Which drugs can increase GGT?
Among the drugs that increase GGT are mainly those that are metabolized in the liver. The active ingredient alone can damage the liver cells if taken in excessive amounts. However, the degradation can also produce substances that have a harmful effect on the liver.
In addition, certain drugs can alter the interaction of some enzymes that control the metabolism of other drugs.This is followed by an accumulation of these substances in the blood and liver, which in turn has a damaging effect. In addition, some drugs increase the GGT, which have an effect on the cardiovascular system. Here, the interaction with intracellular glutathione plays an important role. Among the drugs that increase the GGT level are so-called NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). In addition, antibiotics such as amoxicillin or tetracyclines, i.e. drugs that are directed against bacteria, antiepileptic drugs such as diazepam or lorazepam, histamine blockers such as diphenhydramine or doxylamine and antidepressants such as amitriptyline or mirtazapine increase GGT levels.
Causes for a too low value
Since the enzyme that significantly influences the GGT level should not normally be present in the blood, a low GGT level has no disease value. In contrast, a low value may even indicate a healthy lifestyle. Sporting activity and abstention from alcohol are possible causes for this. In general, all measures that damage the liver cells or protect them from possible damage are possible reasons for a low GGT value.
What is the best way to reduce the GGT value?
In general, as already explained, an increased GGT value can have several causes. Therefore, if the causes are not clear, a doctor should first be consulted, who in the best case will carry out further diagnostics to determine the true reasons for the increase. Should the causes now lie with the liver, several measures can be taken to effectively lower the GGT value.
Here the focus should also be on the cause and not only on the lowering measures. Since some drugs can damage the liver due to their degradation products or the active ingredient, even when taken over a longer period of time, the possibility of discontinuing the drug in question should be discussed with the treating physician. Alternatively, a drug can be used whose active substance or its breakdown products do not have a damaging effect on the liver cells.
However, if the reason is a liver disease, the focus should be on treating this disease or mitigating its effects as far as possible. In the case of viral hepatitis, for example, an antiviral agent can be used. However, this is only possible in extreme cases and not for each of the five forms A-E.
If no form of intervention is available, the only option is to wait, as in Pfeiffer’s glandular fever. If there is a bile stasis, the cause should be treated. This can result in different strategies depending on the type of outflow disorder.
In most cases, however, surgical intervention is preferred, since a gallstone often blocks the outflow paths. The liver should then be checked for possible long-term damage. As a reaction to the surgical intervention, the liver parameters usually return to normal and the GGT drops to previous values.
If the liver has been damaged by toxins, the most effective method of obtaining normal values is to stop exposure to the respective toxin. As already discussed, some antibiotics such as tetracyclines can damage the liver cells, which is why other classes of drugs can be used as alternatives. This should always be done in consultation with a doctor.
Alcohol is a special case of avoiding toxins. If alcohol is consumed in small quantities, it does not pose any danger to the liver cells for the time being. However, if consumed chronically and massively, alcohol can cause great damage to the liver and cause a massive increase in liver values.
If chronic consumption of alcohol is known to occur, you should consult a doctor with confidence. Another effective measure to reduce GGT levels is to change your lifestyle to a more liver-friendly style. A balanced diet with a renunciation of high-fat and high-sugar food is helpful in this respect.
Weight reduction is also advisable. Furthermore, it is helpful to avoid the consumption of alcohol completely and to quit smoking. Caffeine is a special case.
There are different opinions on this. It is sometimes even claimed that caffeine has a positive effect on the liver. Among the household remedies that are said to have a positive effect on the liver are some everyday foods.
Just enough liquid drunk helps the liver to function. Dark chocolate and caffeine, which are very popular foods, are also said to have good effects. Furthermore, bitter vegetables such as brussels sprouts, sage and various other herbs that are often consumed as tea are considered helpful.Other home remedies include artichokes, dandelion, nettles, plums and lemon juice.
To avoid fatty meat, fish or poultry can be used. Since homeopathy is based on natural substances, which are partly also found in household remedies, a positive effect on the GGT value can follow with the correct use of such remedies. The instructions of the responsible homeopath should be followed. As with any therapy, however, the benefit often depends on the patient’s cooperation and even belief in the success of the therapy.
