liver enzymes, Should I be concerned

[mjl]

Hi,

I am a 40 yeard old male, 6`3" 190lbs. I work out 3-4 days a week and eat well. I have a mild case of Psoriasis and use diprolene to control it.

I have been flagged for hi liver enzymes on two life insurance tests and received a D rating for both. After the 1st my doctor had me tested by ultrasound and fatty liver was ruled out.

I do drink recreationally, IE, 1 or 2 glasses of red wine 4-5 times a week.

These are the test results from my latest application:

Cholesterol. 184
HDL          54
Chol ratio   3.4%
LDL          115mg/dl
LDL/HDL ratio 2.10mg/dl
Triglycerides 75 mg/dl
Glucose       82 mg/dl
Froctosamine  1.1 mmol/1
SGOT(AST)     33 U/L
SGPT (ALT)    48 U/L
GGT (GGTP)     89 U/L
Alkaline Phos  48 U/L
Total Bilirubin 0.4mg/dl
Albumin        4.7 g/dl
BUN            26mg/dl
Total protein  7.4 g/dl
Gloulin        2.7 g/dl

I am a non smoker and did drink a fair amount in college 20 yrs ago. I do from time to drink 4 or 5 glasses of wine but do not do it often.

Should I pursue this with my doctor and give up alcohol at this point?  

[myproblem]

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition, and there is the potential with any such condition for the immune system to attack other parts of the body, including the liver. In any case, if your liver enzymes are high, that shows inflamation, and you should avoid anything that could make it worse. This includes alcohol, even occasionally as long as the problem persists. You should also be careful with any medications that are processed by the liver (including tylenol), and cut the fat in your diet as much as possible.

[Annabel]

hi i too have high gamma gt level. i don't drink alcohol because i found out many years ago, 30 years ago, that i was intolerant to alcohol, and as it made me feel unwell, and on occasion pass out, i would have tomato juice or pineapple juice instead.

i have never taken soda or fizzy drinks or products with aspartame or similar. i drank milk and water as a child and as an adult added tea. i am also intolerant to coffee. i don't have a sweet tooth, i have eaten basically throughout my 50 years a vegetarian diet. that's no animal meat or products other than occasional milk in tea, skimmed for years now and i have always eaten fish. steamed vegetables and fruit has always been my thing, though i find bananas difficult to digest.

i am also hepatitis negative. it seems it is possible it may be an autoimmune problem as my ana titer was positive. i think it's a case of not giving up until we get all the answers, and not expecting all the answers any time soon.

[mjl]

Thanks,

I have tested negative for hepatitis. This test was taken after abstaining from alcohol for 4 months.

At this point I will be giving all alcohol and diet cola`s.

mjl

[Kevin Pho, MD]

The GGT level is elevated - suggesting of potential liver damage. In many cases, the GGT is elevated in conjunction with alcohol use.  

I would consider abstaining from alcohol and repeating the test to ensure this isn't the case.

Further testing of the liver can be considered - including blood tests for hepatitis.  The liver ultrasound has already been done which did not show any anatomical abnormality.  

If the liver tests continue to rise, you can consider a liver biopsy to give a more comprehensive diagnosis.

These optionsc an be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_b

[NickyIsHere123]

Hi,

You are on the right track with ridding yourself of the "diet" soft drink or any soft drink for that matter. This is especially important in the healing process. Sodas can rob your body of nutrients and minerals that it needs. In addition, the aspartame in the diet soda is a big "no no". Also, stay away from Advil and Motrin. I would suggest looking into aspartame and its ill effects on the body. I wish you the very best in health!
-Nicky

[mjl]

I should add I abstained from alcohol for 4 months prior to taking the blood test.

[NickyIsHere123]

Hi, I would give up the alcohol altogether. i know this is probably not what you want to hear, but i would sustain from any other type of drug that would cause blows to your liver. Think " healing", I would start by replacing the alcohol w/ two glasses of freshly juiced (with a juicer machine) dark grapes and after this, start using the juicer to juice beets, radishes, cucumbers, and lemon  ( with peel). Start flushing away toxin trapped in your liver. Good Luck

[mjl]

Nicky,

Thanks.

I should also add I drink 5 to 6 16oz diet cokes daily. I will ending that habit.