Your liver is one of the busiest organs in your body. It’s in charge of filtering toxins, supporting digestion, balancing hormones, and storing energy. Because it works so hard, your liver gives us important signals through blood tests—specifically, liver enzyme levels.
If you’ve ever had labs come back with “elevated liver enzymes” or saw abbreviations like ALT, AST, ALP, or GGT, you might have felt worried or confused. Let’s break it down together so you can better understand what these numbers mean and when they matter.
Enzymes are proteins that help chemical reactions happen in your body. Liver enzymes are released into the bloodstream when the liver is stressed, inflamed, or injured. A mild elevation doesn’t always mean something serious—but it’s your body’s way of saying, “Pay attention.”
The main enzymes checked in a standard liver panel are:
ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase): Found mostly in the liver, so high levels often mean direct liver stress.
AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase): Found in the liver, but also in muscles and the heart. If elevated along with ALT, it can point toward liver involvement.
ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase): Connected to bile ducts, bones, and the liver. Elevated levels may suggest issues with bile flow or bone turnover.
GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase): Helps break down toxins and alcohol. High GGT often shows up with alcohol use or bile duct problems.
Seeing high liver enzymes can feel alarming, but the context matters. Here are some common reasons your doctor may see elevations:
Medications or supplements: Even over-the-counter pain relievers can affect liver enzymes.
Alcohol use: Frequent or heavy drinking can raise ALT, AST, and GGT.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): Now one of the most common causes of elevated enzymes.
Viral infections: Hepatitis A, B, or C can all impact the liver.
Muscle injury: Because AST is found in muscles, exercise or injury can sometimes cause it to rise.
Mild elevations often improve with lifestyle changes, while significant or persistent changes need medical follow-up.
You can’t live without your liver—but you can support it daily. A few nurse-approved tips:
Nourish it well: Focus on whole foods, plenty of vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats.
Limit alcohol: Give your liver a break by keeping alcohol to a minimum (or avoiding it).
Move your body: Regular activity helps with weight management and reduces fatty buildup in the liver.
Stay hydrated: Water helps flush toxins and keeps everything moving.
Check your meds and supplements: Always talk with your healthcare provider before starting or combining new ones.
If your labs show elevated liver enzymes, your provider will often repeat the test and look for patterns. Persistent elevations should never be ignored, especially if paired with symptoms like fatigue, yellowing skin/eyes, dark urine, or abdominal pain.
Your liver enzymes are like a “check engine light” for your body. They don’t give the whole story on their own, but they help you and your healthcare provider catch issues early. By supporting your liver through lifestyle and working closely with your provider, you give yourself the best chance at long-term health.
Quick, walk-in testing with fast results. No doctor’s order needed.
Easy ordering, flexible lab locations, multiple testing options, and clear results. Order labs online with access to 2,300+ local draw centers.
Affiliate Disclaimer: Some of the links above are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them—at no extra cost to you. I only share lab options I genuinely trust and would recommend to my own patients, friends, and family.
Your liver enzymes tell an important story — but they’re just one chapter. Elevated or low results don’t automatically mean liver disease; they’re a signal worth paying attention to. Connecting your labs with your lifestyle, nutrition, and overall health picture is where real change happens.
✨ Want to see how your daily habits may be affecting your liver and overall health? Grab my free “What Spikes Me?” Tracker to explore how food, stress, and sleep impact your body.
✨ Download the Inner Critic Playbook to support long-term consistency without the all-or-nothing cycle.
✨ Book a free 60-minute consultation to walk through your labs and create a plan that feels doable and empowering.
American Liver Foundation. Liver Tests. https://liverfoundation.org/liver-tests/
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Liver Disease Tests. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/liver-disease/liver-tests
Mayo Clinic. Liver function tests. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/liver-function-tests/about/pac-20394595
MedlinePlus. Liver Function Tests. https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/liver-function-tests/
Understanding Bilirubin: What Your Liver Is Trying to Tell You I’ll never forget a patient who came in worried because her lab results said her
Understanding ALT & AST: What Your Liver Enzymes Say About Your Health I’ll never forget a patient who came in worried about their “liver numbers.”
Understanding Your Liver Enzymes (ALT, AST & More) Your liver is one of the busiest organs in your body. It’s in charge of filtering toxins,
If you’re tired of the endless cycle of dieting and conflicting health advice, feeling overwhelmed and longing to truly understand how to nourish your body and feel good in your own skin like I did, you’re in the right place. Through my blog, I share insights on weight loss, mindset, neuroplasticity, nutrition, and self-care to empower you on your wellness journey. Whether you’re seeking personalized guidance to address specific health challenges or you’re ready to break free from restrictive diets and embrace body acceptance while achieving sustainable weight loss, I offer coaching programs designed to help you cultivate lasting health and body confidence. Ready to explore a different path?
One-on-one sessions tailored to your health history, goals, and lifestyle—rooted in nursing expertise and current wellness science.
Guided coaching to help reframe limiting beliefs around food, body image, and health—so you stop sabotaging your progress.
Practical tools, customized strategies, and compassionate support to help you take consistent, manageable steps forward.
“Working with Rebecca completely shifted my mindset.”
I had tried everything—diets, workout programs, you name it—but nothing ever stuck. Rebecca showed me how to reframe my beliefs about food and my body. I’m losing weight without trying to lose weight!
“I finally feel in control of my health for the first time in years.”
Rebecca didn’t just focus on my symptoms—she really listened to my story and helped me understand the root of my challenges. Her guidance was practical and tailored to me, and now I feel empowered to make choices that support my health every day.
“Rebecca’s support made all the difference.”
Having someone who understands both the medical side and the emotional side of health was a game-changer for me. Rebecca provided me with actionable steps, encouragement, and accountability every step of the way. I can’t recommend her coaching enough!
Book a no-pressure session where we’ll talk about your health goals, struggles, and what’s been holding you back. You’ll walk away with clarity—even if you don’t sign up.
Based on your unique history and needs, I’ll create a personalized plan—no generic advice here. You’ll get clear next steps, ongoing support, and a roadmap that fits your life.
With consistent guidance and mindset shifts, you’ll feel more in control of your health, more confident in your choices, and more connected to the person in the mirror.
Personalized 60-minute sessions tailored to your unique health goals, lifestyle, and challenges.
A roadmap designed just for you—no generic advice, just focused guidance based on your needs and medical background.
Worksheets, journaling prompts, and reflection exercises to help you stay mindful and motivated between sessions.
We’ll track what matters most to you—from energy to mindset to symptom relief—so you can see real growth.
Break free from old patterns and build new habits with a focus on lasting behavior change—not quick fixes.
Stay connected with check-ins and direct access to me for questions, encouragement, and clarity when you need it.
You don’t have to figure it out alone. Whether you’re managing a chronic condition or tired of the constant struggle with weight and self-doubt, support is here.