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liver function tests--when you need to go for it.

Liver Function Tests

Liver function tests are used to detect liver damage or disease. Combinations of up to five tests are measured at the same time on a blood sample. These are:

Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) – an enzyme mainly found in the liver; the best test for detecting hepatitis

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) – an enzyme related to the bile ducts; often increased when they are blocked

Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) – an enzyme found in the liver and a few other places, particularly the heart and other muscles in the body

Total bilirubin – measures all the yellow bilirubin pigment in the blood.
Another test, direct bilirubin, measures a form made in the liver and is often requested with total bilirubin in infants with jaundice.

Albumin – measures the main protein made by the liver and tells how well the liver is making this protein
Total protein - measures albumin and all other proteins in blood, including antibodies made to help fight off infections

Other tests that can be used to assess liver function include gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), 5'-nucleotidase, and coagulation screen, together with bilirubin and urobilinogen in urine

WHEN ARE THESE TESTS REQUIRED:

These tests are used when symptoms suspicious of a liver condition are noticed.

These include: jaundice, dark urine and light-coloured bowel movements; nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea; loss of appetite; vomiting of blood; bloody or black bowel movements; swelling or pain in the belly; unusual weight change; or fatigue or loss of stamina. One or more of these tests may be required when a person has been or may have been exposed to a hepatitis virus; has a family history of liver disease; has excessive alcohol intake; or is taking a drug that can cause liver damage.

Dark, tarry stools also indicate malfunction of the liver.

Jaundice symptoms: skin begins to turn yellow, there is yellowness in the whites of the eye, urine is dark yellow.

There are a number of homeopathic medicines to bring forth a cure.

The stage at which the disease is detected is important.


Best wishes
Pankaj Varma
 
  PANKAJ VARMA on 2006-09-01
This is just a forum. Assume posts are not from medical professionals.
Foods that can make the Liver work harder


Saturated fats are harder for the liver to process. Limit high fat meats like sausage, bacon, salami, hot dogs and high fat dairy products like whole milk, ice cream and cheese, which contain saturated fats.


Other foods to limit that have a lot of saturated fat are french fries and high fat snack foods like potato chips, Doritos and Cheese Doodles.


Limit processed foods like white bread, white rice, cakes, cookies, donuts and candy. Add whole grains like whole grain breads and cereals, brown rice, quinoa and barley to your diet.


Limit caffeine to 2-3 cups/day. Caffeine is broken down by the liver and may make it more difficult to cleanse the liver. Coffee, tea and most sodas contain a lot of caffeine.


Eat light meals more frequently. Eating a light evening meal can help to reduce the liver’s work during the healing hours of sleep.


Things to Avoid


Avoid alcohol. Alcohol is known to be a powerful toxin that will damage the liver. Recreational drugs can also be stressful to the liver.


Limit, as much as possible, chemicals such as food colorings, flavorings and preservatives as well as toxins such as insecticides and pesticides because these substances make the liver work harder.


Avoid multi-vitamins that contain iron. Iron is stored in the liver and supplementing with iron may increase the risk of iron toxicity.

Best wishes
Pankaj Varma
 
PANKAJ VARMA last decade
I've found it one of the most useful information on LFT. Thanks to Mr. Varma for providing such a useful info.
 
mani_jee last decade

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Information given in this forum is given by way of exchange of views only, and those views are not necessarily those of ABC Homeopathy. It is not to be treated as a medical diagnosis or prescription, and should not be used as a substitute for a consultation with a qualified homeopath or physician. It is possible that advice given here may be dangerous, and you should make your own checks that it is safe. If symptoms persist, seek professional medical attention. Bear in mind that even minor symptoms can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition, and a timely diagnosis by your doctor could save your life.