I'm 27. I recently had some bloodwork done for a physical, and my liver tests came back elevated. I have no symptoms of being sick. I had some follow-up tests done, and I'm still waiting on them to come back. What could cause these results? I don't do much drinking.

A.

Liver enzymes leak out into the blood whenever liver cells are damaged. Liver cell damage can occur from environmental toxins like solvents as well as from alcohol intake, from viral conditions like hepatitis and mononucleosis, and from other liver diseases like cirrhosis and biliary obstruction. It is important that you and your doctor find the cause of the liver cell damage, so it can be treated. Be sure that you are checked for hepatitis B & C, as these can both cause a chronic inflammation of the liver. Even acetominophen can cause liver cell damage especially if combined with alcohol.

Besides treating the cause, there are some supplements you can use to help support your liver. Milk thistle extract helps to prevent damage to the liver and promotes regeneration of liver cells. A liver extract and vitamin C both help to support the liver. Be sure to avoid all alcohol, any liver toxic medications and chemicals, hormones, and fried fats as these can all contribute to liver cell damage.

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