Symptoms of elevated liver values

Elevated liver values can be a sign of liver damage on the one hand, but also a sign of hemolysis on the other. Hemolysis is a process in which red blood cells dissolve, which can occur in the course of various diseases. Therefore, the symptoms of elevated liver values are quite different.

Liver damage can generally cause pain in the right upper abdomen or a feeling of pressure and fullness. This is typical for cirrhosis of the liver, for example. Nausea, vomiting or fever can also occur as part of diseases that damage the liver.

This also includes hepatitis A, for example. Other symptoms that can occur with more severe liver damage are itching and a yellowing of the skin, which is known as jaundice. In cirrhosis of the liver, in which the liver values are usually elevated due to the damage in the liver cells, so-called hepatic signs can also appear.

These are phenomena on the skin that occur in the context of liver cirrhosis. These include so-called spider naevi, which are dilated small skin vessels, and the so-called caput medusae. The latter appears as dilation of superficial veins around the navel.

Other important symptoms that can occur with elevated liver values are fatigue and a reduction in performance, as well as a reduced sense of well-being. Liver values may also be elevated in the case of hemolysis. This may sound confusing, but it is very easy to explain: Certain enzymes, whose value is increased in the laboratory in the case of liver damage, are also found in red blood cells.

Therefore, the values can be elevated when a large number of red blood cells dissolve. Symptoms of hemolysis can range from exhaustion and reduced performance to pain crises and thromboses. Since there are many different diseases that can lead to hemolysis, it is difficult to define general symptoms.

How can I lower elevated liver values?

Increased liver values can be reduced by fighting the cause. If the liver is diseased, a therapy must always be carried out or a medical clarification must be made. In support of this, one can take care to avoid stimulants that damage the liver.

This means that the consumption of alcohol should be avoided. This only leads to even greater damage to the liver and has an adverse effect on the healing process. Drugs that have a damaging effect on the liver should be discontinued if possible.

However, this should be discussed with a doctor beforehand, as vital or important medication should not be discontinued just like that. However, avoid taking paracetamol if you have elevated liver values.For mild pain, over-the-counter ibuprofen is preferable. A balanced diet is very important, especially in cases of liver cirrhosis.

Also make sure that your diet contains sufficient protein. Drugs that have a damaging effect on the liver should be discontinued if possible. However, this should be discussed with a doctor beforehand, as vital or important medications should of course not be discontinued just like that.

However, avoid taking paracetamol if you have elevated liver values. For mild pain, over-the-counter ibuprofen is preferable. A balanced diet is very important, especially in cases of liver cirrhosis.

Also make sure that your diet contains sufficient protein. Since elevated liver values are often due to incorrect eating habits, such as fatty food and excessive alcohol consumption, a change in diet is advisable. Buttermilk can have positive effects as part of a change in diet, but as the only measure it can take, it cannot lower liver values.

Due to its high protein content and low fat content, buttermilk is considered very healthy. Especially in the context of a diet, it can provide the body with the necessary proteins. Furthermore, it contains important nutrients such as calcium, zinc, folic acid and many vitamins.

In addition to buttermilk, numerous other foods are suitable for a diet that is gentle on the liver. In addition, a complete diet includes a lot of fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as cereals and pulses. Among the medicinal plants that are said to have a positive effect on the liver and the bile ducts are

Dandelion
Artichoke
Milk Thistle
Daisies
Chicory