Answer:

Liver enzymes, including ALT, AST, and GGT, play a vital role in metabolism, detoxification, and maintaining normal liver cell function. When the liver is inflamed, fatty, or overloaded with alcohol, medications, or toxins, these enzymes leak into the bloodstream, causing liver enzyme levels to rise. This signals liver damage or weakness, requiring dietary and lifestyle adjustments to prevent further complications.

Chicken contains healthy protein and less saturated fat than red meat like beef or pork. If you choose lean cuts, remove the skin, and prepare it healthily (boiling, steaming, stewing), it's acceptable to eat chicken with elevated liver enzymes. The protein in chicken helps regenerate tissue, maintain muscle mass, and support liver cell recovery. Chicken also provides B vitamins, zinc, and iron—essential micronutrients for energy metabolism and immunity.

Avoid fried, roasted, or heavily seasoned chicken, especially the fatty skin. These cooking methods can produce oxidants, increasing the metabolic burden on the liver and exacerbating liver inflammation or fatty liver disease. Some commercially raised chicken may contain antibiotic residues and growth hormones, potentially affecting liver function with frequent consumption.

Those with elevated liver enzymes should choose lean chicken, remove the skin, and boil or steam it. Photo: Trong Nghia

If you have elevated liver enzymes, aim for 2-3 chicken meals per week, with 80-100g of lean meat per serving, avoiding the skin and organs. Incorporate fish, tofu, boiled eggs, legumes, and whole grains to diversify protein sources and reduce liver strain. Consuming plenty of green vegetables, low-sugar fruits, drinking enough water, and limiting alcohol and processed foods are crucial for optimal liver function.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, adequate sleep, and weight management. Schedule regular check-ups with a gastroenterologist or nutritionist to monitor liver function and tailor your diet to your health status. Supplementing with natural extracts like s.marianum and wasabia can help control kupffer cell activity (resident macrophages in the liver), enhance detoxification, lower liver enzymes, and aid recovery from liver inflammation and fatty liver disease.

MSc. Dr. Nguyen Anh Duy Tung

Nutrihome Nutrition Center