High levels of SGPT, also known as ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) signify liver damage or inflammation. The liver is one of the critical organs that have different important functions, such as detoxifying the blood, metabolizing nutrients, and regulating the main body’s processes. As soon as the liver gets damaged, SGPT is released into the blood. But often, it can be regulated by some changes in lifestyle and diet and, when needed, with an appointment with a medical professional.
What Is SGPT, and Why Is It Important?
SGPT, in full form of Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase, is an enzyme synthesized in the liver cells that catalyzes proteins to energy to be used by the liver. Although a little of it is normally present in the blood under normal circumstances, levels higher than that are indicative that the liver is being subjected to some sort of stress or damage.
Causes of High SGPT
When the liver is damaged through either disease, injury, or toxin, the cells of the liver rupture and release SGPT into the bloodstream. As such, levels of this enzyme are elevated. The reason why the liver is a rather crucial organ in so many human activities is that good health of it means general health. That is why many patients are recommended to observe levels of SGPT.
More About High SGPT Levels
Something is wrong with the liver if the levels of SGPT are at high. Even though a single elevated test might not really raise the alarm, persistently high SGPT levels may be related to diseases of the liver like hepatitis, cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, or even liver cancer. SGOT and SGPT normal ranges can differ for people, so it’s best to consult a physician. Other conditions which may cause abnormal levels of SGPT include heart disease, muscular disorders, and kidney damage. Reasons for high SGPT are:
Heavy Alcohol Intake increases SGPT
This causes liver cell inflammation and damage, leading to elevated levels.
Viral Hepatitis increases SGPT
Specifically, hepatitis A, B, and C cause liver inflammation and increase the number of enzymes.
Obesity with Poor Diet Intake increases SGPT
It is caused by high sugar intake, products filled with fats, and unprocessed foods. Such diets stress the liver.
Medication-Induced Liver Injury increases SGPT
Certain drugs prescribed as treatments for some diseases, such as antibiotics, statins, and chemotherapy, may also impair the functioning of the liver and increase the level of SGPT.
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
Fatty infiltration of the liver can lead to inflammation due to which liver damage would ensue and SGPT levels would be increased.
General Signs Experienced Due to High SGPT Levels
High levels of SGPT are not always associated with symptoms, especially at the onset. Once your liver is continually failing, you will feel symptoms such as:
- Weakness or fatigue
- Pain in the abdominal region or discomfort, especially on the right-upper side
- Jaundice: Yellowish discoloration of your skin or eyes
- Vomiting or nausea
- Dark-coloured urine
- Loss of appetite
- Swelling in the legs or abdomen (edema)
These signs and symptoms, combined with raised levels of SGPT, necessitate a visit to a medical professional for further examination and tests.
How to Reduce SGPT Quickly and Safely
Now that you know how important it is to manage the levels of your SGPT, we shall look at several effective strategies to reduce the levels and support your overall liver. By adopting proper lifestyle, dietary, and medical changes, you can really help reduce liver stress and lower your SGPT levels.
1. Lifestyle Changes
One of the simplest changes you can make to lower your SGPT levels is to change your daily routine. Here are some alterations you should make:
2. Do Not Drink Alcohol
Alcohol is a severe cause of liver destruction. If they cease drinking or reduce their intake, then liver function will be immediately improved, and thus a decrease in their SGPT levels.
3. Smoking Cessation
Smoking is believed to pose harm to the liver due to injurious substances entering the body. Smokers can reduce stress on the liver, besides decreasing the level of enzymes.
4. Exercise
Physical exercise daily tends to improve the functioning of the liver besides reducing excessive fat accumulation in the body and subsequently aiding in weight management. At least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, such as walking, cycling, or swimming should be achieved most days of the week.
5. Be at Healthy Weight
People who are prone to diseases of the liver; therefore, having a healthy body weight might prevent liver disease. You should exercise regularly and maintain a well-balanced diet to ensure you keep your body at the appropriate weight.
6. Sleep Well
Lack of sleep may downgrade your liver and general health. Rest and try to have about 7-8 hours of good, high-quality sleep each night for better functioning and recovery of your liver in general.
Diet to Manage SGPT
The diet plays an essential role in the liver. Whatever you consume can be either protective or detrimental to your liver. Some of the dietary changes that could help reduce the levels of SGPT include the following:
No Sugar and Processed Foods
Sugary products and highly processed snack foods are stressful for the liver. SGPT high means too much sugar. Avoid sugary drinks, processed snacks, and fast food.
Intake of Fiber-Fortified Foods
Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes can be consumed for better improvement in the functions of the liver and help decrease the level of SGPT. Consuming fibre will help break down substances in the body and expel toxins from the body.
Antioxidant-rich Food Intake
Nutrients may prevent oxidative stress along with damage on the liver. Some of the items that can be included are berries, dark leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and green tea in their diets.
Cut Out Unhealthy Fats
Fried foods, fatty meats, and high-fat dairy products contain saturated and trans fats that could harm your liver. Reach out to healthier fats from foods such as avocados, olive oil, and oily fish.
Natural Remedies to Lower SGPT
While lifestyle and diet modification are the mainstays of preventing elevated liver functions, there are also other natural remedies that may be of help in maintaining this organ’s health and lowering SGPT levels. These include:
Maintain Hydration
Drinking plenty of water cleans the toxins out of your body and helps support the liver function hence reducing the level of SGOT SGPT. Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water per day.
Herbal Teas
Some herbal teas have traditionally been used in supporting liver functions; they include dandelion roots, chamomile, and green tea. Their effectiveness varies, but perhaps they may have some benefits for the liver.
When to See Your Doctor
If the levels of SGPT are elevated for a long period of time, you should consult with a doctor. The doctor may request some further tests or studies such as imaging and biopsy of the liver to diagnose the cause of liver damage. Certain conditions of the liver can be treated with the help of medications or treatments. Drugs with antiviral properties may be prescribed to treat hepatitis and in the condition of NAFLD drugs may be prescribed to treat it.
Monitoring SGPT Levels
You will likely be advised by your physician to maintain monitoring your levels of SGPT periodically. Periodic checks will enable you to monitor your liver’s state, gauge the efficacy of lifestyle changes as well as medical interventions you opt for and make necessary adjustments on the fly.
Taking Control of Your Liver Health
High levels of SGPT can be signs of liver damage or disease, but proper intervention can keep them at bay. Keep your SGPT low and your livers healthy with abstinence from alcohol, proper exercise, and a decent amount of fibre and antioxidants in the diet.
Know When to Seek Help
In that line of thought, get medical attention when your levels of SGPT stay high beyond the normal limit or when you have manifestations indicative of liver malfunction. From that point, your doctor will treat the causes of these abnormalities while keeping yourself generally healthy, with a healthy liver and low SGPT levels.
Conclusion
Remember, your liver is one of the most valuable organs you have. Today, take the first steps in controlling your SGPT levels for your liver’s and your body’s health tomorrow.\
FAQs
1. What is SGPT, and why is it important?
Answer: SGPT (ALT) is a liver enzyme. High levels signal liver damage or inflammation.
2. What does an SGPT increase mean?
Answer: Liver disease, alcohol, obesity, poor diet, and certain medications can elevate SGPT.
3. How to reduce SGPT quickly?
Answer: Avoid alcohol, eat healthily, exercise, quit smoking, and stay hydrated.
4. When should I see a doctor for high SGPT?
Answer: Seek medical help if levels remain high or you have symptoms like jaundice or fatigue.
5. What do SGPT and SGOT high levels mean?
Answer: It means acute liver damage that can be detrimental.
