GGT is an enzyme present in many tissues and organs of our body, especially in the liver, spleen, kidneys, heart, and pancreas, mainly responsible for metabolizing glutathione.
To know the gamma-glutamyl transferase levels, better known as GGT, there is a specific test, although it is usually done in conjunction with FA. When high levels of alkaline phosphatase (FA) are found, the GGT test is also traditionally done. Depending on the results of this second test, it will be possible to know where the possible origin of the condition, maybe if the GGT is indeed elevated. It will be in the liver, while if it remains at low levels, it is likely to be in the bones.
But beyond technicality, what does the high GGT mean? In which cases does it occur? What does it tell us? In the following FastlyHealarticle, we will clear up all these doubts.
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What does high GGT mean?
As we have said before, the GGT test is used to determine if there is damage to the liver; however, although it can suggest if this organ is damaged, it cannot be explicitly known what is causing it.
Typically, the higher the GGT levels, the more damaged the liver is; hepatitis or cirrhosis, but it doesn’t have to be this way; other causes can cause a rise in GGT levels.
The liver is the place in our body where many of the chemicals involved in most of the functions of our body are created, despite that it is a susceptible organ. Some tests we use to measure its tasks, such as GGT, can be altered and elevated with something as simple as taking a paracetamol tablet or drinking a glass of alcohol the day before.
So we can say that the high GGT means that something is causing damage to the liver, either due to disease or some drug or poison that forces it to increase its work.
GGT normal values
As we just said, different factors can cause GGT to increase temporarily, but medical professionals already take these variants into account. Anyway, you should always tell your doctor if you take any medication or vitamin supplements. Another aspect to take into account is that depending on the laboratory, they handle one or other normality parameters; from FastlyHealwe bring you the most extended, which establishes
The average values of GGT are between 6 and 28 u / L, indicating some misalignment if it is above, being more profound the further it is.
Causes of high GGT
The causes of an increase in GGT can be multiple, specific, or stable; below, we will explain which are the most common:
- In many cases, after a large alcohol intake, these values rise significantly, remaining high a few weeks later, regardless of whether there is already liver damage or not. On some occasions, this test has been used to monitor alcoholic patients, although it has not been generalized given the different responses in some patients.
- Chronic liver diseases such as tumors or cirrhosis increase GGT very sharply while increasing other enzymes’ levels.
- Hepatitis and other acute liver diseases produce effects similar to those of chronic diseases.
- Other causes of increased GGT in the blood are obstructive heart failure and lung disease.
- If there is an obstruction somewhere in the bile ducts, it can be reflected in the values of this and other enzymes.
- Diabetes causes, mainly if it is not controlled, are another cause.
- Some medications, especially those that fight excess lipids, can temporarily increase GGT levels.
How to lower GGT levels
To lower GGT levels, it is essential to purify the liver, making it easier for this organ to perform its functions correctly. Here are some tips to keep it in perfect condition:
- Avoid the intake of fatty or processed foods.
- Avoid drinking alcohol
- Drinking plenty of water, drinking teas, or infusions can also be an excellent way to do it. We recommend the best inputs to cleanse the liver in the following article.
- Eat fruits, except those with high levels of organic acids, such as strawberries or melon.
- Be sure to read our recipes to take care of the liver.
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.
If you want to read more articles similar to What high GGT means, we recommend that you enter our Digestive System category .
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.