Understanding Your Liver Function Tests: A Complete Guide
Dr. Sarah Mitchell
Integrative medicine specialist with 15 years of experience in holistic health and biomarker optimization.
Learn what your liver function test results mean and how to naturally support liver health through diet and lifestyle changes.
Your liver is one of the most vital organs in your body, performing over 500 essential functions. Understanding your liver function tests (LFTs) can provide crucial insights into your overall health.
What Are Liver Function Tests?
Liver function tests are blood tests that measure different enzymes, proteins, and substances produced by your liver. These biomarkers help assess how well your liver is working and can detect liver damage or disease early.
Key Liver Biomarkers
The main biomarkers in a liver panel include:
- ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) - Primary marker for liver cell damage
- AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) - Indicates liver or muscle damage
- ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase) - Can indicate bile duct problems
- Bilirubin - Waste product that can build up when liver function is impaired
Natural Ways to Support Liver Health
Supporting your liver naturally can help optimize these biomarkers:
- Milk Thistle - Contains silymarin, which has hepatoprotective properties
- Turmeric - Anti-inflammatory properties support liver function
- Green Tea - Rich in catechins that support liver health
- Cruciferous Vegetables - Help with liver detoxification processes
Regular monitoring of your liver function tests, combined with a healthy lifestyle and natural support, can help maintain optimal liver health throughout your life.