The liver is a very vital organ and is responsible for almost 500 essential functions in our body. Abnormal liver function is usually designated by an elevation in 2 enzymes – Alanine transaminase and Aspartate transaminase, and is a consequence of a host of disorders and diseases.
Causes of abnormal liver function include:
- Hepatitis: An inflammation of the liver cells due to viruses HAV, HBV and HCV is the chief cause, and this impairs the liver and interferes with its functions.
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: This is a buildup of fats in the liver. During digestion, the liver breaks down fats carried from the small intestine. In some cases the liver may have trouble breaking down the fats. This triggers an accumulation which affects liver functioning.
- Hypothyroidism: It is characterized by low levels of the thyroid hormones, T3 and T4. T3 and T4 are vital to normal growth and development. Hypothyroidism is associated with a reduction in bilirubin and this afflicts the liver functioning.
- Drugs and medicines: An overuse of medicines and supplements affect the liver and trigger abnormal liver function tests.
- Toxins: If you are exposed to certain toxins and alcohol, the liver functioning gets afflicted.
- Hemochromatosis: Is a recessive genetic disorder which is seen as excessive absorption of iron from the foods you eat; the surplus iron gets stored in the liver. Abnormal liver function tests are an indication of hemochromatosis.
- Celiac disease: When your body can not tolerate gluten, (protein found in wheat, rye and barley) and in case you ingested, the immune cells respond by destroying the villi in the small intestine. Consequently, the nutrients are not absorbed. Over a period of time, one develops chronic liver inflammation setting off abnormal liver function.
Signs Of Abnormal Liver Function
Liver function tests help determine if your liver is diseased or in case other diseases are present, and also measure the general health of the liver. Abnormal liver function test result is seen as an elevation of the liver enzymes in the blood. This occurs since the liver cells are inflamed and impaired.
Signs that may manifest include:
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes is common.
- Inexplicable changes in the weight.
- Loss of appetite and vomiting.
- Diarrhea or constipation.
- Swelling of the abdomen.
- Dark yellow urine
- Light pasty stools
- Exhaustion
- Fever
In extreme cases, there will be confusion, forgetfulness, and disorientation.
Treatment For Abnormal Liver Function
You need to know the cause of the liver damage in order to treat it. You may have to run a battery of tests and investigations to pinpoint the precise cause in your body:
- First and foremost, you need to steer clear of the cause of the liver damage. Avoid alcohol. Confer with your health care provider regarding your medications to see which one is setting off liver damage.
- Drink plenty of fluids and stay well hydrated.
- Add large amounts of lime to your daily menu; they help repair damaged liver cells.
- Dandelion juice is the most effective natural remedy which helps re-instate the normal liver functioning.
- Monitor the disease that you have. Hepatitis A, B, C, and D, hemochromatosis, autoimmune disorder, and hypothyroidism need to be handled suitably.
- Maintaining an ideal body weight is crucial. Eat sensibly and follow a fitness regimen at least thrice a week. Embark on to a cholesterol-friendly diet to bring down triglyceride levels.
- Diabetics must control blood sugar levels. Regularly monitor blood-sugar levels, given that insulin resistance contributes to the development of fatty liver disease.