The norm of ALT and AST in the blood and the reasons for the increase in indicators

Recently, in almost all cities of the Russian Federation, a medical examination of the population is carried out, which allows to identify a number of diseases in the early stages and thereby reduce the risk of premature mortality.

Key indicators of liver function

Liver diseases are among the most frequent and dangerous due to the asymptomatic course. At the stage of the screening examination, along with other studies, the patient is assigned a blood test for biochemistry, the main indicators of which are aimed at determining how the liver functions.

The norm of ALT and AST in the blood completely depends on the work of the most important parenchymal organ - the liver, which performs such functions as:

1. Detoxification - elimination of toxic substances and poisons from the body.
2. Protein synthesis.
3. Production of biochemical substances necessary for the body.
4. Storage of glycogen - a polysaccharide, which is necessary for the full functioning of the body.
5. Regulation of biochemical reactions of synthesis and decay of most microparticles.

ALT and AST are enzymes that are produced mainly by the liver and are involved in all of its biochemical reactions.

Norm ALT and AST in the blood

The norm of ALT and AST in the blood depends on many factors, including gender and age. Due to the lack of a unified standard in almost every medical institution, the laboratory establishes its own ALT and AST standards, for this reason all analyzes should be addressed to the doctor who supervises you, and not to engage in independent decoding. The normal range is:

1. The norm of AST in the blood is from 5 to 40 IU / l.
2. The norm of ALT in the blood for women: from 7 to 35 IU / l.
3. The norm of ALT in the blood for men: from 10 to 40 IU / l.

The norm of ALT and AST in the blood and analysis of the main reasons for the increase

A slight increase in ALT and AST in the body is often asymptomatic, but indicates a malfunction in the liver.

The most likely cause of increased liver enzymes in the blood are:

1. Fatty hepatosis.
2. Drug reaction.
3. Injury.
4. Increased ALT and AST as a result of diseases of other organs (autoimmune thyroiditis, pancreatitis, mononucleosis).
5. Diffuse lesions of the liver that can be caused by alcohol, drugs and (or) the action of the virus.
6. Metastases or neoplasms in the liver.

Early symptoms of increased ALT and AST are:

1. Fatigue and weakness.
2. Decreased appetite and, as a result, weight loss.
3. Itchy skin.
4. Insomnia, nervousness.

Late symptoms of increased ALT and AST:

1. Swelling of the extremities, ascites (the presence of free pathological fluid in the abdomen).
2. The skin, proteins, mucous membranes acquire a yellow tint.
3. Changing the color of urine - “urine the color of dark beer”, discoloration of feces.
4. Increasing symptoms of intoxication (feeling unwell, weakness, nausea, hyperthermia, etc.).

Additional diagnostic methods:

1. Ultrasonic diagnosis of the abdominal organs, if necessary - the thyroid gland.
2. A blood test for markers of hepatitis B, C.
3. Clinical blood test.
4. Blood test for thyroid hormones and antibodies.
5. If necessary, a liver biopsy.

Reduce AST and ALT

The rules, observing which, a person can reduce the indicators of AST and ALT, are:

1. Eat as many fresh vegetables and fruits as possible, as well as brown rice - they contain fiber.
2. Drink green tea and herbal teas, which include dandelion root, milk thistle, burdock root.
3. Your diet should have foods that contain vitamin C.
4. Follow the drinking regime at the rate of 30 ml of liquid per 1 kg of weight.
5. Do breathing exercises.
6. Take a contrast shower.