Serum Glutamate Pyruvate Transaminase (SGPT from the English acronym "Serum Glutamate Pyruvate Transaminase"), now also known as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), is an essential enzyme for energy production. It is found mainly in the liver and kidneys, but to a lesser extent it is also present in the heart and other muscles. When the liver is damaged, SGPT leaves the cells and enters the bloodstream. The normal values of this enzyme range between 7 and 56 units per liter of blood; if they are higher, they could indicate liver disease or injury. However, even intense physical activity can raise them. The risk of them being increased is greater if you abuse alcohol, take certain medications, or have liver disease, such as viral hepatitis or a tumor. If you are worried because the SGPT is always high despite the fact that serious illnesses are excluded in the summer, keep in mind that a good diet, some lifestyle changes and drug treatments (if you wish) can solve the problem. Keep reading the article!
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Changing the Power
Step 1. Get more vitamin D
Liver damage releases transaminases into the blood. According to recent studies, vitamin D protects the liver and helps reduce this enzyme in the bloodstream. Those with high levels of vitamin D are less prone to liver problems than those who are deficient. Therefore, it would be a good idea to include at least one fruit and a lot of vegetables in your main meals in order to get the daily dose of vitamin D and prevent the development of liver disease.
Excellent sources of vitamin D are green leafy vegetables, cod liver oil, fish, fortified cereals, oysters, caviar, tofu, soy milk, eggs, mushrooms, dairy products, apples and oranges
Step 2. Eat a diet rich in nutrients and vegetables
Organic foods help regulate liver function by allowing it to purify itself of toxins and generate new cells in order to stop the release of SGPT into the blood. Generally, they are rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, as well as being low in fat; in other words, they are good for the whole organism. Try to eat fresh, plant-based foods by cooking at home. Avoid products that, having undergone a long process of transformation, are poor in nutrients.
Make sure your plates are colorful. Leafy greens, broccoli, carrots, squash, and a large assortment of fresh fruit should always be in your diet, along with nuts, whole grains, low-fat dairy and lean meats
Step 3. Avoid fatty foods
It is difficult for the liver to process lipids. A slight accumulation of fat in liver cells is absolutely normal, but if it exceeds 10%, there is a risk of developing a condition called "fatty liver" (fatty liver). Excessive fat cells can inflame the liver and damage surrounding tissues. In the event of liver injury, the damaged cells release transaminases in larger quantities.
It is best not to consume fatty and greasy foods, such as fries, fatty meats, pork, chicken skin, coconut oil, butter, cheese, highly processed foods, sausage, bacon, junk and fizzy drinks
Step 4. Avoid foods that contain a lot of salt
An excessive amount of sodium, especially in the liver, causes swelling and water retention, risking to hinder the liver's task of filtering toxins and waste. Over time, liver damage can develop and, therefore, an increase in transaminase in the bloodstream.
- Salt, bouillon cube, baking soda, soy sauce, salad dressings, bacon, cured meats, pickled foods, and other processed foods should be avoided. When you can, don't salt your dishes.
- Since salt is practically omnipresent, try to cook and eat as much as possible at home so that you have more control over your diet. On average, adults shouldn't exceed 2300 mg (1 teaspoon) of salt per day.
Part 2 of 3: Changing the Lifestyle
Step 1. Stop drinking alcohol
Alcohol is extremely harmful to the liver, and prolonged consumption irremediably compromises its activity. When you drink alcohol, it is immediately absorbed and released into the bloodstream, which in turn passes into the kidneys to be filtered. At this point, the liver intervenes to cleanse it of waste circulating in the body, including alcohol toxins. In the long run, this process results in severe liver injury. The more damaged the liver is, the higher the level of transaminases in the blood.
Alcohol promotes the development of numerous liver diseases, such as steatosis (fatty liver), liver cirrhosis and hepatitis. Strict rules have been imposed on the consumption of alcoholic substances to prevent the onset of related diseases. By doing this, you will be able to lower transaminase levels in the blood
Step 2. Exercise daily
Simple brisk walking, jogging, and swimming can improve your overall health, but also your liver. Sport allows you to expel toxins through sweat, burn fat, stay slim, gain lean mass, keep all organs healthy (including the liver) and your body in shape. The fewer toxins to be disposed of, the greater the energy available to the liver to strengthen its cells.
Half an hour of training a day can be good for the health of this organ. When toxins are excreted, its amount of work is reduced and the transaminase remains within acceptable limits
Step 3. Stop smoking
Cigarette smoke contains harmful substances, such as nicotine and ammonia. When you are exposed to these chemicals, the skin absorbs them increasing the workload of the liver which is already in charge of getting rid of all the toxins. In fact, passive smoking should also be avoided because it produces similar effects.
