Elevated liver enzymes like SGOT (serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase) and SGPT (serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase) can indicate liver damage or inflammation. While medications can help, making lifestyle changes and using natural remedies may also help lower SGOT and SGPT levels.
What are SGOT and SGPT?
SGOT and SGPT are enzymes produced in the liver that are released into the bloodstream when the liver is damaged or inflamed. SGOT is also called AST (aspartate aminotransferase) while SGPT is also called ALT (alanine aminotransferase).
Some common causes of elevated SGOT and SGPT levels include:
- Fatty liver disease
- Excess alcohol intake
- Viral hepatitis
- Autoimmune diseases
- Medications like statins
- Inherited liver conditions
Mild elevations in SGOT and SGPT may not cause symptoms initially. But over time, persistently high levels can lead to permanent liver damage and increase the risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer. That’s why it’s important to identify and address the underlying cause.
Dietary Changes
Making certain dietary modifications may help lower elevated SGOT and SGPT levels:
Limit Alcohol Intake
Excessive alcohol consumption is one of the most common causes of liver enzyme elevation. Alcohol can directly damage liver cells, increasing AST and ALT levels. It’s generally recommended to limit alcohol intake to no more than 1 drink per day for women and 2 drinks per day for men.
Reduce Carbohydrates, Especially Added Sugars
A diet high in refined carbohydrates and added sugars promotes fat accumulation in the liver, also known as fatty liver. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely tied to insulin resistance and is a major cause of chronically elevated liver enzymes.
Studies show that restricting carbohydrates to less than 40% of total calories can help reverse NAFLD and lower liver enzyme levels.
Increase Healthy Fats
Increasing intake of healthy fats from foods like avocados, olive oil, nuts and oily fish has been shown to reduce liver fat and inflammation. Healthy fats may help displace sugar and refined carbs from the diet while providing essential fatty acids needed for liver function.
Eat More Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are full of antioxidants, phytonutrients and fiber that may help protect liver cells and reduce inflammation. One study found that eating 5 or more servings of fruits and veggies daily helped lower ALT and AST levels in people with NAFLD.
Choose High-Quality Protein
Choosing lean, unprocessed protein sources like fatty fish, beans, lentils and organic poultry can help improve liver health compared to processed red meats. Aim for 0.5-0.7 grams of protein per pound of body weight.
Avoid Very Low-Calorie Diets
Very low calorie diets under 800 calories per day may promote NAFLD and higher liver enzymes. Low calorie intake can increase cortisol and oxidative stress while depriving the liver of healthy fats and nutrients. Focus on sustainable, moderate calorie deficits instead.
Lifestyle Changes
In addition to diet, making certain lifestyle modifications may also help reduce elevated liver enzymes:
Increase Physical Activity
Regular exercise is strongly associated with reductions in liver fat, lower body weight, improved insulin sensitivity and reduced inflammation – all of which can help normalize liver enzymes.
Aim for 150-300 minutes per week of moderate activity like brisk walking or cycling. Resistance training 2-3 times a week is also beneficial.
Lose Excess Body Fat
Carrying excess body fat, especially around the abdomen, promotes insulin resistance, metabolic dysfunction and fatty liver – all risk factors for elevated AST and ALT. Losing at least 5% of body weight through diet and exercise can help reduce liver fat and inflammation.
Manage Metabolic Factors
Underlying issues like obesity, high blood sugar and diabetes, high triglycerides and metabolic syndrome are closely linked to NAFLD and elevated liver enzymes. Working with a healthcare provider to manage these metabolic factors can aid liver health.
Moderate Coffee Intake
Some research shows that moderate coffee consumption (2-3 cups per day) is associated with lower liver enzyme levels, especially for those with NAFLD or NASH. Coffee’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects may benefit the liver.
Optimize Sleep
Getting less than 5–6 hours of sleep per night is connected to an increased risk of NAFLD and higher AST/ALT levels. Prioritize proper sleep quantity and quality through good sleep hygiene practices.
Manage Stress Levels
Chronic stress can raise cortisol and promote inflammation, fat gain and insulin resistance – all of which burden liver function. Try stress-reducing practices like meditation, yoga, massage and spending time outdoors.
Herbal Supplements
Some herbal supplements may help reduce elevated liver enzymes when used under medical supervision:
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle (silymarin) is an herbal remedy often used to treat liver conditions. Some research indicates it may benefit NAFLD, chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis. Typical doses are 140-210 mg silymarin up to 3 times per day.
N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)
NAC is a precursor to glutathione, a potent antioxidant that protects liver cells from damage. Studies suggest 600-1200mg of NAC per day may significantly reduce AST and ALT in individuals with NAFLD.
Licorice Root
Licorice root exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which may protect the liver. Doses of 380-770 mg glycyrrhizin from licorice taken daily appear effective at lowering liver enzymes in some studies.
Coffee Fruit Extract
Coffee fruit extract, produced from the outer fruit surrounding coffee beans, is rich in chlorogenic acid antioxidants. Studies show doses of 200-400mg per day may lower ALT levels in NAFLD patients.
