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Natural Remedies for Elevated Liver Enzymes: Top Tips & Supplements

on Jul 03, 2023| Modified on Oct 02, 2024
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The liver is one of the most vital organs in our body, with a myriad of functions ranging from detoxification to protein synthesis. However, an unhealthy lifestyle, disease, or certain medications can cause liver enzymes to rise, signaling potential liver damage. 

Your doctor might recommend certain medications or lifestyle changes when you encounter elevated liver enzymes. But numerous natural remedies may help support a healthier liver and normalize enzyme levels. This article will explore some top home remedies and supplements for managing high liver enzymes.

Please note: While the following suggestions are generally safe, discussing any regimen changes with a healthcare provider is crucial.

Natural Remedies for High Liver Enzymes

Milk Thistle

Known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is one of the most popular herbal remedies for liver issues. Its active compound, silymarin, is often used in cases of alcohol-related liver disease, hepatitis, and liver cancer. Some studies suggest that silymarin can help normalize elevated liver enzymes and protect the liver from toxins.

Turmeric

Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. It has been linked to improved liver function and the reduction of liver enzyme levels in various studies. Try incorporating turmeric in your diet or consider a high-quality curcumin supplement.

Green Tea

Green tea is rich in catechins, powerful antioxidants that can help protect the liver from damage and potentially lower liver enzyme levels. Drinking 2-3 cups of green tea daily might have a beneficial effect on your liver health.

Dietary Changes

Diet plays a crucial role in liver health. Limiting high-fat, processed foods and alcohol while increasing intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can support your liver and potentially reduce elevated liver enzymes.

Regular Exercise

Physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight and reduce fat accumulation in the liver, one of the common causes of elevated liver enzymes. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.

Dandelion

Traditionally used for liver and gallbladder disorders, dandelion is known for its liver-supporting properties. Some preliminary research indicates that dandelion might help protect the liver from damage and improve liver function, but more research is needed.

N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)

NAC is a supplement form of the amino acid cysteine. It plays a vital role in your body's detoxification process and has been used to treat acetaminophen (paracetamol) overdose, one of the leading causes of acute liver failure. NAC might help reduce elevated liver enzymes and protect liver health.

Vitamin E

Research suggests that vitamin E might benefit people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), conditions often associated with elevated liver enzymes.

Conclusion

While the remedies and supplements listed above are generally safe for most people, it's essential to remember that prevention is the best approach to managing elevated liver enzymes. This involves maintaining a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and limiting alcohol and toxin exposure.

Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement or natural remedy, especially if you have a pre-existing condition or are taking medication.

Continue reading below to learn which natural remedies have helped Earth Clinic readers with elevated liver enzymes, and please let us know what helped you!

Related Links:

Bill Thompson's Healthy Liver Protocol: 5 Top Supplements
Natural Cures for a Fatty Liver
Natural Remedies for Liver Disease and Liver Damage
Two Supplements for Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
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ALA, Milk Thistle

1 User Review
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Posted by Walter A. (Australia) on 02/04/2018
 ★★★★★

My GGT in liver blood tests were 400 u/l. After taking ALA and Milk Thistle, they have dropped to below 90 u/l in 6 months.

Replied by beverly
(Texas)
09/27/2024

I was curious................can someone verify that turmeric and green tea are actually good for high liver enzymes. I read just the opposite along with aloe vera. They can cause the situation to worsen.

Replied by bev
(Texas)
10/01/2024

I am suffering from high liver enzymes currently and a pharmacist friend told me to look at this NIH study on herbs among other things that could be contributing to it. If you click on each herb that you may be taking, it will explain any concerns or toxicity.

Also think overuse of my asthma inhalers...........albuterol and Symbicort are contributing.

Herbal and Dietary Supplements - LiverTox - NCBI Bookshelf (nih.gov)

https:/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548441/

AA
(WA)
10/02/2024

My 2 cents.

It is probably not the herbs per se if they were tested for millennia, but its quality, preparation methods(concentration), and the treatment protocol. Also, one size doesn't fit all. An herbalist would monitor your symptoms, response to a treatment and have medicinal quality herbs.

In FL for example an acupuncturist before getting a license to practice must pass an extremely difficult test (among others) on herbology. Many acupuncturist treat patients with herbs. FL has extremely stringent requirements for Licensure as an Acupuncturist.

It is extremely difficult to find not just organically grown herbs, but the herbs what grow in its natural habitat, preferably wild grown, not cultivated.

So doing a detox is one thing. Knowing what you are doing is another. I recommend not to self-treat if condition is chronic or complex, or a patient is of an advanced age or a child.

Extremely High Liver Enzymes Remedies

Posted by Weaspoon (TX) on 07/03/2023

Extremely High Liver enzymes, Ferritin LVL, CRP

My husband recently had extensive blood labs done beyond the regular ones which we had to insist be tested. I picked up a copy of the results and discovered several extremely high results on the ones indicating possible sudden death from my extensive research. Evidently, his PCP had not even looked at the results. Due to his PCP being out of her office we can get an appointment for a month. What should we do?

Here are the labs I mentioned as being dangerously high:

  • CRP, hi sensitivity 4.3
  • Ferritin LVL 586
  • GGT 133
  • cholesterol 275
  • LDL 152
  • Homocysteine 15

Phlebotomy

1 User Review
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Posted by Mr. Ree (Usa) on 07/30/2013
 ★★★★★

My liver enzymes were each close to 200. I had 5 monthly phlebotomies since last winter and my enzymes are 46 and 75 and still going down... It takes iron out of your system and your liver is happier... Plus brand new blood... and no drugs involved...


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