Liver issues

[Lola007]

Hello brothers & sisters! I recently had lab work done and I was pleased to see my cholestorol at an all time low of 130 after a year and 4 months of being on Atkins..

One concern I do have is that my labs came back with elevated levels of ALT and AST which is related to liver function. (I don't drink by the way!)
I was wondering if anyone has had this kind of reading and if you think that it could be a result of my diet. I don't see the doctor for another 2 weeks on this, and what I research online has me in a panic.

any ideas?

[jimmie 48]

Re: Liver issues

if this concerns you to the point of panic, i'd be for calling my doctor or getting online with one a hospital help line. many hospitals do that now. i know a couple of them in Pensacola offered that feature.

i would not think after being on this woe for over a year would cause elevated anything. you should be pretty far along with the phases and have added many thing back in so your eating should be making you more healthy not the opposite.

[Lola007]

Re: Liver issues

Actually, my WOE has not been "to the book." For a very long time I had eliminated carbs alltogether... i know, not the correct way, but I just recently changed my ways and started eating veggies and salad again.

What I've seen online suggests the possibility of hepatitis. Also, muscle damage.. I do weight train quite vigorously. I don't think I can wait! I need more labs anyway now, so I think I'll nicely barge in to speak to the doc.

I was just curious if this has come up before as to a diet-related issue.
I'll keep u posted! Thanks for your response

[ValidRouge]

Re: Liver issues

I've heard of that before in a lady that worked for my mom. She "blamed" Atkins for liver issues...but she NEVER ate ANY vegetables and only ate meat and cheese and eggs.

I don't know....she could have had other issues going on, but I never heard of them. I would imagine that only eating meats and cheeses for long periods of time with no vegetables would cause some kinds of problems, but I don't know exactly what.

I'm glad you have changed your ways so to speak and are eating the way the plan was intended all along and hope that if there is an issue you have caught it early.

[tmn]

Re: Liver issues

FWIW, my friend's nutritionist has her eating baked beans to clean the liver. I believe she eats 1/2 a cup daily. When I was doing so, I was rinsing off the bakes beans to remove as much sugar as possible. How well this fits in with Atkins, I don't know but just throwing it out there for your consideration.

[indymom]

Re: Liver issues

Lola, Have u had your ALT and AST measure before..is this the first time they are high?

I have had elevated ALT for the last 3 years. The MOST common reason is non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Which simply means fatty deposits in your liver. That can happen from being overweight and gets better as u lose weight. Or it can happen from losing too much weight too soon. Either way, it should get better on its own. Depends on the numbers too...do u know how high it was? If its more than 5 times normal they will usually want an ultrasound or a ct scan. Then, if need be, a liver biopsy. NAFLD is usually harmless but left untreated in some cases can lead to cirrhosis. But not likely if youve JUST had it read high.
From reading your last post u said u elimated carbs completely for awhile..and i bet u that caused u to lose weight quickly and hence the fatty deposits. It will get better...just eat more balanced..and some supplements like milk thistle are good for cleaning the liver..consult your dr.
Oh and a simple blood test can rule out hepatitis... but above all else..dont panic!
Hope this helps!

[tapper47]

Re: Liver issues

Hello brothers & sisters! I recently had lab work done and I was pleased to see my cholestorol at an all time low of 130 after a year and 4 months of being on Atkins..

I'm more concerned about your total cholesterol level. Below 150 is not necessarily good. I have read some articles about that but can't remember where right this moment.

I am going to subscribe to this thread and go hunting.

[sallyseachange]

Re: Liver issues

Interesting thread. Sorry Lola... I have no advice for you except to say that if you're worried, go see your doc again and talk to him about it.
Some of the posts here are pretty positive though. I'm hoping your numbers will improve since you've added veggies. Wise decision.
Keep us posted.