Bromelain
Bromelain is an anti-inflammatory enzyme derived from pineapple stems. Up to 1000mg per day has been shown to reduce liver enzymes and fat accumulation in some cases of NAFLD.
Home Remedies and Supplements
Some natural remedies, foods and nutrients may also help lower elevated SGOT and SGPT levels:
Turmeric
Turmeric contains the powerful antioxidant curcumin. Curcumin supplements at doses of 1000mg per day have been found to significantly reduce liver enzymes, liver fat and inflammation in people with NAFLD.
Ginger
Ginger exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may protect liver cells and lower enzyme levels. Consume up to 2 grams freshly grated ginger root daily.
Garlic
Garlic provides sulfur compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Eating 2-3 raw garlic cloves per day may help reduce AST and ALT levels according to some animal research.
Green Tea
The antioxidants in green tea called catechins may protect liver cells and lower liver enzyme levels. Drink up to 4 cups of green tea daily.
Beetroot Juice
Beets are rich in betalain antioxidants. Studies show drinking 100-400 mL beetroot juice daily significantly decreases oxidative stress and liver enzymes.
Probiotics
Probiotic supplements may reduce inflammation, increase glutathione and normalize liver enzymes, especially in cases of NAFLD. Consume at least 20-50 billion live cultures daily.
Magnesium
Magnesium is needed for liver detoxification pathways. Supplementing 300-500 mg magnesium daily can help lower ALT and AST levels according to some studies.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant. Studies using 800 IU daily have found significant reductions in liver enzymes in people with NAFLD and NASH.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is another key antioxidant for the liver. Doses of 1000 mg per day have been shown to decrease ALT and AST levels and liver inflammation.
Selenium
Selenium plays a role in glutathione production. In one trial, 200 mcg selenium supplementation for 6 months lowered ALT by over 40% in NAFLD patients.
Zinc
Zinc is needed for liver metabolism and function. Supplementing 30-60 mg zinc daily may significantly reduce elevated liver enzymes.
Foods to Eat
Emphasizing certain nutritious whole foods can also help lower high AST and ALT levels:
| Food | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Nuts and seeds | High in antioxidants, fiber, magnesium and healthy fats |
| Olive oil | Provides anti-inflammatory oleic acid |
| Avocados | Rich in glutathione-boosting folate |
| Cruciferous vegetables | Contain organosulfur compounds that aid liver detoxification |
| Leafy greens | Packed with antioxidants and magnesium |
| Fatty fish | Provide omega-3 fats that reduce liver inflammation |
| Berries | Rich in antioxidants that protect the liver |
| Grapefruit | Contains naringenin, a flavonoid with antioxidant effects |
| Beets | Provide betalain antioxidants that improve liver health |
| Garlic and onions | Exhibit antioxidant, detoxification and antiviral properties |
Foods to Avoid
Limiting or removing certain foods shown to negatively impact liver health may also help lower elevated SGOT and SGOT levels:
- Sugar-sweetened beverages
- Refined grains like white bread
- Fried foods
- Processed meats
- Fast foods
- Microwave popcorn
- Margarine and shortening
- Food additives like carrageenan
- Sweets and candy
Focusing your diet on whole, unprocessed foods as often as possible can promote liver health and function.
When to See a Doctor
Some natural remedies, diet and lifestyle changes may help reduce mildly elevated SGOT and SGPT levels. However, it’s important to see a doctor to determine the cause, especially if levels remain highly elevated over time.
See your doctor if you experience any symptoms such as:
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Itchy skin
- Dark urine
- Jaundice (yellowing skin/eyes)
Getting proper medical testing and treatment as needed is crucial to prevent permanent liver dysfunction and lower your risk of serious complications.
Diagnostic Tests
To evaluate the cause of elevated liver enzymes, your doctor may recommend:
- Blood tests to assess liver function
- Imaging tests like ultrasound, CT or MRI
- Liver biopsy to examine liver tissue
- Tests for infections like hepatitis
- Genetic test for hemochromatosis
- Test for Wilson’s disease if under 40 years old
Based on test results, your doctor can recommend appropriate treatment options. These may include:
- Medications to manage conditions like autoimmune hepatitis, hemochromatosis or Wilson’s disease
- Antiviral medications if hepatitis is the cause
- Discontinuing medications that are damaging the liver
- Nutritional therapy for NAFLD and NASH
- Lifestyle changes like increased physical activity and weight loss
Losing weight, exercising, limiting alcohol, eating well and taking liver-supporting supplements can also be incorporated into treatment plans as appropriate.
Conclusion
Elevated SGOT and SGPT liver enzymes may indicate liver damage or inflammation that requires proper treatment. Making dietary changes like limiting alcohol and added sugars, increasing healthy fats and antioxidants, exercising regularly, losing excess weight and taking targeted herbal supplements can help lower levels naturally. However, seek medical advice to determine the underlying cause, especially if liver enzymes remain highly elevated. Addressing any condition through proper treatment is crucial to avoid complications and promote long-term liver health.
