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What Does High AST Levels Indicate In A Drinker?

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Posted on Wed, 4 Jun 2014
Question: hello, I just received lab report. My AST (SGOT) is a 69 and it says normal levels are 10-40 u/l. My Alt SGPT is a 36 and that looks be in normal range. I average a couple drinks per night. Is cutting down on alcohol the only thing I can do to improve my AST numbers? thank you
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (20 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
yes this would be needed

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

Increase in liver function tests can be due to different causes but the most common are infection, alcohol use, trauma and non alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Your increase may be related to alcohol use but non alcoholic fatty liver is becoming a prevalent cause of liver disease.
In non alcoholic fatty liver disease, diet and decreased activity cause the build up of fat in the liver which has the potential to go on to liver failure if not treated.
If you are active and use a relatively healthy diet then this cause is not likely.

The best way to reduce the AST or prevent worsening would be to reduce alcohol use.

If there is history of insufficient activity or unhealthy eating then changing these as well, would help to reduce any liver changes due to non alcoholic fatty liver.

Summary: reduce alcohol and lifestyle changes would be helpful
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (1 hour later)
Along with cutting down on alcohol, is there a liver cleanse that you would recommend? Do you think a liver cleanse would be beneficial?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (7 hours later)
Brief Answer:
no not normally recommended

Detailed Answer:
HI

Sorry about the late reply

No there are no specific liver cleanses that are normally medically recommended.

Reduction of alcohol and any necessary lifestyle modifications are all that are normally needed.

Please feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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What Does High AST Levels Indicate In A Drinker?

Brief Answer: yes this would be needed Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic Increase in liver function tests can be due to different causes but the most common are infection, alcohol use, trauma and non alcoholic fatty liver disease. Your increase may be related to alcohol use but non alcoholic fatty liver is becoming a prevalent cause of liver disease. In non alcoholic fatty liver disease, diet and decreased activity cause the build up of fat in the liver which has the potential to go on to liver failure if not treated. If you are active and use a relatively healthy diet then this cause is not likely. The best way to reduce the AST or prevent worsening would be to reduce alcohol use. If there is history of insufficient activity or unhealthy eating then changing these as well, would help to reduce any liver changes due to non alcoholic fatty liver. Summary: reduce alcohol and lifestyle changes would be helpful