How do you reduce ggt levels

Red meat intake over 10 years increased GGT levels [ 10 ]. Several clinical studies have found that elevated levels of thyroid hormone increased levels of GGT in patients with hyperthyroidism [ 84 , 74 ].

GGT is ultimately just a biomarker that indicates an underlying problem. Talk to your doctor to identify any underlying health conditions and determine the best strategies for treating those. Alcohol abuse increases GGT levels. GGT is only slightly elevated in moderate drinkers, but the increase is relevant.

The best way to lower GGT is to simply abstain from alcohol use. Many fruits and vegetables contain moderate to high amounts of natural antioxidants. Drinking coffee decreased GGT levels in 1, Japanese men independent of other risk factors [ 85 ]. Two other clinical studies, conducted in a total of 31k participants, found that coffee consumption only lowered GGT levels in alcohol-drinking males [ 86 , 87 ]. Red meat contains large amounts of heme iron, the most readily absorbed form of iron.

The same study that showed fruits and vegetables reduced GGT found that eating red meat over 10 years increased GGT levels [ 88 , 10 ]. Vegetarian iron contributes to overall iron levels in the body much less than meat sources. This is one reason that vegetarians sometimes suffer from iron deficiency or anemia [ 88 , 89 ]. One study of 10k participants found that moderate exercise walking was associated with decreased GGT levels in men , but not women [ 90 ].

Certain environmental pollutants such as lead, cadmium, dioxin, and organochlorine-containing pesticides increase GGT levels [ 92 ]. Six weeks of magnesium supplementation decreased levels of GGT in a group of chronic alcoholics. However, this was a small study and further research is needed [ 93 ]. The full range of functions for GGT is not known. It is a topic of continued scientific and clinical study.

There are disease states such as diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and hypothyroidism where clinical studies show conflicting conclusions regarding risk and elevated GGT levels. Further studies need to be done to determine if high GGT levels increase the risk of these diseases. This is mostly the case with GGT and the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Rarely are low levels of GGT dangerous. However, a few conditions are associated with abnormally low levels of GGT. Whether this is cause for concern depends on other factors. Familial Intrahepatic Cholestasis FIC includes inherited genetic disorders, usually observed in infants and children. It is characterized by the decreased flow of bile from the liver. It can be:. Mutations in the ATP8B1 gene are related to both the mild and severe forms of the disease.

This gene controls the bile salt export pump, which drives bile flow [ 94 ]. Follow a workout video. Take a magnesium supplement to support healthy GGT levels. Your body needs magnesium for healthy liver function and to help maintain healthy levels of GGT. You may not be getting enough magnesium through your diet, but a supplement can help. Take your supplement for at least 6 weeks before you evaluate its effect on you, as it takes time to work. Follow the instructions on the label.

Take a milk thistle supplement to support your liver function. Milk thistle has long been used to help with liver function. It can support healthy liver function, as well as lower levels of GGT. It doesn't work in all cases, but it can be a good option for improving liver function in some people.

National Institutes of Health Go to source As with other supplements, talk to your doctor before taking milk thistle, especially if you're on other medications.

Take your milk thistle as directed on the label. Take a curcumin supplement. Curcumin is often used as a spice in Indian dishes, such as curry. However, it's also sold as an herbal supplement.

In addition to offering anti-inflammatory properties, curcumin can reduce the affects of elevated levels of GGT, even if you're experiencing health conditions as a result of it. National Institutes of Health Go to source Ask your doctor before taking any supplements. Always take your supplements as directed on the label.

Add fish oil supplements to your diet. Choose a high-dose fish oil supplement, and take 4 grams 0. Fish oil may lower GGT levels related to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. National Institutes of Health Go to source Talk to your doctor before adding this supplement to your diet, and follow the directions on the bottle.

Try glutathione supplements alongside other changes. Glutathione may reduce levels of GGT in some people. In many cases, higher levels of glutathione in your body will result in lower GGT levels. However, it doesn't work for everyone. National Institutes of Health Go to source Talk to your doctor before adding glutathione to your regimen, and always follow the directions on the label.

Stay away from environmental toxins, such as lead. Environmental toxins stress your body and can affect your liver function. They can cause you to gain weight by affecting your endocrine system, which can increase your risk of high GGT. Additionally, toxins can build up in your system and elevate your GGT levels. Minimizing your exposure can keep your GGT levels in check. National Institutes of Health Go to source Here are environmental toxins you should avoid, especially if you already have high GGT levels: Lead Cadmium Dioxide Pesticides, especially those containing organochlorine.

Method 3. The liver is "the workhorse of the digestive system," Baumohl says. And "while there isn't an exact mechanism for identifying the root cause of elevated GGT, there are some known associations within our dietary patterns," she says — some positive and some negative.

Both are GGT-lowering winners, Baumohl says, adding that more of either also means more fiber, which is linked to a lower risk of heart disease. Both also help up vitamin, mineral and antioxidant intake, Baumohl says. And that could mean more glutathione , an antioxidant "also tied to reducing GGT levels," she says.

She points to sulfur-rich foods as a good source, including:. As for other foods, the effect on GGT is less clear. The ALF generally recommends people with liver disease avoid foods high in salt , fat and sugar. Baumohl adds that GGT levels go up with diets high in saturated fats from foods like:.

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Why is the GGT test done? How to prepare for the GGT test. How the GGT test is given. What do the results mean?