Liver Function Tests (LFTs) check how well your liver is working and whether there’s any inflammation or damage. They include several different markers that give clues about liver health and overall body function.
LFTs are a group of blood tests that look at different enzymes, proteins, and waste products in your blood. They help detect liver inflammation, blockage, damage, or changes in how the liver is functioning.
When Levels are High
High levels can mean different things, depending on which markers are raised. Some common causes:
• Viral infections (like hepatitis)
• Alcohol-related liver stress
• Fatty liver or metabolic conditions eg ALT, GGT
• Gallbladder problems or blockages eg ALP, GGT
• Medication effects eg oral estrogens, cyproterone etc
• Muscle injury (for AST/ALT)
When Levels are Low
Some liver enzymes or proteins may be lower than expected, and in many cases, this is not a cause for concern. However, low results may reflect:
• Stress response (your body may suppress certain enzymes under acute or ongoing stress)
• Corticosteroid use (medications that blunt inflammation can reduce liver enzyme levels)
• Chronic liver disease (in advanced stages, the liver may stop producing enough of its usual enzymes and proteins)
➡️ If several levels are low—especially albumin or total protein—your doctor may look more closely at long-term liver function or nutritional status.
WE’RE HERE TO HELP YOU
Understanding trends in the results
📈 Rising levels: May signal inflammation, medication effects, or early liver stress.
📉 Falling levels: Could reflect recovery—or in some cases, suppression from chronic stress, medications, or progressing liver dysfunction.
⚖️ Consistently low levels, especially with no symptoms, are often not worrisome—but patterns matter more than one-off results.
➡️ More on interpreting LFT patterns coming soon...
🔬 Liver Function Tests: A Deeper Di
ve
Liver Function Tests (LFTs) are actually a group of different blood tests that tell us about various aspects of liver health—not just how well your liver is "functioning," but also whether there’s inflammation, blockage, or stress. Each marker reflects a slightly different process, which is why patterns matter more than any one number.
ALT (alanine aminotransferase) and AST (aspartate aminotransferase)
are enzymes that live inside liver cells. When liver cells are irritated or injured—by medications, alcohol, fatty liver, or even viral infections—these enzymes can leak into the bloodstream. ALT is more liver-specific, while AST can also come from muscle tissue.
GGT (gamma-glutamyl transferase)
is often raised with alcohol use, medication effects, or bile flow issues. If it’s high alongside ALP, it points more toward the bile ducts or gallbladder.
ALP (alkaline phosphatase)
is found in the bile ducts and bones. High ALP may suggest a bile flow problem, like gallstones or inflammation.
Bilirubin
is a yellow pigment made when old red blood cells break down. If it builds up, it might cause jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes), and can point to issues with bile flow or liver processing.
Albumin and total protein
give insight into how well the liver is making important proteins. Low levels might indicate chronic liver disease, inflammation, or poor nutritional absorption.
Because the liver plays so many roles—from hormone and toxin processing to protein and energy storage—LFTs offer valuable insight into overall body health. But they don’t give the full story on their own, and mild changes often need to be interpreted in context.
🌿 Liver Health and Rejuvenati
on
Your liver is one of the most resilient organs in the body—capable of repair, regeneration, and incredible recovery when given the right support. Everyday things like eating well, staying active, supporting your gut health, reducing alcohol, and managing stress can all promote liver repair. Even if your liver has been under pressure from hormones, medications, or life’s wear and tear, it often responds well to gentle, consistent care.
There’s no need for harsh detoxes or extreme diets. Instead, think of liver health as a long-term relationship: nourishment, rest, hydration, and hormone balance go a long way. And if your blood tests show a wobble? It’s not always a crisis—just a clue to check in with your body and offer it what it needs to thrive.
One of the most rewarding parts of my work is supporting women with metabolic liver conditions—especially when hormonal shifts, weight changes, or insulin resistance have taken a toll. I love seeing how LFTs improve alongside energy, mood, and overall wellbeing when we take a thoughtful, whole-body approach. More on this soon, including how to spot the signs and what really makes a difference.
🔬 Liver Function Tests: A Deeper Di ve
Liver Function Tests (LFTs) are actually a group of different blood tests that tell us about various aspects of liver health—not just how well your liver is "functioning," but also whether there’s inflammation, blockage, or stress. Each marker reflects a slightly different process, which is why patterns matter more than any one number.
ALT (alanine aminotransferase) and AST (aspartate aminotransferase) are enzymes that live inside liver cells. When liver cells are irritated or injured—by medications, alcohol, fatty liver, or even viral infections—these enzymes can leak into the bloodstream. ALT is more liver-specific, while AST can also come from muscle tissue.
GGT (gamma-glutamyl transferase) is often raised with alcohol use, medication effects, or bile flow issues. If it’s high alongside ALP, it points more toward the bile ducts or gallbladder.
ALP (alkaline phosphatase) is found in the bile ducts and bones. High ALP may suggest a bile flow problem, like gallstones or inflammation.
Bilirubin is a yellow pigment made when old red blood cells break down. If it builds up, it might cause jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes), and can point to issues with bile flow or liver processing.
Albumin and total protein give insight into how well the liver is making important proteins. Low levels might indicate chronic liver disease, inflammation, or poor nutritional absorption.
Because the liver plays so many roles—from hormone and toxin processing to protein and energy storage—LFTs offer valuable insight into overall body health. But they don’t give the full story on their own, and mild changes often need to be interpreted in context.
🌿 Liver Health and Rejuvenati on
Your liver is one of the most resilient organs in the body—capable of repair, regeneration, and incredible recovery when given the right support. Everyday things like eating well, staying active, supporting your gut health, reducing alcohol, and managing stress can all promote liver repair. Even if your liver has been under pressure from hormones, medications, or life’s wear and tear, it often responds well to gentle, consistent care.
There’s no need for harsh detoxes or extreme diets. Instead, think of liver health as a long-term relationship: nourishment, rest, hydration, and hormone balance go a long way. And if your blood tests show a wobble? It’s not always a crisis—just a clue to check in with your body and offer it what it needs to thrive.
One of the most rewarding parts of my work is supporting women with metabolic liver conditions—especially when hormonal shifts, weight changes, or insulin resistance have taken a toll. I love seeing how LFTs improve alongside energy, mood, and overall wellbeing when we take a thoughtful, whole-body approach. More on this soon, including how to spot the signs and what really makes a difference.
