Improve Liver Performance With Milk Thistle
Liver function tests represent a broad range of normal functions performed by the liver. The diagnosis of liver disease depends upon a complete history, complete physical examination, and evaluation of liver function tests and further invasive and noninvasive tests. Many patients become confused regarding the meaning of a liver function test.
LFTs (liver function tests) are a group of blood tests that can help to show how well a person’s liver is working. LFTs include measurements of albumin, various liver enzymes (ALT, AST, GGT and ALP), bilirubin, prothrombin time, cholesterol and total protein. All of these tests can be performed at the same time.
Total protein testing (also called TP or serum total protein) measures the amount of proteins in the bloodstream. Many different things can cause abnormally high or low protein levels. A doctor may order total protein testing to help diagnose kidney or liver disease, blood cancer, malnutrition or abnormal body swelling. Normal protein levels in the bloodstream range from 6.5 to 8.2 grams per deciliter Two of the main proteins found in the bloodstream are albumin and globulin.
One or more of these tests may be ordered when symptoms suspicious of a liver condition are noticed. These include: jaundice, dark urine, or light-colored bowel movements; nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea; loss of appetite; vomiting of blood; bloody or black bowel movements; swelling or pain in the belly; unusual weight change; or fatigue or loss of stamina. One or more of these tests may also be ordered when a person has been or may have been exposed to a hepatitis virus; has a family history of liver disease; has excessive alcohol intake; or is taking a drug that can cause liver damage.
Many patients with early or mild to moderate liver disease may have few if any symptoms. Liver disease may be first detected through routine blood testing that is performed as part of a physical. This testing usually includes a group of 14 tests called the Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP). Most of the tests found in the liver panel (all but the direct bilirubin) are included in the CMP. When liver disease is detected with a CMP blood test, it may be monitored over time with follow-up liver panels.
Because of the diversity of liver function and the varied and complicated metabolic processes that may be affected by disease states, more than 100 tests have been devised to test liver function. These reactions bear upon the metabolism of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, bile, and the detoxification and clearance of drugs and toxic chemicals performed by the liver. Since most of the substances metabolized by the liver enter the systemic circulation, the selective determination of the concentration of some of them in the blood usually gives valuable diagnostic information about a patient’s liver.
Urinary values are sometimes also obtained to corroborate blood-serum findings. In clinical practice, some of the more important blood-serum substances are ammonia, urea, amino acids, proteins, free and esterified cholesterol, bilirubin, and various enzymes (notably, cholinesterase, ceruloplasmin, the transaminases, and alkaline phosphatase). In assessing liver metabolism of sugars, and glucose tolerance tests are helpful in evaluating the liver.
There are some natural vitamins and herbs that have been known to help boost liver performance. One such vitamin is N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC). NAC is a precursor to the amino acid glutathione which is a powerful antioxidant that function in the liver to help detox the body. Milk thistle extract in various studies has demonstrated to help the liver function better as well. Many other herbs like dandelion, parsley, and turmeric can all help the body and its organs function to various degrees. For those who have health in mind should be consuming vitamins and herbs on a regular basis.
Natural NAC and milk thistle extract is available in capsule and tablet forms at your local or internet health food store. Always look for name brands to ensure quality and purity of the products you purchase.
*Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Vitamins and herbs such as milk thistle are not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult with your professional health care provider before changing any medication or adding Vitamins to medications.
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