Transaminases are enzymes in our body that perform a metabolic function. When they are at high levels, there is a health problem, usually related to the liver. Transaminase levels in the blood increase because they are generally found within liver cells, but when there are problems, the enzymes spread into the bloodstream. Many conditions and diseases can cause high transaminases, from illnesses like diabetes to taking antibiotics. Elevated transaminases entail a series of precautions and care, and many people wonder what type of diet or drinks can be taken and if alcohol will affect them negatively. In this FastlyHealarticle, we give you the answer to the question: Can you drink alcohol with high transaminases?
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Normal values of transaminases
The most critical transaminases are alanine aminotransferase (ALT or GPT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST or GOT), which are found inside liver cells, the so-called hepatocytes. When blood tests show high levels of these enzymes, it usually indicates liver cell damage.
High levels of transaminases are not a disease in itself but a symptom that indicates that there could be a health problem or even a sequela due to a poor diet or exposure to certain drugs or toxins.
To detect these levels, a blood test is done. Thus, average blood transaminase values are:
ALT normal values
- In men: 10 to 40 IU / L
- In women: 7 to 35 IU / L
AST normal values
- In men: 8 to 40 IU / L
- In women: 6 to 34 IU / L
Diseases and conditions that cause high transaminases
Many conditions can cause elevated transaminases, such as a high-fat diet, alcohol consumption, or medications. But they can also appear due to disease, usually the liver. Some conditions that can lead to high levels of transaminases are:
- Hepatitis B or chronic hepatitis C.
- Hepatic steatosis (fatty liver).
- Infectious mononucleosis.
- Gallstones.
- Hemolytic anemia.
- Hemochromatosis.
- Wilson’s disease.
Symptoms that cause high transaminases
Sometimes the symptoms of high transaminases are few. However, when they are related to a liver problem, people who suffer from it often report fatigue or discomfort in the liver area.
Some symptoms that you can suffer if you have high levels of transaminases are:
- Stitches in the abdomen area. The area where the liver is located can be inflamed and cause pain.
- Yellow skin and eyes. Some liver problems cause increased bilirubin, which causes a yellowish color. It may be due to jaundice.
- Extreme fatigue and tiredness.
- Joint pains
Before any of these symptoms, go to the doctor so that he can assess your situation and request a blood test.
Can I drink alcohol if I have high transaminases?
As we have seen so far, high transaminases indicate a failure or problems in the liver in addition to other conditions. Alcohol negatively affects this, and alcoholism is one of the situations that can cause an increase in transaminases. Precisely for this reason, when you have high levels of transaminases in the blood, it is not advisable to abuse alcohol since, in large quantities, it can cause liver failure. In small amounts, it is also not advisable. The ideal, in this case, would be to avoid alcohol at all costs.
When the high values have not been given by a liver problem but by some other cause, the liver will not be damaged. However, drinking alcohol in large quantities could cause failures in this organ; in addition, transaminases could continue to rise.
In addition to cutting down on alcohol, there are other tips you can follow to help lower transaminases:
- Exercise daily. Physical activity can help you release toxins, including those harmful to health, such as high transaminases.
- Avoid sugars and saturated fats. It is essential to avoid certain foods rich in sugars or saturated fats that are not good for the liver. They are usually found in industrial pastries or fast food restaurants, so it is better to avoid both.
- Detoxify the liver with natural remedies. The artichoke is perfect for this purpose. Also, a very healthy habit that will take care of your liver is to drink warm water with lemon every morning before having breakfast. In the following article, you can see good herbal teas to cleanse the liver.
Treatment for high transaminases
As we have seen, high transaminases are not a disease per se but rather a symptom of some other. Therefore, to treat them, you have to know the cause that causes it and treat the root problem, be it liver disease, some other, a bad eating habit, or the intake of certain medications.
In addition, alcohol should be avoided, as we have already seen, and drinks such as coffee. It is advised not to take dairy.
Certain supplements like royal jelly, pollen, yeast, or seaweed help lower transaminases. However, the doctor should be consulted to indicate the best diet to follow and the best treatment.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
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I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.