High gamma-glutamyl transferase levels (GGT) in your blood test may indicate liver and other organ-related health issues. However, you may do some actions when you get the desired outcome to reduce your GGT levels naturally. Avoiding alcohol, bad diets, and air pollution are some of these. Instead, eat foods that are good for your liver, take vitamins, and engage in little activity each day.
The precise source of the imbalance or liver damage cannot be determined by an elevated GGT level alone. This is due to the fact that the illness may be linked to other physiological problems. To confirm liver issues, do a blood test for the hepatic function panel.
What is Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT)
GGT, also known as gamma-glutamyl transferase, is an enzyme largely generated by the liver. In lesser amounts, it is also secreted by the kidneys, pancreas, heart, brain, and other bodily tissues.
Drugs and other foreign chemicals can be detoxified with GGT’s assistance. Additionally, it is essential for the production of glutathione, an antioxidant that guards against cellular deterioration and cancer.
A GGT blood test is often performed together with other enzyme tests to determine the risk of liver failure and physiological problems with the bile duct since GGT production is linked to liver function. Certain medical issues are frequently suggested when GGT levels exceed the typical range of 65 IU/L for males and 60 IU/L for women.
Similarly, this enzyme serves as a marker for excessive alcohol use. To assess your alcohol intake for rehab or as part of a routine physical, doctors may ask for a blood test.
How do You Prepare Yourself for GGT Test?
Your doctor on call might advise you to stop taking some medications and fast for eight hours before the test. Within 24 hours of the test, even a tiny quantity of alcohol consumption might have an impact on your findings.
5 Ways to Lower Your GGT Levels
After evaluating for a high GGT level, lowering it becomes your objective to protect the health of your liver. Thankfully, reducing GGT levels naturally is achievable with minimal work and willpower. See the steps below to learn how to lower GGT levels naturally.
1. Eliminate the Consumption of High Salt Foods
Salt and fat-rich diets can harm your health in a variety of ways, and it mainly causes cardiac conditions and the dreaded heart attack. Additionally, it may raise your GGT levels, a symptom that non-alcoholic fatty liver disorder is developing (NAFLD).
To avoid eating unhealthy meals, avoid deep-fried dishes, red meat, whole-fat dairy items, lard, butter, and professionally baked items. Choose meals with healthy fats like avocados and almonds and dishes made with olive oil instead. But make sure you only eat a small amount of them.
2. Stop Consuming Alcohol
Drinking alcohol causes the liver cells to make more GGT to detoxify its ethanol component. Therefore, if you drink frequently, you should anticipate a higher GGT level when having a blood test since this liver enzyme’s activities are increased.
You must restrict or completely avoid alcohol if you want to reduce your GGT levels. In addition to stabilizing gamma-glutamyl transferase synthesis, it also guards against liver damage that can worsen into scarring (cirrhosis) and other serious problems.
For your liver to regain health and continue to mend, try abstaining from alcohol for at least 30 days. Gamma-glutamyl transferase will also stop being overproduced, resulting in low GGT levels in the blood test.
3. Start Drinking Coffee
Depending on any underlying medical conditions, opinions on the effect of caffeine on your overall health may vary widely. But reducing GGT levels appeared to be a benefit of coffee.
The levels of the liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and GGT are all improved by coffee, according to 2020 research. Patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and habitual drinkers were included in the clinical study.
The quantity and frequency of coffee you drink daily affect regulating these enzymes. Four cups of coffee a day successfully decreases GGT levels for heavy consumers.
4. Start Consuming Vegetables & Fruits
You should eat more fruits and vegetables as the liver makes the gamma-glutamyl transferase enzyme, and this is because the liver is a crucial organ for good health. The significant improvement in liver function in NAFLD patients is attributed to dietary changes.
For example, start consuming the food items such as beets, garlic, nuts, carrots, green vegetables, blueberries, brown rice, citrus fruits, grapes, etc.
5. Start Taking Vitamins
Several vitamins support good liver function by reducing the amounts of several enzymes, including gamma-glutamyl transferase. For instance, vitamin C, which boosts immunity and functions as an antioxidant, also reduces GGT levels, according to several studies. Magnesium has also been linked to the reduction of elevated liver enzymes, notably GGT and AST.
However, consult your doctor carefully before considering taking vitamin and mineral supplements. Take blood tests for magnesium and vitamin C to get a correct diagnosis if you have signs of a deficit.
The Final Words
Consider changes you can make to your lifestyle when lowering GGT levels. While medications may only help so much, making healthy lifestyle choices ensures your liver’s long-term healthiness. As you follow the instructions, have liver function tests to check your GGT and other essential liver enzymes.
