Several medications increase GGT levels and must be taken into consideration when interpreting test results. These include older anti-seizure medications such as phenytoin, phenobarbital, and carbamazepine [ 79 , 80 , 81 , 82 ].
GGT levels are elevated following prolonged alcohol use. As drinking increases, the level of GGT in the blood also rises [ 17 , 18 , 19 ]. Red meat intake over 10 years increased GGT levels [ 10 ]. Several clinical studies have found that elevated levels of thyroid hormone increased levels of GGT in patients with hyperthyroidism [ 84 , 74 ].
GGT is ultimately just a biomarker that indicates an underlying problem. Talk to your doctor to identify any underlying health conditions and determine the best strategies for treating those. Alcohol abuse increases GGT levels. GGT is only slightly elevated in moderate drinkers, but the increase is relevant.
The best way to lower GGT is to simply abstain from alcohol use. Many fruits and vegetables contain moderate to high amounts of natural antioxidants. Drinking coffee decreased GGT levels in 1, Japanese men independent of other risk factors [ 85 ].
Two other clinical studies, conducted in a total of 31k participants, found that coffee consumption only lowered GGT levels in alcohol-drinking males [ 86 , 87 ]. Red meat contains large amounts of heme iron, the most readily absorbed form of iron. The same study that showed fruits and vegetables reduced GGT found that eating red meat over 10 years increased GGT levels [ 88 , 10 ].
Vegetarian iron contributes to overall iron levels in the body much less than meat sources. This is one reason that vegetarians sometimes suffer from iron deficiency or anemia [ 88 , 89 ]. One study of 10k participants found that moderate exercise walking was associated with decreased GGT levels in men , but not women [ 90 ].
Certain environmental pollutants such as lead, cadmium, dioxin, and organochlorine-containing pesticides increase GGT levels [ 92 ]. Six weeks of magnesium supplementation decreased levels of GGT in a group of chronic alcoholics. However, this was a small study and further research is needed [ 93 ]. The full range of functions for GGT is not known. It is a topic of continued scientific and clinical study.
There are disease states such as diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and hypothyroidism where clinical studies show conflicting conclusions regarding risk and elevated GGT levels. Further studies need to be done to determine if high GGT levels increase the risk of these diseases. This is mostly the case with GGT and the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Rarely are low levels of GGT dangerous. However, a few conditions are associated with abnormally low levels of GGT.
Whether this is cause for concern depends on other factors. Familial Intrahepatic Cholestasis FIC includes inherited genetic disorders, usually observed in infants and children. However, there is merit to the notion that abstaining from alcohol can help your body recover and rebuild, particularly the liver.
Organizations have created entire months around this very issue—Dry January and Sober October—to help others find relief in sobriety. Others challenge themselves to quit for specific causes, charity events, or just embrace healthier habits and self-care. The good news is your liver can begin to regenerate when alcohol is no longer an everyday factor. For many people, a cocktail or a beer can be a familiar and comforting part of their social lives in the evening.
At the start of , a new coronavirus caused a global crisis, leaving millions in a state of isolation. Unsurprisingly, the pandemic drove a surge in alcohol sales through the most grueling of months.
The negative impact on physical and mental health is profound, highlighting the risk of choosing alcohol as a coping strategy for stress and depression, among other mental health issues. But what sorts of health impactions come with too much drinking aside from the dreaded hangover? The liver is a vital organ responsible for breaking down and filtering out harmful substances in the blood.
It also manufactures proteins, enzymes, and hormones that the body uses to ward off infections and illnesses. Further, it converts necessary vitamins, nutrients, and medicines into substances that our body can use. The liver, effectively, services our bodies to detoxify our blood and store glycogen for energy. Unfortunately, alcohol can greatly impact the duties our liver is instructed to carry out, leading to severe liver complications.
Over , people in the U. Alcohol poisoning kills about six people every day. Gamma glutamyltransferase GTT is a membrane-bound peptidase that hydrolyzes peptides to amino acids and smaller peptides.
It is found in proximal renal tubule, liver, pancreas and intestine. GGT activity in serum comes primarily from liver. The circulating half-life is 7 to 10 days. However, the half-life increases to 28 days in alcohol-associated liver injury, suggesting impaired clearance. GGT is most useful in determining the cause of elevated alkaline phosphatase and as a marker of chronic alcohol consumption.
Do low-impact aerobics. Take a dance class. Follow a workout video. Take a magnesium supplement to support healthy GGT levels. Your body needs magnesium for healthy liver function and to help maintain healthy levels of GGT.
You may not be getting enough magnesium through your diet, but a supplement can help. Take your supplement for at least 6 weeks before you evaluate its effect on you, as it takes time to work. Follow the instructions on the label. Take a milk thistle supplement to support your liver function. Milk thistle has long been used to help with liver function. It can support healthy liver function, as well as lower levels of GGT.
It doesn't work in all cases, but it can be a good option for improving liver function in some people. National Institutes of Health Go to source As with other supplements, talk to your doctor before taking milk thistle, especially if you're on other medications.
Take your milk thistle as directed on the label. Take a curcumin supplement. Curcumin is often used as a spice in Indian dishes, such as curry. However, it's also sold as an herbal supplement. In addition to offering anti-inflammatory properties, curcumin can reduce the affects of elevated levels of GGT, even if you're experiencing health conditions as a result of it. National Institutes of Health Go to source Ask your doctor before taking any supplements.
Always take your supplements as directed on the label. Add fish oil supplements to your diet. Choose a high-dose fish oil supplement, and take 4 grams 0. Fish oil may lower GGT levels related to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. National Institutes of Health Go to source Talk to your doctor before adding this supplement to your diet, and follow the directions on the bottle. Try glutathione supplements alongside other changes. Glutathione may reduce levels of GGT in some people.
In many cases, higher levels of glutathione in your body will result in lower GGT levels. However, it doesn't work for everyone. National Institutes of Health Go to source Talk to your doctor before adding glutathione to your regimen, and always follow the directions on the label. Stay away from environmental toxins, such as lead. Environmental toxins stress your body and can affect your liver function.
They can cause you to gain weight by affecting your endocrine system, which can increase your risk of high GGT.
Additionally, toxins can build up in your system and elevate your GGT levels. Minimizing your exposure can keep your GGT levels in check.
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