Fast Ways to Lower Elevated Liver Enzymes Naturally

What Is the Function of the Liver?

The liver is one of the most important organs in the human body. It is also the largest gland in the body, situated below the right rib cage just above the abdomen. The liver uses thousands of enzymes to perform essential chemical processes as follows:

It removes toxins from the body and cleans the blood.
It helps with food digestion.
It produces enzymes including digestive liquid (bile).
It controls the flow of urine.
It stores important vitamins, minerals and nutrients.
It helps with blood clotting.

Here's a detailed look at liver enzymes, the causes and symptoms of increased enzymes, ways to lower these levels and ways to keep enzyme levels healthy and stable.

How to Lower Elevated Liver Enzymes Quickly

In order to bring dangerously high enzyme levels down to normal, one must be careful about what they eat and drink. Whatever we consume is digested or processed with the help of the liver. As a result of this, unhealthy and harmful foods or drinks can be damaging to the liver.

There are various ways in which one can lower liver enzymes quickly. Before attempting any of the recommendations below, keep in mind:

Never take medicine, supplements or herbs without your doctor's approval, as even some herbal remedies can be harmful to the liver.
Talk to your dietician or nutritionist and ask them for a diet plan that you can follow which will help improve the health and function of the liver.
Discuss with your doctor any other drugs you are using such as those used to lower cholesterol and ask to see if you can stop them.

What Herbs and Supplements Help to Lower Liver Enzyme Levels?

Milk Thistle (Silybum Marianum)

Milk thistle, Mary thistle or holy thistle is an herb in the daisy and ragweed family that contains the active ingredient silymarin which may host anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antioxidant properties. The European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry published a study that documents the therapeutic use of milk thistle for numerous liver disorders, including jaundice, hepatitis, cirrhosis (alcoholic liver disease), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and gallbladder complications.

Dandelion or Taraxacum Root

Dandelion is an herb that helps to detoxify the body and improves the health of the liver, according to one such study conducted by China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing. The study reveals that polysaccharides found in dandelion may help reduce damage from drug-related hepatotoxicity or liver damage. Dandelion has been used as a liver tonic in folk medicine for many years. Dandelion root may be consumed as a tea and is additionally known to decrease cholesterol levels. Precautions must be taken as some individuals may be allergic to dandelion.

Eat Fruits and Vegetables

Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables that are rich in antioxidants, as these will help to reduce toxin levels and cleanse the liver. Lemon, in particular, which is high in vitamin C, may lower levels of GGT in the body. High GGT levels lead to the destruction of glutathione, one of the body's natural antioxidants which lowers oxidative stress. To benefit, juice one lemon in an 8-ounce cup of warm water daily; check with your doctor if you are on any prescriptions before proceeding.

Additional Supplements

Fish oil and flax oil may help improve liver function by lowering triglyceride levels (fat) in the liver. Consider taking food rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as vitamin B12 paired with coenzyme Q10 (with your doctor's approval), as they help to rebuild damaged cells in the liver. Green tea is another beneficial supplement. It helps with fat loss and reduces free radicals in the body.