Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is an enzyme often measured in blood tests. Elevated AST levels can indicate various health issues, particularly those affecting the liver. This article explores how these levels can be reversed, detailing the causes of high AST and strategies for its reduction.
Understanding AST and Its Significance
AST, also known as serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), is an enzyme found in various tissues throughout the body. While most commonly associated with liver health, AST is also present in the heart, skeletal muscles, kidneys, brain, and red blood cells. Doctors measure AST levels to detect cell damage, as damaged cells release AST into the bloodstream, leading to elevated concentrations.
When AST levels are high, it suggests injury to the organs where the enzyme is abundant, with the liver being a primary concern. Although elevated AST can point to liver damage, it is not always specific to the liver; therefore, it is often evaluated alongside other liver enzymes, such as alanine transaminase (ALT), for a more comprehensive assessment. A high AST level with a normal ALT, for instance, might suggest the AST originated from a non-liver source.
Common Causes of Elevated AST
Elevated AST levels can stem from several common conditions. Liver conditions are frequent culprits, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and alcoholic liver disease. Viral hepatitis (types A, B, C, D, and E) can also lead to increased AST.
Beyond liver-specific issues, muscle injury or trauma, such as from strenuous exercise or conditions like rhabdomyolysis, can cause AST to rise. Certain medications, including some statins, antibiotics, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can also elevate AST. Other less common causes include heart attack, pancreatitis, hypothyroidism, and mononucleosis.
Strategies for Reversing High AST Levels
Reversing high AST levels depends on addressing the underlying cause. Lifestyle modifications play a significant role, especially for liver issues like fatty liver disease or alcohol-related damage. Reducing or eliminating alcohol consumption is a key strategy, as alcohol is toxic to liver cells and can significantly increase AST. Even short periods of abstinence can lead to improvements.
Maintaining a healthy weight through dietary changes and regular exercise can effectively lower AST, especially for individuals with fatty liver disease. Adopting a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, while limiting processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats, supports liver health. Incorporating foods high in antioxidants, such as coffee, green tea, and turmeric, may also help protect liver cells and reduce enzyme levels. While exercise is beneficial, extremely strenuous activity can temporarily raise AST due to muscle breakdown, so moderation is advised.
When Medical Intervention is Necessary
While lifestyle adjustments can be effective, some instances of elevated AST require professional medical intervention. If AST levels remain persistently high, a doctor will likely recommend further diagnostic tests. These may include additional blood work, imaging studies like ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI, and in some cases, a liver biopsy to determine the cause and extent of damage.
For conditions such as chronic viral hepatitis or advanced liver diseases like cirrhosis, medical treatments are often necessary. These can involve antiviral medications for hepatitis, immunosuppressants for autoimmune hepatitis, or other targeted therapies. Consulting a healthcare provider is important for accurate diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan, as self-treating serious conditions is not recommended.