Blood Drug Testing

A recent blood test showed that my liver had too many enzymes. What does it mean and how can I fix it?

The doctor phoned and wondered if I had been drinking a lot but I rarely drink alcohol at all. I have been taking quite a bit of Imodium as I've had gut trouble for some time and I sniffed some poppers recently. Could they contribute? How can I get my liver back into shape for my next blood test? Also I had Hepatitis A when I was a kid.

Public Comments

1. booz , drugs even over the counter painkillers try some clean living and simple foods, and retake test one month later
2. Elevated liver enzymes can be the result of alcoholism, being overweight, taking too many painkillers, or hepatitis. I don't know about poppers and the liver. Before the next blood test, starting now, minimize whatever triggers may be in your life. Drink in moderation if at all. Reserve painkillers for only the worst pain. Lose weight if you need to. Presumably they tested your blood for all the strains of hepatitis.
3. The most common reason for elevated liver enzymes is FASD, Fatty Non-Alchoholic Syndrone. Your liver can have too many fat cells in it and it's causing your enzymes to elevate which can long term lead to permanent damage if left untreated. If this is the case, the good news is, this is treatable. A simple change in diet and usually checking the thyroid levels is routine, and thyroid medicines may be prescribed. You do not necessarily have to be overweight to have fatty liver sydrone. A high fat diet can lead to a fatty liver. Unfortunately, some peoples livers just can't tolerate fatty foods like others. Some people can be 400 lbs and not have elevated enzymes or fatty liver, while another person under 150 lbs can have fatty liver. Of course in this situation it would be unique but it is possible. I know first hand because I was average weight and diagnosed with FASD, elevated enzymes. Doctor sent me to liver specialist and got liver biopsy which confirmed fatty liver. Had to change my diet. My weight remained the same. No fried foods for months, and lots of green stuff. And guess what... In less than a year, my enzymes are totally back in normal range. May not seem like much of an accomplishment to many, but my ALT enzymes were 485 when they should be 40 on the upper end. I hope you have something just as simple as this with no permanent liver damage.... and in all likelihood, you will be fine... just continue with your doctors orders.