Liver Support

Dear Dr. Meletis, I was a very heavy drinker daily for about 35 years. Liver enzymes are high. PT is high. I have stopped drinking for 7 weeks, but as of my last labs my tests are actually worse. I am taking HepatoGen™ and lactalose. I have had an ultrasound and doppler. The portal flow is normal. Had my gall bladder out 2 years ago with no problems. Why are the labs worse? In addition, my doctor has me on 40 mg of prednisone, which causes swelling, and so I am on furosemide 40 mg QD and spironolactone 100 QD. What supplements do you recommend in addition to the HepatoGen? Mr. S.

Dear Mr. S., Lab values on liver enzymes vary and reflect how the liver cells are doing. Tracking the numbers at least monthly is prudent. Since your liver is less healthy than currently desired, you should visit with your MD about both 25-OH and 1,25 OH Vitamin D levels. The goal for 25-OH vitamin D levels (range 20-100) is about 55, assuming your blood calcium levels stay within the normal range. So supplementation and tracking of both Vitamin D and Calcium is also a must. Furosemide can increase loss of B vitamins, so, taking a good B complex (such as Extension B-Plex) and also Benfotiamine is also a consideration. You may also want to consider Vitamin K if your prothrombin times are elevated. Of course visit with your MD on this as well. HepatoGen and Silymarin are both nice liver supportive products. Keeping your bowels moving 2 to 3 times per day is important, to lessen burden on your liver. Everything that you consume orally must be processed by your liver. Obviously, avoiding acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or other drugs harsh of the liver also is a good idea. Also no grapefruit or grapefruit juice. The information shared here is educational. It is not intended as either treatment or diagnosis. Working with your MD and keeping them informed about your natural medicine treatment goals is essential. Sincerely, Chris D. Meletis, ND