Smoking not only affects transaminase levels, but also the health of the heart, lungs, kidneys, skin, hair and nails. It also annoys the people around it. These are all valid reasons to stop if the increase in transaminase is not enough
Step 4. Prevent exposure to other harmful chemicals
Air pollution is characterized by fumes, gasoline and ammonia, just to mention the most harmful elements that circulate in the air. If you live or work in a polluted environment, try to reduce exposure to these agents as much as possible because they can penetrate the skin and cause liver damage and transaminase elevation.
If you are forced to work surrounded by toxic fumes, always wear long-sleeved clothing, pants, a mask and gloves. The more precautions you take, the less damage you will suffer, especially in the long term
Step 5. Try to lose weight if you are overweight or obese
If you have weight problems, you may be at risk of developing fatty liver disease and, as a result, experience a rise in transaminase levels. Consult your doctor to find out if there are safe and effective methods that allow you to keep your weight under control or ask if he can recommend a qualified dietician.
In most cases, the safest and most effective way to lose weight is to exercise and eat healthy, unprocessed foods in reasonable quantities. Ask your doctor which diet and sporting activities are best for your health needs
Part 3 of 3: Seeking Medical Assistance
Step 1. Get a blood test
Transaminase levels are measurable by drawing blood. In the case of severe liver lesions, they increase dramatically because, released from the liver cells, the enzyme is released into the bloodstream. However, it is necessary to check its values very carefully as even a strenuous workout or recent physical activity could favor an abnormal result.
- An elevation in transaminase does not equate to a diagnosis of liver injury. Additional tests are required to confirm it.
- There are several causes of an excessive increase in this enzyme. For example, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is the primary causative agent of this anomaly in the United States. Fatty liver is a condition associated with obesity and insulin resistance. A slight elevation in transaminase can also be associated with strenuous exercise or thyroid disease.
Step 2. Stop taking over-the-counter medications
If your liver is already damaged and you continue to take non-prescription drugs, you force it to metabolize potentially dangerous substances that aggravate the situation. Only take medications prescribed by your doctor that are necessary for your health.
- If in doubt, consult your doctor. There are hepatotoxic drugs (toxic to the liver) that will surely replace with others more suitable for your condition. Even the pharmacist may advise you against those that are harmful to the liver.
- Medicines such as antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause elevated transaminase levels. You should consult with your primary care physician about the different types of medications to prevent possible liver damage.
- Pay particular attention to the use of medicines that contain paracetamol. It is an active ingredient found in many over-the-counter medications, including pain relievers and those against the flu and colds.
Step 3. Consider corticosteroids
They work by inhibiting the activity of the immune system. Furthermore, they relieve inflammation because they reduce the production of inflammatory agents by damaged tissues. They can be taken orally or intravenously. The most common corticosteroids are hydrocortisone, prednisone and fludrocortisone.
- Once the inflammation subsides, liver cells begin to regenerate and, therefore, release fewer transaminases into the bloodstream.
- Before taking corticosteroids, consult your doctor. Do not start any drug therapy without his consent.
Step 4. Take an antiviral drug
The liver could be infected with a virus, such as hepatitis. After your blood tests are done, your doctor will be able to tell you what type of virus has attacked your body and will prescribe you an antiviral drug, such as Entecavir, Sofosbuvir and Telaprevir.
They act similarly to corticosteroids. When the infection is eradicated, the cells begin to regenerate by reducing the release of the transaminase into the bloodstream
Step 5. Discuss taking interferons with your doctor
These are protein molecules released by host cells in response to the presence of foreign bodies, including viruses, bacteria, cancer cells or parasites. Interferon-based drugs stimulate the immune system to eliminate foreign bodies.
- Transaminase begins to decline once the infection is eradicated. The liver cells regenerate by regulating the levels of this enzyme which, thanks to this process, is no longer poured into the bloodstream.
- Interferons can cause various side effects, including lightheadedness, hair loss, decreased appetite, fatigue, difficulty breathing, and parainfluenza symptoms. Always consult your doctor about the risks and side effects before starting any treatment.
Step 6. Try herbal supplements
Some lifestyle changes coupled with taking herbal remedies can help you lower transaminase. Talk to your doctor about which ones are best for your health condition. For example, you might consider:
- Milk thistle: prevents and repairs liver damage caused by toxic substances and drugs. It is available in doses of 100 and 1000 mg. Generally, the dosage is 200 mg, 2-3 times a day.
- Inositol: helps the liver to metabolize fats. However, it could cause diarrhea and abdominal pain. It is available in 500 and 1000 mg doses and the dosage is 500 mg, 3 times a day.
- The burdock root. Helps the liver cleanse and prevents liver injury. It is available in 500 and 1000 mg doses. You can take 500 mg, 3 times a day.
Step 7. Learn about optimal transaminase levels
Reference values may vary depending on the laboratory and the method used to take them. However, they are normal if they fall within certain ranges, between 10 and 40 international units per liter.
