IMPORTANCE OF LIVER FUNCTION TESTS IN AYURVEDA

WHAT ARE LIVER FUNCTION TESTS?

Liver function tests are the blood tests which help in diagnosis of liver disease. They help in monitoring the liver damage. Liver produces certain enzymes and proteins and secrete them in blood. If there occurs any problem in liver, the amount of these proteins and enzymes either increases or decreases. However, it is not necessary to have a liver disease if the amount of these enzymes fluctuates.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF LIVER FUNCTION TESTS

There are different types of live function tests:

• Alanine transaminase (ALT): Alanine transaminase is an enzyme which is found in liver. It helps in conversion of proteins into energy for the utilization of liver cells.
• Aspartate transaminase (AST): AST is a liver enzyme that helps in metabolism of amino acids. It is present in blood in low amount. But when increased, it may indicate muscle damage or any liver disease.
• Alkaline phosphatase (ALP): Alkaline phosphatase is found in both liver and bones. It helps in breakdown of proteins. The increased amount of alkaline phosphatase can be responsible for blockage of bile duct, bone diseases, any liver disease.
• Gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT): Gamma-glutamyltranferase is a blood enzyme. Its more than normal amount in blood indicates damage to the bile duct or any liver damage.
• Albumin: Albumin is one of the proteins made by liver. It helps in fighting body infections and thus responsible for maintaining immunity of body. When albumin is present in lower amount in blood, it can be indicative of liver disease.
• Bilirubin: Bilirubin is a substance which is formed by the breakdown of red blood cells. It is then passed through liver and is excreted via stool. Increased levels of bilirubin causes yellowing of skin, sclera, urine causing jaundice. It may show signs of some underlying liver disease or anemia.
• Prothrombin time (PT): Prothrombin time is the time which is taken by blood to clot. When blood takes more time to clot, it can be indicative of liver disease.
• L-lactate dehydrogenase (LD): Lactate dehydrogenase is an enzyme which is also found in liver. The elevated levels of lactate dehydrogenase show liver damage.

HOME REMEDIES FOR KEEPING LIVER HEALTHY

Here are some of the remedies which can be performed at home for keeping the liver healthy:

1. AVOID ALCOHOL USE

• Liver helps in breakdown of alcohol. Alcohol causes accumulation of fat in the body. This causes various types of liver diseases. So reducing the alcohol intake can helps in management of fatty liver or can even reverse it.

2. REGULAR PHYSICAL EXERCISE

• Regular physical exercise helps in maintaining body weight. It helps in burning extra fat in body and thus reduces work load on liver. Thus, keeping a good body weight helps in keeping liver healthy.

3. AMLA OR INDIAN GOOSEBERRY

• Indian gooseberry or amla is a rich source of vitamin C. It helps in removing toxins from the body and thus aids in liver function. Eat 1 amla daily for keeping liver healthy.

4. TURMERIC

• Turmeric is having great nutritive and therapeutic properties. It is rich in ample amounts of bioactive compound curcumin. It protects liver from fat accumulation in it. It is a good anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent, thus reduces inflammation of liver cells and helps in killing free radicals.

5. GREEN TEA

• Green tea contains large amounts of catechins. Catechins are potent antioxidant agents. It helps in optimizing liver function and avoids fat build up in it. It burns fat in body and helps in increasing body metabolism. Drink 2-3 cups of green tea daily for keeping the liver healthy.