

For example, modern astrological experience tells Irina Petrovna that you should never treat your teeth if the Moon is in Aries – the filling will fall off. You can’t buy a new thing when the Moon is in the sign of Scorpio – it won’t be worn. What can we say about serious surgical interventions – they can only be allowed on the nascent moon.

And when Irina Petrovna was buying a car, she calculated the only 15 minutes favorable for transferring money.

COME TO ME FOR TREATMENT…

The range of questions that the population of Simferopol addresses to astrologers is enormous: how to conceive a boy, where did the cat Martyn go, what day is it better to schedule a hernia operation, who will win the elections, and what day is better to baptize a child. Ukraine is not the richest country, nevertheless, people do not hesitate to give 150 dollars for creating their own horoscope in order to arm themselves with secret knowledge about themselves. So future specialists will have work. Astrologers will receive their first baptism of fire at the end of their training, when they, like novice hairdressers, will serve the flow of clients for free. And they will be given a diploma after passing the state exam, at which they will be asked to analyze an unfamiliar horoscope.

— Do you understand how seriously we take learning? – says Irina Petrovna. – Now the first task is to separate itself as a state-accredited institution from various home-grown courses. The next one is to change the status. Due to bureaucratic delays, we fell into the category of vocational schools, although it is correct to call us the Astrologer training and consulting center. In the future, we must become a full-fledged university in order to promote the promotion of high-quality astrological knowledge among the population.

According to Ukrainian astrologers, soon their skills will be in demand literally everywhere. The basics of astrology will have to be mastered by doctors in order to calculate favorable days for operations, psychologists, and personnel officers. At a recent meeting of the All-Ukrainian Association of Astrologers, one of the members proposed to oblige state bodies to include the position of an astrologer in the staffing table.

— By the way, how are you going to regulate relations with religion? Christianity, for example, forbids turning to the stars.

– This is a delusion, – says Irina Petrovna, – Christianity has used astrology for its own purposes since ancient times, Easter, for example, how is it calculated? By the Moon. And what is said in the main Christian prayer? “Our Father, Thy will be done, as in heaven and on earth…” Which means – as the stars in heaven said, so it will be on earth.

– This is your very free interpretation.

“This is their free interpretation,” Irina Petrovna puts an end to the dispute, “and I say what I have.

UNHAPPY COUNTRY

Cosmograms change one after another on the computer in the training center.

– Wait a minute, but who was this unfortunate born? one of the advanced applicants asks, peering at the intersections of green and red lines.

Alas, before us is the horoscope of Ukraine. Astrologers believe that their country was born on August 24, 1991 at 17:36, when independence was proclaimed at a meeting of the Verkhovna Rada.