Liver enzymes, primarily aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), are enzymes that increase in the blood when liver cells are inflamed or damaged. Elevated liver enzymes are not a disease itself, but rather a warning sign of a potential underlying liver problem.

If mildly elevated liver enzymes stem from lifestyle factors such as alcohol consumption, being overweight, or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, adjusting these elements can help lower enzyme levels. Noticeable improvements typically appear within a few weeks to a few months.

However, if medical conditions cause elevated liver enzymes, such as viral hepatitis (B, C), fatty liver disease, medication side effects, autoimmune liver disease, or metabolic disorders, patients should consult a doctor for proper examination, diagnosis, and treatment of the underlying cause.

Elevated liver enzymes often present without clear symptoms in early stages, leading to complacency. Undetected and uncontrolled liver damage can silently progress to cirrhosis or liver cancer.

Given your mildly elevated liver enzymes (AST, ALT around 50-80 U/L) and lack of symptoms, lifestyle factors are a likely contributor. You may consider adjusting your lifestyle and monitoring your condition for one to three months.

Doctor Thanh advises a patient. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital.

For those with elevated liver enzymes, dietary and lifestyle adjustments are key. Avoid alcohol, fried foods, animal fats, and sweets. Do not self-medicate with traditional herbal remedies or tobacco. Instead, increase intake of green vegetables, fruits, and fiber. Prioritize healthy protein sources such as fish, beans, and lean meat. Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight and engaging in regular exercise, at least 150 minutes per week, can improve liver function and help lower enzyme levels.

After one to three months, schedule a follow-up appointment for re-testing liver enzyme levels. If the levels normalize or show significant improvement, maintain your current lifestyle and continue periodic monitoring. However, if liver enzymes remain elevated or increase, a hepatobiliary specialist will conduct further evaluation to identify the cause, potentially requiring additional viral hepatitis tests, a liver ultrasound, or more specialized investigations.

Should new symptoms arise, such as persistent fatigue, jaundice, dark urine, pain in the right upper abdomen, or if you have a history of liver disease, seek prompt medical attention for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Dr. Nguyen Huy Thanh

Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Pancreatology

Tam Anh General Hospital Ha Noi